What is the Feldenkrais Method?
The Feldenkrais Method is an instructional technique rather than a therapeutic technique. Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc, the originator, was a physicist, mechanical engineer, judo expert and educator. To emphasize this difference, the instructors refer to the people learning the technique as students rather than patients. You learn the method two ways. The first is a group class where an instructor talks you through a series of movements. These movements are basic positions such as standing or sitting.
The second method of learning is Functional Integration tailored specifically to individual needs. In this case, the class is private instruction and the teaching is not verbal but accomplished with the aid of the instructors touch.
What Do the Movements Do?
The method directs the student's attention to the movement so they can improve it. This helps them increase flexibility, range of motion, and co-ordination. By accomplishing that, it enhances the functioning of the body and other aspects of the student's life.
Feldenkrais based the training on the principals he learned in physics, biomechanics and human development. He felt that the more the student became aware of their habitual muscle movement patterns, the more they could change and develop new ways of moving. It is a form of self-awareness and offers much the same benefits as yoga, which also focuses on the movements of the body in addition to other features. Unlike Yoga, it does not require you to learn specific positions but instead focuses on common movements.
Who Should Investigate the Feldenkrais Method?
Because it's not simply a healing technique but one that increases your flexibility and ease of movement, almost anyone can benefit from the method. However, those with chronic or acute pain in the back, shoulders, neck, knee, hips or legs will find that it helps ease pain. Students may even include those who had a stroke, MS, cerebral palsy or other central nervous system condition. In fact, many seniors find that it allows them to move without making "that groaning noise" they heard their parents make at that age.
What Do the Students Experience After the Lessons?
Many of the students find that they move freer without pain. Some say they even feel taller and more vital. Most admit the lessons give them a sense of peace and relaxation besides increased vitality.
Names You'll Recognize
Some of the celebrities or well-known people who used this technique include Dr. J (Julius Erving), Rick Acton, Norman Cousins, Duffy Waldorf, Whoopi Goldberg, Yo Yo Ma, Helen Hayes and Margaret Mead.
Smooth Body Movements and Your Self-Image and Health
The more you move and use all the muscles in your body, the better the body heals itself, circulates blood and the more comfortable you are. This technique does not rely on another person to make your movements more efficient. Rather it teaches you techniques to open that door yourself.
Even though students include people that have pain and learn new movement to overcome that pain, such as a 78-year old man that overcame knee pain of 30 years and now walks a mile a day, others that want to improve in their proficiency in an area also use the technique. For instance, a cellist learned new positions that didn't strain her and allowed her to increase her cello proficiency.
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