Reconnecting with the Body to Heal Chronic Pain

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Mags Clark Smith, a specialist in somatic work and mindfulness, and a contributor to a textbook on psychophysiological disorders. She discusses her unique approach to chronic pain and body awareness. Inspired by identifying her twin brothers through their gaits, she developed a fascination with movement, realizing early on how subtle physical cues can reveal individuality and inform body awareness, a theme central to her current work. As a lecturer at Lancaster University, she used somatic methods, including guided movement exercises and mindfulness practices, to help rugby players and individuals with eating disorders connect with their bodies through internal awareness. By focusing on movement quality and sensations, she encourages individuals to reconnect with their bodies, reducing stress and fostering self-awareness, which are key to achieving both mental and physical healing. Download the transcript. Mags draws on her extensive knowledge of the body through dance, psychology and non-verbal communication to empower people to move with confidence and resolve chronic pain. Mags offers one-to-one Resolving Chronic Pain consultations and Body Control Pilates classes, as well as taking part in chronic pain research and giving guest talks and lectures on chronic pain. Mags lectures on University Edinburgh Dance Science Masters course. For more information, visit: https://www.resolvingchronicpain.com/teaching-movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices