Feldenkrais Therapy
What is the Feldenkrais method?
The Feldenkrais method, named after its originator Dr Moshe Feldenkrais, is a scientific approach to movement and the body’s somatic nervous system.
This increasingly popular system of gentle exercises is appropriate for anyone seeking quick results to improve mobility – from athletes to people experiencing mobility difficulties, from Yoga teachers and personal trainers to those who want to keep as mobile as possible in old age, or despite sports injuries or chronic conditions such as Multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Feldenkrais developed over 1000 lessons, normally with 12 or more movements, mapping out all areas of voluntary movement in the body.
The techniques developed in the mid-Twentieth century are enjoying a big resurgence now, sought after for somatic, or body-oriented approaches to help people reconnect with their bodies and help their bodies relearn ways to move with more efficiency and less problems.
Feldenkrais is extremely effective for anyone who wants to improve flexibility, mobility and posture. The powerful technique is increasingly in demand for rapid results in melting away tension, stiffness and pains wherever they arise – whether back, neck, shoulders, hands, hips, legs, ankles, jaws or any other area of the body. People generally report a chain reaction of benefits occurs – across posture, pain-relief, balance, even eyesight.
“The lessons are designed to improve ability, to expand the boundaries of the possible, to turn the impossible into the possible, the difficult into the easy and the easy into the pleasant.” – Moshe Feldenkrais
What should I expect from trying out Feldenkrais method?
Often one would start with a consultation first to find out what needs improving. This is followed by gentle, relaxing treatment and movement that results in a chain reaction of positive results. Sessions last 45 to 60 minutes.
There are two approaches to the Feldenkrais method, one or a mix of techniques can be used, depending on what sort of improvements to mobility, agility, strength, pain management or recovery people are after.
- Hands on work known as Functional Integration. This in many ways is similar to clothed massage, physio or body work. Though this aspect of Feldenkrais is unique in stimulating the oldest elements of our sensory system. Through gentle touch, the feeling of pull, soothing pressure, mobility work, you become absorbed and relaxed, noticing muscular tensions disappearing, breathing becomes deeper and regulated and rapid benefits are felt in your range of movements.
- Awareness through movement is the self-exercise side of the Feldenkrais method. In one-on-one sessions, or classes, fans enjoy learning life changing ways to move and live better, whatever the range of mobility they start with – from those unsteady on their feet to professional athletes. As with Yoga practice, people enjoy both physical and mental health benefits.
What are the benefits associated with Feldenkrais method?
Feldenkrais addresses a wide range of difficulties and as explained above, the method is respected around the world for a scientific and holistic approach that brings with it a chain reaction of multiple benefits across the body. As one area of the person improves it creates positive change elsewhere.
Below is a list of examples, by no means comprehensive of just some of the benefits that fans of Feldenkrais report.
- Improved posture and co-ordination
- Lightness of movement
- Mindfulness and tools for psychological growth
- Stress reduction and emotional well-being
- Eliminating aches and chronic pain
- Improved flexibility
- Restoring lost motor functions, physical vitality and health
- Improved mobility for performing artists, musicians and athletes
- Neuroplasticity and better brain agility and fitness at any age
- Speedy recovery from and preventing performance-related injuries
Feldenkrais addresses serious muscular and neurological problems and has proved a useful tool in the armoury for people with conditions such as the ones below and many more.
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Repetitive strain injury
- Scoliosis
- Sports injuries
- Stroke
- Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Head injuries
- TMJ pain
- Arthritis