What is The Feldenkrais Method?
The Feldenkrais Method helps you re-connect with your natural ability to move, using an exploratory process of learning. The practitioner verbally, or through light touch cueing, guides the client through a sequence of precise movements that relax tense areas. The movements alter habitual patterns and provide new information directly to the neuromuscular system. The emphasis is on learning which movements work better and noticing the quality of these changes in your body. The Feldenkrais Method shows the client how to learn from their body. The client begins a continuing process of change – shifting out of old habits and into useful new ones. Slowly, the client learns to relax, abandon habitual patterns, and develop new alternatives for movements and postures.
How is The Feldenkrais Method Performed?
The Feldenkrais Method is performed on a fully clothed body in a one-on-one learning model. The client is positioned in basic positions: sitting or lying on the floor, standing, or sitting in a chair. Using a light touch or verbal cues the practitioner guides the client through a sequence of movements using exploration and awareness. The Feldenkrais practitioner gently touches parts of the body to assist the client in awareness of habitual holding patterns and to cue the client in healthy alternatives. The sessions are done as slowly and pleasantly as possible, with no strain or pain whatsoever. The main object is not to receive training in what one knows, but to discover unknown reactions in oneself and thereby learn a better, more efficient way of acting.
How did The Feldenkrais Method Begin?
Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984) developed his Method in the late 1940’s. He held Ph.D’s in mechanical engineering and physics and worked with Fredric Joliot-Curie in the nuclear research laboratory made famous by Madame Curie. He was the first European to earn a black belt in Judo. Combining his knowledge of Newtonian mechanics, physics, neuro-physiology, systems thinking and learning theories with the eastern philosophy of Judo and synthesizing this background with his deep curiosity about linguistics, biology, perinatal development and athletics, Feldenkrais taught himself to walk again – without pain --- after a crippling knee injury. This personal breakthrough led him to the development of the Feldenkrais Method.
The Method began by Feldenkrais asking questions such as: what is the optimum organization of a human being for acting in the world and in gravity, and how should the skeleton function? Moshe Feldenkrais began his first North American training in June 1975 with the words; “ I am going to be your last teacher. Not because I’ll be the greatest teacher you may encounter, but because from me you will learn how to learn, you will recognize that there are no teachers, only people learning and people learning how to facilitate learning.”
What Conditions Does The Feldenkrais Method Address?
The Feldenkrais Method has a broad range of applications. For example, this approach to learning may reveal and alter habitual behaviors responsible for chronic tension and pain and it facilitates recovery of movement diminished by injury or trauma. It can also improve skills for dancers and high performance athletes. The Method is especially effective in assisting the infant or young child in the development of a healthy body image necessary for the organization of age appropriate gross motor, sensory motor, and perceptual motor skills. The intent of the method is to assist the client to live more fully, comfortably and effectively by expanding their repertoire of possible movements and actions.
For more information on the Feldenkrais Method at Neil King Physical Therapy, or to make a referral, please contact Neil King Physical Therapy at (248) 853-7555.