


SOMATIC YOGA TRAINING ONLINE COURSE OR IN PERSON IMMERSIVE RETREAT
Movement As Medicine
Somatic Yoga Training - Live (Online) & Pre-recorded Hybrid Model, Level 1
10
WEEKS
28 hours
PRE-RECORDED VIDEO content
23 hours
LIVE ZOOM practice and discussion
40+
Somatic Yoga Practices
130 page
downloadable course manual
50 hours
certification & continuing ed credits for IAYT & Yoga Alliance
Next Opportunity: October 10 - December 12, 2023

Somatic Yoga Training Online Level 1 Course Overview
The first week of pre-recorded content will be available on October 4, 2023. It is suggested you have a few blankets, pillows, 2 blocks, a strap that closes, assorted small balls (softer is better- wool dryer balls work!) and an inflatable slo-mo ball or overball.
This course is for individuals who want to utilize somatic movement in private therapy sessions, teach Somatic Yoga classes or simply include somatic movement in their current yoga classes or as self care.
It will give you a practical understanding of the principles of somatics for common muscle imbalance patterns, chronic pain, trauma, disease, aging and well being. Learn the application of somatics through neuromuscular communication, interoception and the subtle body as it pertains to the Kosha Model in yoga therapy.
It is delivered in a hybrid weekly model with 2-4 hours of pre-recorded content per week. Each weekly pre-recorded lesson includes lecture, appropriately related practices and downloadable course material. Additionally, we will meet live on zoom each week for 2 hours and 15 minutes every Tuesday from 2 – 4:15 pm Eastern Time (7 – 9:15 pm Greenwich Mean Time GMT). The live sessions will include relevant Somatic Yoga practices and discussion on the material presented that week. Attending the weekly live sessions is highly encouraged, but a recording is available if you cannot attend or would like to review the practice and information.
You will have six months to access the pre-recorded content, and the option to download zoom sessions for personal use. If you would like to repeat the course at any time when it is offered again, you may do so for €99. Additionally, all students are invited to join the Somatic Yoga Facebook Page and ongoing monthly zoom Somatic Yoga Training Kula where we will discuss practical implementation of material, personal experiences, ongoing review and general mentoring.
Somatic Yoga Training In Person Immersive Retreat, West Cork, Ireland
8
nights in residence Embody Retreat Studio
50 hours
certification & continuing ed credits for IAYT & Yoga Alliance
40+
Somatic Yoga Practices
130 page
course manual
8
total number of students
September 22-30, Ballydehob, West Cork, Ireland



Somatic Yoga Training Level 1 Immersive Retreat Overview
This immersive retreat training takes place at the Embody Studio and retreat facility in Ballydehob, Ireland. It is for individuals who want to utilize somatic movement in private therapy sessions, teach Somatic Yoga classes or simply include somatic movement in their current yoga classes or as self care.
It will give you a practical understanding of the principles of somatics for common muscle imbalance patterns, chronic pain, trauma, disease, aging and well being. Learn the application of somatics through neuromuscular communication, interoception and the subtle body as it pertains to the Kosha Model in yoga therapy.
Daily schedule will include 5-7 hours of training, with a break to allow for self reflection, hikes and an off premise meal in one of our local villages. Schedule is based on the conditions to make the most of the Irish weather.
Training begins at 5 pm Friday September 22 with dinner and a practice to settle in. Training concludes at 3 pm Saturday September 30th. Please plan your travels accordingly and consider giving yourself and extra day at each end to ground and assimilate.
Please visit our general Retreat Page for Retreat Info & Policies, travel information and to read more about the Embody Studio and Ballydehob.
Completing either the online or in person level 1 course model will entitle you to:
- 50 hours of Professional Development/CE for International Association of Yoga Therapy
- 50 hours YACEP Yoga Alliance Continuing Education
- 50 Hour Somatic Yoga Teacher Certification, Level 1
- Monthly Live Zoom Somatic Yoga Kula
- Qualification for additional advanced level Somatic Yoga trainings with Megan
Who Are these courses for?
Both course options are thoughtfully designed for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, and Somatic Educators. It is also a functional practice for body workers and health care professionals to share with their clients. Additionally, you will benefit from this training if you are a yoga or somatic movement student and would like a self-healing, life-long body therapy practice. You will gain intellectual and practical knowledge of how to blend the traditions of yoga and somatics in your own existing practice.
What is Somatic Yoga?
Somatic Yoga integrates the science of neuromuscular retraining with body consciousness through the breath. It is mainly done lying down or seated (chair or floor), making it extremely adaptable. When you slow down and experience yourself through movement and breath, you learn to self-regulate the nervous system and keep your internal state steady and balanced. It is beneficial to all the systems of the body and can reduce pain, heal trauma, improve sleep, increase vitality and balance the subtle body.
Visit our web page on Somatic Yoga for more information:
Learning Path Outline for Online & In Person Somatic Yoga Teacher Training, Level 1
Lesson 1 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Body Scan for Embodiment
Constructive Rest and Fetal Curl
Inhalation as Levity. Exhalation as Gravity
Land and Locate in Your GPS
The Pioneers of Somatics
Clam Shell, Skier and Mermaid Tail
Body Based Therapy
Sensation Scale
Finding Support and Feedback Using the Ground and Wall
Somatic Yoga Definition
Pandiculation
Supine Full Body X
Online Model Lesson 1 Pre-recorded Video 2:35
Lesson 2 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Kinesthetic Awareness/Annamaya Kosha
Somatic Bridge Pose
Interoception and The Three Gunas
Embodiment, Interoception and Self-Regulation
Space of Grace
Qualities of the Felt Sense
Body Prayer Practice For Lower Body
Imagery Quiz
Active Imagery Practice
Imagery of Anatomy
Arch and Curl
Planes of The Pelvis
Moving From the Organs
Psoas Release with Inflatable Ball
Increase Interoception
Online Model Lesson 2 Pre-recorded Video 3:00
Lesson 3 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Interoception – What It Is and What It Isn’t
Body Prayer for Upper Body
Proprioception: Another Perception of Body Related Stimuli
Proprioception: Open The Feet To Feel The Whole Body
Standing Side Stretch and Cross Body Reach for Proprioception
Body Mapping: Grow Your Hand Experiment
Body Tune Play And Body Mapping
Online Model Lesson 3 Pre-recorded Video 2:15
Lesson 4 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Cerebrum
Frontal Lobes
Somatic Backbend – Prone Cross Body Lift
Temporal Lobes
Chanting The Bija Seed Sounds
Parietal Lobes
SA TA NA MA Mudra
Occipital Lobes
Somatic Yoga Eye Movements
Limbic System
Cerebellum
Brainstem
Spinal Chord
Neurons
Nervous System: Central and Peripheral
Enteric Nervous System
Pelvic Rocking Into Full Body Arch & Curl
Online Model Lesson 4 Pre-recorded Video 2:15
Lesson 5 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Muscle Memory
Somatic Cat Cow
Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA)
Cactus Arms and Angel Wings
Trauma In The Body
Neuromuscular Reflexes
Hanna’s Somatic Reflexes
Green Light Reflex – Action Using Muscles of Extension
Red Light Reflex – Withdrawl Using Muscles of Flexion
Trauma Reflex
The Role of Somatic Yoga In The Myth of Aging
Psychological And Emotional Benefits Of Somatic Yoga
Emotional Style Questionnaire
Why Stretching Doesn’t Change Muscle Length
Online Model Lesson 5 Pre-recorded Video 2:15
Lesson 6 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Body Position and Breath
Breath Awareness Observation
Gentrify The Breath
Abdominal Breath to Relax
Muscles of Respiration
Diaphragmatic Breath for Activation of Deep Core Muscles
Introduction of Movement with the Breath
Breath Ratios and Mantra
Online Model Lesson 6 Pre-recorded Video 2:05
Lesson 7 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
The Four Deep Core Muscles and Structural Pranayama With Mr. Bones
Diaphragmatic Breath for Activation of Deep Core Muscles
Arch and Curl to Explore Diaphragm and TVA
Pelvic Floor Muscles with Mr. Bones
Four Deep Core Rhythm
Arch/Curl Bridge to Explore TVA & Pelvic Floor
March In Place
Somatic TVA and Oblique Strengthening
Bracing to Awaken TVA and Pelvic Floor
Intuitive Core Slo-Mo Ball Play
Find & Feel Multifidus: Somatic Bird Dog
Somatic Boat Pose
Side Lying Multifidus & Core Stability
Psoas – GPS Of The Internal Body
Psoas Slide
Supine Psoas Release
Somatic Waist Twist
Online Model Lesson 7 Pre-recorded Video 3:15
Lesson 8 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Bones and Muscles of the Pelvis with Mr. Bones
Movements to Awaken, Balance and Stabilize The Pelvis
Seated Internal/External Hip Rotation
Walk In Place
Reclining Somatic Hip Internal Rotation
Moving The Girdles With Wiper Arms and Legs
Somatic Hip External Rotation
Prone Somatics for Muscles of Hip Extension
Side Lying Hip Flexion
Standing Leg Pendulum To Balance Hip Extensors and Flexors
Z Sit Pelvic Stabilization
Chair Z Sit Pelvic Stabilization
Pelvic Reset
Online Model Lesson 8 Pre-recorded Video 2:43
Lesson 9 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Pancha Maya Koshas: The Vital Doorways
Meditation Through The Pancha Maya Koshas
Somatic Yoga Subtle Body Self Care
Activating the Back Chakras
The Subtle Body In Medicine
The Spiral Meditation
The Subtle Body: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid To Ask
5 Prana Vayus in Moving Meditation
Online Model Pre-recorded Video 2:30
Lesson 10 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Halo And Aura Sweep
Nerve Flossing
Sliding Side Rotation Into Full Body Spiral
Myofascial For Embodiment and Play
Supine Neck Release
Myofascial For Posterior Fascial Chain With Marma Points
Find The Parts To Feel The Whole
The Roll of Physical Therapy And Manipulative Methods
Unfold Emotion Into Compassion
Concluding Observations
Online Model Lesson 10 Pre-recorded Video 4:30