About Soma Neuromuscular Integration®

Soma Neuromuscular Integration (SNI) is a modality was emerged in 1977. A student of Ida P. Rolf, Bill Williams wished to take his skills in physiological bodywork to the next level and examine the benefits of integrating body, mind, and spirit. Together with Ellen Gregory-Williams, PhD, Bill Williams created Soma as its own, distinctive form of structural integration. Soma shares with Rolfing a focus on the ongoing effects of gravity on the human structure, and a sequential process to align the structure so as to dramatically reduce gravity’s degenerative effects. He observed that the most intrusive Rolfing strokes created the least positive effect on the body. He refined the early style of manipulation by creating easier, less intrusive ways of entering the myofascia.

Soma Neuromuscular Integration is designed to balance the whole system – body, mind, and spirit, otherwise known as body/mind therapy. Rather than focusing on specific areas of pain, Soma examines how the whole energy system functions in relationship to gravity.

This body/mind therapy changes people physically and emotionally. It changes the body by adjusting structural alignment and balance using soft tissue manipulation. By integrating deep tissue, movement therapy and physical manipulation of fascia, the emotional self is changed. Soma not only transforms the way an individual feels in their body; they experience a new way of standing in the world, which affects their self-image and personal meaning.

Soma bodywork consists of eleven sessions during which the entire bodyis propgressively realigned and the nervous system is reconditioned. This is accomplished by a program of manipulation and training tailored to the individual client.

The manipulations consist primarily of deep tissue work focused primarily on the fascia or connective tissues. normal functioning of the muscles involves the smooth slidinng of the muscle fibers within the fascia which surrounds the muscles. Under various circumstances, the muscle fibers can become 'stuck' to the fascia or the fascia can become stuck to itself, constricting the muscle fibers and interfering with the lymph flow. The deep tissue manipulations assist the release of the sticking fascia, allowing proper movement and tissue nourishment. Then the client is again able to use the appropriate muscle groups wheasa before various muscles were 'inactive' or ineffective in normal muscle group operaions.

To assist in this multi-layered change, Soma includes a journeybook, reflective of each session’s emotional connection, personal logs, art therapy, and autogenic training, a relaxing meditation and movement therapy based on each session that brings awareness into day-to-day life. By participating in their own healing, each Soma client is given a sense of permission and self-reliance in other areas of life.

The following images illustrate the physical change possible with Soma: