Body-Mind Connections—Part Two
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The Bodynamic Institute, a training center for somatic developmental psychology based in Denmark, has refined the understanding of body mind connections through clinical research with hundreds of volunteers. This research has resulted in the creation of a map of psychological functions as expressed through the body. Twenty years ago I took a basic course with the Bodynamic Institute. What I like about this approach to body/mind correlation is that I can feel the reality of it in my body. Other groups’ formulations often feel more cerebral than physical. These notes were originally intended as sidebars for The New Rules of Posture.
THE ABDOMEN
Research by the Bodynamic Institute indicates that the muscles surrounding the core—both inner and outer corset muscles—have the psychological function of containing and handling energy and emotion. These are the muscles that contain our “gut feelings” and “butterflies.” Under-activity in these muscles leads to poor ability to manage emotions and energy. Too much tension in this region could indicate emotions are being repressed
The deep muscles of the spine, including the multifidus (often considered part of the core musculature because of its continuity with transversus abdominus), have to do with the ability to withstand emotional and physical stress, with centering and facing life on your own terms.
THE PSOAS MUSCLE
Bodynamic research suggests that psoas activity has to do with the infant’s experience of intimate bonding and separation, and with awareness of one’s center. Psoas function relates to the core of our emotional life, our capacity for healthy intimacy.
SHOULDERS
Bodynamic research indicates that the shoulder girdle has to do with connecting deep personal feelings with action in the world.
Serratus Anterior attaches between the front side of the scapula and the upper ribcage.
The serratus anterior muscles come active with an infant’s first movements of reaching out to explore the world. It is connected with the ability to stabilize and protect ourselves and to make full-hearted connections with others. The lower trapezius muscle is associated with healthy feelings of sexuality and sensuality and of feeling supported in our masculine and feminine roles.
Muscles across the chest relate to feelings of self worth. Muscles of the upper arms have to do with establishing personal space
HANDS
Our hands are not merely agents of physical manipulation. Research has found that muscles of the hands, wrists and forearms correlate to emotional or mental grasping, letting go, receiving, holding, investigating, and controlling. We think, feel and speak with our hands. Muscles in the arms and elbows serve the hands by reaching out for or pushing away things, people, ideas and feelings.
FEET
Bodynamics research has found the toe flexor muscles to be associated with the ability to feel rooted, supported, and energized by the ground. In general, foot muscles have to do with standing on our own two feet with respect to our opinions, needs, sexuality or to social dynamics. The big toe is associated with self-assertion and with a grasp of material reality.
JAW MUSCLES
In general, the facial muscles have to do with social and emotional expression. Jaw muscles have to do with containment of high energy and stress. The suboccipital muscles, involved in the infant’s first startle reflex, have to do with self-protection, with knowing where you are, and with “keeping your head.”
Click here for more about The Bodynamic Institute. I’m excited that they are now offering online courses.