Feldenkrais Method of Movement Therapy

Humans learn just enough to function in their daily lives. We learn to use our hands to eat or play the piano. We learn to use our legs to walk or to dance. The Feldenkrais Method focuses on the relationship between movement and thought in order to improve our overall health.

This method is supposed to work for anyone, no matter what age or what level of health. It's aimed at helping people reconnect with their natural abilities to move, think and feel. By changing unconscious habits, students are able to overcome mental and physical pain.

Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, the originator, based his teachings on principles of physics, biomechanics and scientific understanding of learning and human development. Students learn a greater ease and range of movement, feel more energetic, while feeling relaxed and peaceful.

Feldenkrais Method Lessons

There are two formats, group or private lessons.

The group lessons are called Awareness Through Movement Lessons and the students are guided verbally to do movements that are comfortable but increase in range and complexity. The student explores the relationship between thinking, sensing, moving and imagining. These explorations should lead to improved flexibility and coordination.

The private lessons are called Functional Integration. The teacher will develop a lesson for you based on a need, desire or intention you have. Through verbal instructions and gentle touching, the teacher guides the student to reorganize the body and behavior to become more functional.

Although you will have an instructor, the student decides how much movement is right and what feels comfortable. There are no set number of repetitions, speed, or extreme stretching. The movements the student learns come from everyday actions such as walking, standing, turning or breathing. They are designed to improve your quality of life.

How is this method different from massage or chiropractic?

Massage deals with muscles. Chiropractic deals with bones. Feldenkrais deals with the nervous system. Since Feldenkrais isn't trying to make changes to the structure of the body, the method can be used by anyone regardless of their physical limitations.

The Feldenkrais Method focuses on teaching students to become aware of their body position during spontaneous movements. The teacher helps the student to consciously move in a way that puts less strain on the body. Through awareness and practice, the student can eliminate chronic pain, such as back or knee pain.

How is the Feldenkrais Method different from yoga or other movement techniques?

Instead of focusing on making perfect movements or holding certain positions, the Feldenkrais Method encourages the student to be aware of the body and the environment. Slow, gentle, small movements are used while the student concentrates on the sensations and feelings caused by these movements. According to your own personal experience, you make the movements increasingly easier, more flowing, and more comfortable by focusing on improving your body's reaction to each movement.

Sources:
The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education
altMD
ChronicPainConnection.com