Somatics for Emergency Services
The Police Force
Ambulance & First-Aid Attendants
The Fire Department
The Military Forces
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Somatics for Emergency Services
When having to act under pressure, it becomes essential to have full control over one’s own body, its behavior and its movements. Understanding and embodying the somatic concepts is a definite asset when having to perform under stress. It is not only important to become aware of the processes within your own body (the effects of positive or negative stress), but it also becomes important to develop a routine to unwind your system of the stresses and strains of the day. An accumulation of the ‘damaging’ effects of stress over time will result in a body that is not able to perform anymore at its highest potential. Besides the regular physical and emotional stress, it is the people who have to respond in emergency situations who are exposed to often dangerous and horrific moments as well. A greater awareness within your own system will automatically create a greater awareness of your surroundings, which can easily be a lifesaver. When the body reacts in a clearer way, it is also the clearer mind that will be able to decide better which direction to take.
‘Somatics for Emergency Services’ - Workshops can be organized in your area. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.
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The Police Force
Besides all of the above mentioned information, police officers also have to deal with:
a heavy belt around their waist that subconsciously tenses all muscles of the trunk. When this tension is not released, it can easily accumulate over time and start restricting spinal movement. Besides spinal problems, this can also lead to other injuries like sprained ankles or knees, headaches, tennis elbow or even a dysfunction of internal organs. It will be an asset for The Force to develop a program for the officers to maintain flexibility and health within their spine, read: within their body. For Highway Patrol Officers a similar program can be developed to reverse the rigidity of ‘sitting’ in their car many hours a day. A somatic routine of physical movements that can be performed in 5 or 10 minutes can be a first step towards greater health, flexibility & prevention. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.
‘the function of standing up straight’.
When dealing with other people in difficult situations, a powerful stance needs to be taken. It is only when standing straight or even slightly over-straight that you as a police officer will gain respect from the other party. When understanding the ‘function of standing’, it will become easier for you to decide how to position yourself in difficult situations. When also understanding ‘the function of facing’, it will also become easier to communicate in difficult situations. This clearer and better presentation of ‘The Law’ might result in a more compliant other party, solving and preventing any future complications.
Understanding human behavior in relation to, for instance, violence. It is a dysfunction within certain areas of the brain that lead to violent behavior. When understanding the latest ‘brain physiology’ in coordination with the somatic concepts, it becomes easier to ‘read’ the people you are dealing with.
‘Somatics for Police Officers’ -Workshops can be organized in your area. Injury prevention and explaining violent behavior can be important components of the program. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details