The Feldenkrais Method®
A process of learning
The Feldenkrais Method is a process of learning developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, physicist, engineer, judo master and student of human development. In the 1940-1970's he explored the interconnections between the body, mind, environment, and self development. For a Bio on Moshe Feldenkrais click here
Pain relief, creativity and life long learning
The Feldenkrais Method is a path to expand your potential as a human being. Many people come to it for pain relief or recovery from a neurological condition and then stay to continue learning into old age. Artists, actors, writers and musicians find the method gives them a more clear access to an embodied self-as-instrument.
"I am going to be your last teacher. Not because I'll be the greatest teacher you may ever encounter, but because from me you will learn how to learn. When you learn how to learn, you will realize that there are no teachers, that there are only people learning and people learning how to facilitate learning." – Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais
Two Complementary Modalities to Experience the Feldenkrais Method
Functional Integration®
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Moshe Feldenkrais said, "If you know what you do, you can do what you want." Functional Integration helps you learn to move and act in easier and more efficient ways, freeing you from your unconscious habits so that you can access your potential. Functional Integration is a dialogue, an exploration, a conversation with your nervous system through touch, movement and words.
The intention is not to “fix” or “treat" you. The focus is on creating a context for learning. The touch is very gentle. I will move you slowly, in an easy range, feeling how movement passes through you and helping take over extra work you are doing.
You will become aware of where you are holding tension and find yourself letting go. You will feel how the the different parts of you are connected through movement. You will experience a greater sense of how your skeleton supports you. You will have a new experience of yourself.
Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) lessons​
are verbally guided movement sequences, which help to clarify fundamental biological movement patterns and bring you closer to your potential. By slowing down, reducing your effort, and becoming aware of your habits and preferences in movement, more of your whole self becomes involved in every action. Previously unseen possibilities become available. Your system becomes more efficient and free to
move with ease and spontaneity. For most, a difference can be felt after one lesson. Repeated regular attendance deepens your sensitivity and ability to integrate these profound shifts into your everyday movement and life.
Pain is saying listen!
Many people come to the Feldenkrais Method for pain relief. You will get that and so much more.Â
• Relieve stress and give you tools for psychological growth.
• Reduce unnecessary muscular effort.
• Gain renewed physical vitality, health and emotional well-being.
• Teach you to recover more quickly from injuries and learn how to avoid them.
• Refine artistic and athletic performance and prevent performance related injuries.
• Attain greater ease and pleasure in all your physical activities.
• Improve the fitness and agility of your brain at any age.
What does it mean to really listen? When you observe yourself in movement---sometimes it’s uncomfortable. We speed up to skip over unwanted sensations. Our ambition to be good and do it right interferes with our learning and contributes to our pain. When you are willing to bring patience, honesty, humility, and care to your discomfort and frustrations, a space opens up. New possibilities for acting and sensing emerge and pain dissipates.
Ease, exploration and the power of neuroplasticity
Finding ease in your movement directly impacts your everyday life. Achieving or performing a specific movement is not as important as attending to HOW you move. How do you experience moving from intention to action? Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons can be done entirely in your imagination and you will still benefit.
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Neuroplasticity = your brain’s ability to CHANGE
The benefit is greatest when you do less. That is the power of neuroplasticity.
The process of attending to your sensation and reducing your effort in the lessons will teach you strategies for finding ease and new possibilities in other areas of your life. Lessons are like structured playgrounds ripe for experimentation. The process mirrors how a baby learns to move. We learn through exploration.
Who is Feldenkrais for?
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People in pain or who have lost mobility.
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People who are looking for a gentle entry into being in their bodies.
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Musicians, dancers, artists, athletes who want to go to the next level.
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People who are anxious and stressed.
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People who haven't found relief from other things they have tried.
Functional Integration can help with a wide range of difficulties, including
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Cerebral palsy
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Multiple sclerosis
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Repetitive strain injury
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Scoliosis
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Stroke
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Chronic back, neck, knee, hip, jaw and shoulder pain
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Headaches
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Neurological conditions
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Mobility issues
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Head injuries
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TMJ pain
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Athletic and performing artist injuries
What to expect/ How to prepare
Because everyone has his or her own unique habits of posture and movement, each Feldenkrais session will be unique. Your first appointment will generally be 90 minutes long and includes a consultation were we will discuss your concerns and needs. Together, through observation and exploration we will find what works for you; to improve your comfort, function and sense of wellbeing.
Please wear comfortable clothes which will allow you to move freely with no jewelry or belts.
Most importantly, please do not do any treatments (ie chiropractic, massage, or physical therapy or be physically very active before or after the session — your body should be in a state of calm as your nervous system will need time to assimilate what it has learned during the process this can take 24-48 hours to fully integrate the lesson, so best to rest.
During your session, you’ll rest, clothed, on a low, padded table, as I move your body. Sessions last from 45 to 60 minutes.
Expect to rest peacefully during your Feldenkrais session. Although a great deal of learning takes place in your brain during the lesson, no effort is required. You can simply relax and observe, becoming aware of noticeable difference in the movements and how you feel in your whole self. Generally when the session is over, you should feel better. Many people report feeling taller, refreshed, free from pain and tension, flexible and balanced, more comfortable and confidant physically, and “lighter” or more optimistic emotionally.
More Videos on Feldenkrais Method
Documentary on the Feldenkrais Method
How Feldenkrais® helps People
The following are registered service marks of the Feldenkrais Guild of North America: Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Functional Integration®, Awareness Through Movement®, ATM®, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®.