A New Look at The Dark Vise

Gabriel Posner 4-21-2017

We have specific protocols for unwinding the effects of the Green Light, Red Light, and Trauma Reflex. The Dark Vise, however, presents in ways that defy the protocols. Thomas Hanna described the Dark Vise as “the sum of neuromuscular stress, a state of muscular immobility caused by the gradual buildup of chronically opposing contractions.” Each person we work with will have their own unique buildup of contraction, reflecting the events of their life. What does the Dark Vise or “senile posture” look like, how does that feel, and what are the effects of this vise at various stages of buildup? Our ability to assess and guide clients to free this vise is necessary if they are to reach their full potential.

This workshop will unfold in three parts. First, Gabriel will present an update of research supporting the theories that Thomas Hanna presented in Somatics and his other books. In the nearly three decades since the publication of Somatics, advances in physiology, neuroscience, and psychology offer insights that can help us understand our work better. Secondly, Gabriel will guide participants through a self-exploration of the Dark Vise and its effects on their somas. Thirdly, participants will work together, using kinetic mirroring, means whereby, and assisted pandiculation to facilitate a further unwinding of the dark vise. Rather than teach specific protocols here, Gabriel will focus on how to use our skills with greater sensitivity and precision when working with the Dark Vise.

Gabriel Posner, CHSE, is a certified Wave 10 graduate of the Novato Institute and also a Certified Massage Therapist who has been in private practice in San Francisco for 12 years. He taught massage therapy and somatic education for five years at the National Holistic Institute in their core program as well as their Advanced Neuromuscular Program, and recently completed a Master’s degree in Mind-Body Medicine at Saybrook University. He has also served for six years as a director of the board of the Association for Hanna Somatic Education, chairing the education and research committees.