DIFFERENT THEORIES ON HOW IT WORKS

Feldenkrais felt we normally do not function at our full potential. And he believed in our capacity to correct and improve ourselves through learning and self-awareness.

At the core of his somatic therapy is the belief that body and mind do not operate individually. Any movement requires an awareness not only of one’s own structure and physiology, but of the surrounding environment. The dysfunction we experience is a direct result of our response to illness and trauma, the result of misuse, lack of use, or stress. By becoming more aware of how we hold and move our bodies, we can identify areas of stress and strain, and re-educate our nervous system to move more efficiently and comfortably. In learning another way to respond, The Feldenkrais Method® helps you gain enhanced function in previously limited areas as well as increased strength and coordination.

Feldenkrais used the underlying rules of physics to develop his theory. He realized that everything we do is affected by laws that apply to gravity, resistance, inertia, leverage, momentum, etc. He also turned to his knowledge of Judo, for his Principle of Maximal Efficiency with Minimal Effort. Simply put, the goal is to find the most efficient or effortless way to do something.

The individual is key to all Feldenkrais practice. Above all else, he
believed that the practitioner must be acutely aware of the individual and the full array of options available — there was no one method of treatment; everything was to be geared to identifying and providing the key techniques that were needed by that person at that time. For example, when there is an injury, a person often compensates by not putting weight or stress on that area of the body. This change often remains long after the initial incident, creating its own pain. With Feldenkrais, the person becomes aware of what they are still doing that no longer needs to be done, and can then re-direct their movements.

His Awareness Through Movement® exercises are not just physical. They are considered to be “somatopsychic” or body-mind explorations that help to discover competencies, replace bad habits, increase awareness and promote alternative postures and movements. Functional Integration® works likes a biofeedback mechanism. The practitioner does not “do to you, ” but instead serves as a guide whose gentle touch helps to re-educate the nervous system and increase self-awareness. The session is not about “getting something fixed” but about creating alternatives, learning and change.

Another key aspect of The Feldenkrais Method® is the breath. Breathing is affected by the tension we hold in our bodies, and improper breathing in turn can affect posture and movement. Feldenkrais advocated that good breathing must change with the circumstances, mood and movement. So part of any instruction will include awareness of the breath function and its components, facilitating breathing that is adaptable to any situation.

CONDITIONS IT WORKS BEST FOR

The Feldenkrais Method has been used for a variety of physical, emotional and mental health benefits. It is considered to be an elegant, gentle and subtle approach to the rehabilitation of neuromuscular problems, to optimizing both movement patterns and mental agility, to improving and deepening body self-image and self-esteem, to enhancing artistic and athletic performance, and to promoting feelings of well-being and calm. Because of its growing use by physical therapists and patients, it is increasingly being studied in clinical trials. Studies have confirmed its effectiveness in increasing mobility and decreasing pain in musculoskeletal and chronic headache pain patients; decreasing state anxiety; improving postural alignment; and as a safe and effective form of exercise for the elderly.

Content last modified on Nov 24, 2009