The Impact Of Mirror Neurons, Biomechanics, And Intergenerational Habits On Posture And Health
- Aug 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Heidi Hadley is a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator & Somatic Movement teacher. She started her career in mainstream medicine in the field of Neurophysiology. In 2001, Heidi started her private clinical practice in health, wellbeing & movement.
In the world of movement science, the concept of mirror neurons has gained considerable attention. These neurons, which fire when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action, play a crucial role in learning and replicating movements. Combined with the biomechanics of our bodies, mirror neurons influence not only how we move but also how we pass down these movements to future generations.
The role of mirror neurons in movement patterns
Mirror neurons are integral to how we learn movement patterns. From a young age, children mimic the movements of their parents and caregivers, learning not only functional tasks but also developing postural and movement habits. Deeply ingrained in the nervous system, these habits are carried through life and often passed down to subsequent generations. Click here to watch my YouTube video on Intergenerational health issues and Mirror Neurons.
For example, if a parent has a certain gait pattern, slouches, or compensates for an injury, their child may unconsciously adopt similar habits. Over time, these patterns can lead to biomechanical inefficiencies, manifesting as poor posture, hip problems, or recurring injuries. This is where the power of Clinical Somatic education comes into play.
Intergenerational impact on biomechanics and health
The movements and postures we adopt are not just individual traits; they are often inherited behaviours influenced by the family environment. When inefficient movement patterns are repeated over generations, they can lead to chronic issues such as misaligned posture, tight hips, and ongoing musculoskeletal pain. These issues are not simply the result of aging or wear and tear; they are often the cumulative effect of learned behaviors passed down through families.
I have worked in private practice since 2001 and have observed these patterns in my clinical practice. Many of my clients struggled with chronic pain or recurrent injuries that stem from habitual movement patterns learned early in life. Through my work, I have helped clients break free from these ingrained habits using a powerful technique called pandiculation.
Pandiculation: Reprogramming muscle memory for optimal biomechanics
Pandiculation is a neuromuscular re-education technique that allows the body to reset and restore natural movement patterns. Unlike stretching, which temporarily elongates muscles, pandiculation actively engages the brain in the process of releasing chronic muscle tension and retraining muscle memory. This approach is far more effective in creating long lasting changes in the body's biomechanics.
When a person pandiculates, they slowly contract the muscles, slowly release and lengthen to the end of their natural range of movement, and completely rest. This process sends feedback to the brain about the state of the muscle. This conscious engagement helps the brain reprogram the muscle to return to its natural length and function, leading to improved posture, greater flexibility, and reduced pain. Over time, this method can reverse years of poor movement habits, restoring balance and efficiency to the body.
The benefits of clinical somatic movement compared to stretching
While stretching can provide temporary relief by lengthening tight muscles, it does not address the underlying neuromuscular patterns that cause chronic tension. In contrast, clinical somatic movement, which includes techniques like pandiculation, works directly with the nervous system to create lasting change. Click here to watch my YouTube video on Stretching.
Benefits of clinical somatic movement
Neuromuscular re-education - Helps the brain relearn natural movement patterns, reducing chronic tension.
Improved posture - Restores proper alignment by addressing the root causes of poor posture.
Pain relief - Targets the habitual patterns that lead to chronic pain, offering long-term relief.
Injury prevention - By improving biomechanics, somatic movement reduces the risk of recurring injuries.
Enhanced flexibility - Unlike stretching, somatic movement increases flexibility by retraining muscle memory, not just lengthening muscles.
Reclaim your body's natural movement with total somatics
If you're experiencing chronic pain, recurring injuries, or poor posture, it's time to explore the benefits of clinical somatic movement. I have an online membership called Total Somatics. (https://TotalSomatics.com) It offers a comprehensive approach to restoring natural movement patterns through Clinical Somatic Education, Movement, Mindset, and Mindfulness practices. Whether you want to address specific issues or simply improve your overall wellbeing, with my experience and knowledge, I can help you achieve lasting results.
Take action today
Discover how clinical somatic movement can transform your body and life. Visit Total Somatics today to learn more about my membership and take the first step towards reclaiming your natural movement and vitality. Retrain your brain and body for a healthier future with Total Somatics.
Heidi Hadley, Certified Clinical Somatic Educator
Heidi Hadley is a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator & Somatic Movement teacher. She started her career in mainstream medicine in the field of Neurophysiology. In 2001, Heidi started her private clinical practice in health, wellbeing & movement. She is the founder & creator of Total Somatics International®, an online membership designed to reduce pain, improve posture, increase mobility, develop mindfulness and allow you to resume or continue with the activities you love to do. She is the presenter of the podcast, Somatic Movement & Mindset. Delving into the fields of neuroscience, pain, mindset, mindfulness, habits and how to use your brain and body to create lasting healthy changes.
