What is the Feldenkrais Method?

Health & Wellness
Last Updated Jul 29, 2020
Health & Wellness

The Feldenkrais Method teaches movement, posture and breathing that aims to expand and refine self-awareness in order to decrease pain or limitations in movement and promote well-being

Health Founded in Good Function

The Feldenkrais Method is grounded in the belief that health is founded in good function. In order to attain good function we must look at the mind and spirit as well as the physical body. By identifying ‘holding patterns’ that cause pain or dysfunction participants learn new ways of moving and consequently of living. These holding may be caused by physical injury or by emotional or psychological issues.

The Feldenkrais Method is taught in either group classes or individually.

Awareness Through Movement

In group classes, called Awareness Through Movement, a trained practitioner guides participants through a planned sequence that involves thinking, sensing, moving, and visualising. Attention is drawn to each movement pattern. Through observing their habitual neuromuscular patterns, participants learn easier ways of moving that are more efficient and graceful.

Functional Integration Lessons

Functional Integration Lessons are one-on-one lessons that address individual problems. They are ‘hands-on’ and tailored to each client's needs. The Feldenkrais practitioner guides a client’s movements through precise touch. The client lies or sits, comfortably clothed, on a low padded table. The practitioner brings present habits into focus and offers new movement options. The learning is then applied to everyday activities such as reaching, sitting, standing and walking.

Everyone Benefits from Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais Method is very helpful for people with injuries or illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or stroke. It is gentle enough to use on babies, children, very ill or elderly people. The Feldenkrais Method also benefits ‘well’ people wanting to improve their focus or general well-being. Dancers, musicians and athletes all benefit from the Feldenkrais Method.

Who Developed the Feldenkrais Method?

Dr Moshe’ Feldenkrais (pronounced “fel-den-krice”) (1904-1984) was a mechanical and electrical engineer who had a keen interest in martial arts. A knee injury led him to study the structure and function of humans and the relationship between human development, education and movement.

The main premise of the Feldenkrais Method is that if you improve your movement, you improve your life.

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Originally published on Jun 17, 2011

Related Topics

Feldenkrais,  Studying Natural Therapies

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