Feldenkrais or Clinical Somatics? One lineage, two paths.
Clinical Somatics comes from the Feldenkrais tradition. What they share, where they part ways, and what suits you.
Hanna Teicke · 22 October 2026
Short answer
Clinical Somatics was developed by Thomas Hanna, a student of Moshé Feldenkrais. Both work with slow, attentive movement. Feldenkrais explores openly and in many variations. Clinical Somatics focuses on releasing chronic tension with fixed, short sequences.
The shared root
Thomas Hanna studied with Feldenkrais and brought the first Feldenkrais training to the United States. Later he shaped his own approach from it. The core conviction stayed the same: the nervous system steers tension and movement, and it can learn again.
Side by side
| Feldenkrais | Clinical Somatics | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | FeldenkraisMoshé Feldenkrais, from the 1940s | Clinical SomaticsThomas Hanna, from the 1970s, in the Feldenkrais lineage |
| Typical format | Feldenkraisgroup classes and one-to-one lessons | Clinical Somaticsone-to-one sessions and short daily sequences for home |
| Core technique | Feldenkraisslow variations, attention to how | Clinical Somaticspandiculation: tighten on purpose, release very slowly |
| Focus | Feldenkraisexploring movement, finding easier ways | Clinical Somaticsreleasing held muscle tension |
| Training | Feldenkraisfour years, through the Feldenkrais associations | Clinical Somaticscertificate as Hanna Somatic Educator or Clinical Somatic Educator |
| Evidence | Feldenkraissigns of benefit for chronic back pain, neck and shoulder pain, and balance in older age | Clinical Somaticsvery few controlled studies so far |
Which one suits you?
Feldenkrais is a natural fit if …
- you want to explore movement openly and with curiosity,
- guided group classes appeal to you,
- a broader research base matters to you.
Clinical Somatics is a natural fit if …
- one particular, stuck tension is bothering you,
- you want a fixed, short routine for every day,
- you like practising on your own at home.
Our take
Feldenkrais is the heart of The BodyIQ, and Clinical Somatics belongs to its family. If you value Feldenkrais, Clinical Somatics can be a focused addition to your daily life. Here too, a well-trained teacher is what counts.
Sources
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