Reviewed by Alice H. for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Thomas Hanna, a philosopher, developed a system of somatics which he made into a routine of wellness exercises. In The Sustainable You: Somatics and the Myth of Aging, author John Loupos has attempted to expand upon Hanna's methods so that they will become available to the general population. He took a course at the Somatic Systems Institute in Massachesetts and obtained a certificate to "educate" or instruct clients in basic exercises which pandiculate (stretch) muscles that are out of use or or have been injured in some manner. The first 200 pages of the book tell about general theories of somatics, how to apply somatic theory to particular body conditions, neurophysiological aspects of somatics and differences between somatic methods and other alternative methods of treating illness and injury. It is only in the latter part of the book that the reader is introduced to the actual stretching exercises that the "educator" can teach through modeling on the client's body. This method is called assisted pandiculation.

For those interested in participating more fully in their own treatment regimen, this may be a helpful book. The author suggests that, before starting a somatic program, the reader should consult a somatic educator OR a physician. However, most readers would be advised to remove the OR and consult the physician before beginning ANY alternative health treatment. There is no doubt that the author knows his stuff as it relates to the martial arts and the somatic factors which may influence health or illness. However, it may be a bit of a stretch to conclude that somatic education may be instrumental in assisting those with the multitude of health concerns listed in the book. Anyone choosing to avail themselves of somatic education must be aware that there is no state license involved in this training and, thus, no regulatory board to oversee and provide sanctions against undesirable results.

That said, the book is very well researched and written such that those who need to know about the structure of body mechanics can find answers in the text. The author is an exuberant believer, and that may be enough of a motivator to encourage those discouraged about their own physical fitness to take a look.