Body Language: C

An Excursion Through the Alphabet in Somatic Terms
by Thomas Myers

“C is for camel…C came to represent moving beyond the normal” writes Thomas Myers in the third installment of his column, “Body Language.” In this article, the origins of the letter “C” are examined and linked to changing muscle tone, Callanetics and the gamma motor system. Myers describes the letter “C” as the place from where we move out from that which is primal energy ( “A”), and that which is safe (“B”) to changing muscle tone which requires that we move “beyond the normal.” One way to change muscle tone is to apply Callanetics. Myers describes his experience with Callanetics, and how it can change “core” muscles. He goes on to explain the alpha motor system, muscle spindles and stretch reflexes along with the role the “gamma  motor system” plays in setting standing muscle tone. Myers concludes with a homework assignment for women who wear high-heeled shoes.