Feldenkrais Method

Developed by Moshe Feldenkrais - a Russian physicist, educator and judo expert - Feldenkrais is a system of exercises and movements that allow an individual to better understand the workings of their body and allow them to reduce pain and increase well being.

Feldenkrais practitioners help their clients in both a hands on approach where one-on-one attention is provided and in group sessions where each person follows the instructor. Feldenkrais therapy considers it can help you improve overall health, boost physical movement or reduce pains and aches associated with sitting at desks for extended periods of time. Patrons of the method are encouraged to understand the relationship between their thoughts and physical movements and learn how to accomplish tasks while minimizing their efforts, making daily life much easier.

How Does the Feldenkrais Method Work

The Feldenkrais method has two basic principles:

• Awareness Through Movement
• Functional Integration

During the Awareness through Movement sessions groups are led by instructors through a number of exercises. All exercises are precisely structured and targeted for a particular function. Lessons start off with basic and simple movements and work their way up to more complex and intense exercises. The aim of these exercises is to make people aware of the neuromuscular patterns they have in their bodies and allow them to expand the range and efficiency of their movements.

Functional Integration sessions are usually one-on-one in which soft non-invasive touches are used. By using these touches the Feldenkrais practitioners are able to signal to their clients how their movements can be expanded or corrected. Most of the Functional Integration sessions are tailored to the individual and their specific form.

Benefits of the Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais method has a number of benefits such as:

• It can be practiced by anyone regardless of age
• It can help to treat a number of problems such as back pain due to pregnancy, loss of movement due to accidents and also learning disabilities
• Increased strength of your movements and body

Things to Consider Before Starting

Before starting it is important to:

• Check the certificates and association of the practitioner, it is recommended to go to only those that are listed with groups such as The Australian Feldenkrais Guild.
• Understand that this method does not involve any traditional or alternate medicine; it attempts to heal the body by correcting movements.