CMA Somatic Practices & Movement Re-education 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Feldenkrais Method's 'Awareness Through Movement' (ATM) lessons are primarily delivered in which format?
- One-on-one hands-on table sessions
- Verbally guided group movement sequences (Correct answer)
- Video-based mirror practice routines
- Partner-assisted resistance training
Correct answer: Verbally guided group movement sequences
ATM lessons are verbally guided group classes where participants follow spoken instructions through movement sequences to develop kinesthetic awareness.
Question 2: In Body-Mind Centering (BMC), the concept of 'cellular breathing' refers to:
- Diaphragmatic breathing techniques used in yoga
- The rhythmic pulsation and fluid exchange occurring at the cellular level (Correct answer)
- CO2 exchange measured during aerobic exercise
- Breath-hold intervals used in somatic meditation
Correct answer: The rhythmic pulsation and fluid exchange occurring at the cellular level
Cellular breathing in BMC describes the inherent rhythmic movement of cells — their expansion, contraction, and fluid exchange — as a foundation of embodied awareness.
Question 3: Which somatic practitioner developed 'Ideokinesis,' using mental imagery to re-pattern neuromuscular coordination?
- Mabel Todd (Correct answer)
- Moshe Feldenkrais
- Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen
- F.M. Alexander
Correct answer: Mabel Todd
Mabel Todd developed Ideokinesis, the use of anatomical imagery to facilitate postural change through the nervous system without conscious muscular effort.
Question 4: The Alexander Technique's 'primary control' refers to the dynamic relationship between:
- The pelvis and lumbar spine
- The head, neck, and back (Correct answer)
- The sternum and clavicles
- The feet and the center of gravity
Correct answer: The head, neck, and back
F.M. Alexander identified 'primary control' as the dynamic relationship of the head, neck, and back, which organizes overall coordination and postural tone.
Question 5: In Bartenieff Fundamentals, 'Thigh Lift' specifically addresses the connection between:
- Shoulder girdle and thoracic spine
- Head and tail (BABS)
- Inner groin and contralateral armpit (Correct answer)
- Foot and knee alignment
Correct answer: Inner groin and contralateral armpit
The Thigh Lift pattern in Bartenieff Fundamentals activates the inner groin connection to the contralateral armpit, establishing cross-lateral body organization.
Question 6: Continuum Movement, developed by Emilie Conrad, emphasizes:
- Codified sequences derived from ballet technique
- Fluid, exploratory movement arising from breath and internal impulse (Correct answer)
- Strength conditioning through water resistance
- Partner contact improvisation scores
Correct answer: Fluid, exploratory movement arising from breath and internal impulse
Continuum Movement invites fluid, self-directed movement exploration initiated by breath and sound to access the body's innate intelligence and fluid nature.
Question 7: In somatic re-education, 'sensory-motor amnesia' (a term coined by Thomas Hanna) describes:
- Loss of proprioceptive feedback following peripheral nerve damage
- Chronically contracted muscles that the nervous system has lost the ability to relax voluntarily (Correct answer)
- Reduced skin sensitivity due to scar tissue formation
- Inability to form new movement memories after stroke
Correct answer: Chronically contracted muscles that the nervous system has lost the ability to relax voluntarily
Hanna's sensory-motor amnesia describes muscles locked in habitual contraction patterns that the person can no longer consciously feel or release, corrected through Hanna Somatics.
CMA Somatic Practices & Movement Re-education 2
The Feldenkrais Method's 'Awareness Through Movement' (ATM) lessons are primarily delivered in which format?