Why Feldenkrais®?
Feldenkrais® lessons are very different from conventional exercise that relies on force, speed, and effort. Research in neurophysiology has shown that when we exert a lot of muscular effort, it is impossible for our brain to make sensory distinctions. When we move slow, with attention, (as in the Feldenkrais Method ™), and make no extraneous or superfluous effort, we are able to take advantage of our body’s extra ordinary ability to improve itself through sensory motor learning. The method involves the use of the senses of sight, hearing, balance, and touch (proprioception and kinesthetic awareness), in concert with movement.
We are all bound by habits. Although habits induce order and are necessary for survival, sometimes the habits are no longer useful, and limit possibilities to change, resulting in pain, injuries and less efficient and effective movements. When we set up ourselves to restrict our ability to respond easily and effortlessly to change or new circumstances, we trigger aging.
To change ourselves requires self-knowledge, and self-knowledge requires awareness. When we are aware of what we do, we can change what we do, achieve new learning, new possibilities in movement and ultimately, thinking, doing and being in the world.
In the words of Moshe Feldenkrais,
“If you know what you are doing, you can do what you want.” –
What are the Benefits?
- Reduced Pain
- Relieve Muscular Tension
- Increased Flexibility
- Reduced Stress
- Improved Posture
- Enhanced Movement
- Vitality
- Quick Recovery after Injuries
A Unique Approach
The Feldenkrais Method ™, is essentially about learning. You can discover more about how you move and learn in your time, your speed, your way. This is a method that is about process and not a goal or end product. As a result, improvement becomes possible.
The method works by enhancing the communication between your brain and the rest of your body. It is can be understood through theories of sensory motor learning and dynamic systems where the body/brain connection discerns patterns. Any change in the system can impact the pattern or change in the pattern. As a result, we learn to do something new.
Feldenkrais® lessons are designed to explore movement. They are NOT about achieving. This method is very much a gentle, process centered approach to movement. You learn not how you should move, but discover how you do move, and other possible options to consider.
