‘Somatic Solutions for Back CaRe, scoliosis & Fusions: A Healing Weekend for Your Back, Body & Whole Self’
—with Martha Carter
Comox Valley, Vancouver ISLAND, BC
May 8 - 11, 2026
This workshop will be held in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC. MAP
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
ABOUT THE RETREAT
Do you live with back pain, scoliosis, spinal fusion, chronic tension, or an old injury that never fully resolved?
Or perhaps you simply feel a lingering stiffness or fatigue that you can’t quite shake?
If so, this weekend retreat was created for you.
A 4-Day, 3-Night Somatic Immersion with Martha
Escape into a peaceful setting for a few days to learn a series of gentle, floor-based movements that calm the nervous system, unwind long-held tension, restore natural alignment, and reawaken ease in your body with the goal of finding pain-free mobility.
Over the course of the weekend, you’ll experience a deeply supportive blend of education and embodied awareness as we delve into the subtle yet profound method of Hanna Somatics—also known as Essential Somatics™. Developed by philosopher and movement theorist Thomas Hanna, this neuromuscular approach helps to reconnect communication through the whole soma, reinvigorating optimal vitality of the body and mind and soul.
Join us to reclaim comfort, confidence, and connection within your body. You’ll uncover practical tools you can use in daily life, along with a renewed sense of possibility—whether you’re seeking relief, clarity, or simply a softer way of moving through the world.
This retreat is designed for all ages, all abilities, and all levels of movement experience.
No previous somatics, yoga, or fitness practice is needed.
ABOUT THE DESTINATION
Vancouver Island is renowned for wild, untamed beaches that are an idyllic summer sanctuary, and a hub for storm-watching, surfing, and skiing in the winter. In addition to its endless list of hiking, camping, whale-watching, and paddling adventures, there are also old-growth forests, endless beach combing and golfing. The Comox Valley is acclaimed for its incredible array of products harvested and created from its wild oceans and fertile soils, including organic vegetables, wild fish, free-range meats, and local chocolates, baked goods and wines. It’s a quick plane trip from Vancouver, or you can arrive via a stunning ferry ride.
ABOUT MARTHA CARTER
Martha is a therapeutic movement specialist for scoliosis and spinal fusions, offering classes, workshops, and retreats in Gentle Yoga and Somatics. Synthesizing her knowledge as a dance artist with her love of therapeutic methods, she guides participants to discover increased strength, length, alignment, and mindfulness in the whole soma—body, mind and soul. Her welcoming approach is accessible to all levels and abilities. Martha is a certified teacher of both Yoga for Scoliosis based on the teachings of Elise Browning Miller, and Essential Somatics™ based on the work of Thomas Hanna. She has also studied Energy Medicine and Trauma Release techniques, which she weaves into all her classes to help participants with pain relief while enhancing their movement potential. Martha is the founder and director of Twisted Outreach Project for Back Care and Scoliosis (TOPS), a Canadian-based non-profit that provides a range of holistic and creative approaches to working with back care and scoliosis. Martha’s full bio can be found here.
