Feldenkrais Method

Improves movement, flexibility, posture and breathing, reducing pain, stiffness and stress to enhance
your well-being

What is?

The Feldenkrais Method is named after its originator, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc. (1904-1984) A Russian born physicist, judo expert, mechanical engineer and educator.

The Feldenkrais Method is based on principles of physics, biomechanics, expanding the self-image through gentle movement sequences that bring attention to the parts of the self that are out of awareness.

What are the benefits?

Feldenkrais is beneficial for those experiencing chronic or acute pain of the back, neck, shoulder, hip, legs or knee, as well as for healthy individuals who wish to enhance their self-image. Very helpful in dealing with central nervous system conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke. Many Seniors enjoy using it to retain or regain their ability to move without strain or discomfort. After a session you often feel taller and lighter, breathe more freely and find that your discomforts have eased. You experience relaxation, and feel more centred and balanced.

Feldenkrais work is done in two formats.

1.Awareness Through Movement (Group classes) The teacher verbally leads you through a sequence of movements such as basic positions: sitting or lying on the floor, standing or sitting in a chair.

2.Functional Integration (Private Feldenkrais lessons) are tailored to each student's individual needs; the teacher guides your movements through touch.

Awareness Through Movement

A lesson generally lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. The lessons consist of comfortable, easy movements that gradually evolve into movements of greater range and complexity. These structured movement explorations involve thinking, sensing, moving and imagining. Many are based on developmental movements and ordinary functional activities (reaching, standing, lying to sitting, looking behind yourself, etc.), some are based on more abstract explorations of joint, muscle, and postural relationships.

The emphasis is on learning which movements work better and noticing the quality of these changes in your body. Through increased awareness, you will learn to abandon habitual patterns of movement and develop new alternatives, resulting in improved flexibility and co-ordination.

You are guided verbally, through gentle & safe movements organised around a theme. You will be sitting or lying on the floor, sitting on a chair, or standing. Through sequences and with focused attention you explore different ways of moving.

Functional Integration

Carried out with the student fully clothed, usually lying on a table or with the student in sitting or standing positions. Various props (pillows, rollers, blankets ) may be used to support the person's body configuration or to facilitate certain movements.

The teacher develops a custom-tailored lesson, to your unique configuration at that particular moment, relating to a desire, intention or need you have.

Your teacher will use mostly touch and will offer you the opportunity to focus on your particular learning needs and interests.

How can Feldenkrais help you?

If you have whiplash or back pain, it helps restore free movement. If you're physically challenged, it helps return muscle and skeleton to normal function. People experiencing chronic or acute pain
those whose movement is limited following injury, neuromuscular disturbance and central nervous conditions. If you're an athlete or dancer, it increases flexibility dramatically. Healthy people who want to extend and retain their ability to move more comfortable and live their lives more efficiently and fully, musicians, artists and actors wishing to enhance their performance and creativity
athletes wanting to reach their full potential. For further information Feldenkrais movement institute