The Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais Method was created by Dr Moshe Feldenkrais who after suffering a chronic knee injury put his knowledge of physics, judo, body mechanics and psychology to the body and mind. The Feldenkrais Method is based on self-organiztion and self-regulation in learning and has two components, Functional Integration and Awareness Through Movement.

Functional Integration is a hands-on form of interaction which is designed to meet the needs of an individual. The teachers use their hands through non-invasive touch to guide students to a new and varied use of themselves.



The Functional Integration sessions use movement as the means to promote changes in patterns of thinking, feeling, sensing and interacting with others. The teacher portrays the experience of comfort and ease of movement whilst the student understands how to reorganise their body and behaviour in new and effective ways.

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Awareness Through Movement sessions are generally group sessions whereby the participants are verbally led though a series of movement sequences to establish new patterns of movement. As one's experience grows, the participants become more aware of their movement habits, allowing new behavioural patterns. The movements are normally carried out lying down or sitting, in an approach that recognises the individual's own pace and level of mobility.

The Feldenkrias Method has many applications. It can provide benefits for people recovering from injury as it teaches them how to move in such a way to avoid aggravating the injury and/or increasing their pain. It is beneficial to those who spend a lot of time in one position (like those who work on computers or massage therapists!). It is great for seniors and others who may not be able to move very much but still wish to stay active. And because the Feldenkrais Method can help people get more in touch with their body, it can work with those who pain that has no obvious cause. Increasing awareness can help people develop and give them the tools they need to find the source of and resolve their problem.

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