Amanae is an emotional release, heart based bodywork that works to release trauma and emotions that have become frozen and stuck in the muscles and tissues of our bodies.

Somatic therapy comes from the understanding that what was once not safe to express, be it childhood anger, sadness, fear or joy becomes lodged in our bodily system, these develop into patterns of conditioning that we hold onto.

In our cultures we have learnt that it is of good manner to repress how we actually feel in order to get on with our work, and to be there for our family and friends. We have learnt that our normal is to suppress and carry on. This way of living is hurting us and science now shows that suppressed emotion can lead to chronic pain.

In Amanae, we work with the client in symbiosis. Both practitioner and client bring the breath, this works as the dissolver and softener of all our pains. Amanae works by having the client lie on a massage table, sometimes face up, sometimes face down. The session always begins with an opening of the heart and the practitioner then feels into which part of the body needs work next. 

Using deep tissue pressure, we work to open ‘doorways’ on the body that lead us into these frozen parts. Breathing into the sensation of where the practitioner is holding, and bringing full awareness to these points, you are held as we embrace your wounded parts. All feeling is welcome, your inner child is invited to scream, cry, laugh, shout, hit and shake. Known as shifting, shifting can also be expressed and felt through strong sensations such as waves of heat, cold, tingling, etc. Every expression is welcome on the table. Amanae is a space for all of your pain and expression to be witnessed.

Although not all sessions require ‘big shifts’. In fact, some of the deepest shifts and some of the most profound are silent and completely internal. 

This work connects mind and body, so the practitioner may use your memories and words, as even deeper pointers to access stuck energies within. Sometimes no memories arise and that is normal. We let sensation lead and breath follow.

The body remembers what the mind has forgotten. 

After a session, you can feel lighter, sometimes you can also feel contemplative and sensitive. It can also leave you feeling tired, or even a bit spaced out. There is no wrong or right way to feel as each experience is so personal. It is important to rest and integrate what you have just been through, to drink lots of water. Being in nature can help a lot.

Based in West London, UK

Session length: 75 mins