Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-84)
The Feldenkrais Method® was developed by the renowned movement educator, Judo master, and physicist, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. Feldenkrais’ mastery of Judo gave him a deep understanding of how to move powerfully and gracefully, while maintaining balance and presence. He combined this understanding with keen observations of the developmental process infants go through in order to learn how to control their movements, stand and walk. How we learn, how we can change, and how we can develop our potential, is the essence of his work. His work has been used worldwide for over 60-years to improve recovery from physical and neurological injuries, increase learning ability, and enhance athletic performance. There are two mutually supportive pathways for learning through the Feldenkrais Method®; Functional Integration®, and Awareness Through Movement®:
FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION®
Functional Integration® sessions are individual hands-on lessons tailored to your specific needs. They are done while you are lying down or sitting fully clothed on a low padded table. Through touch and gentle guidance you are led into experiences that can enhance your kinesthetic awareness. This ‘awareness’ creates inner body knowledge that helps you recognize how you may be limiting your potential, and becomes a stepping stone towards learning healthier, more functional, and more graceful alternatives.
AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT®
Awareness Through Movement® lessons are verbally guided movement explorations designed to change the way your brain and nervous system coordinate movement. The lessons can help you discover how to move more freely, improve posture, balance better, walk easier, lift safely, and reduce chronic pain. Awareness Through Movement® is not only about learning to move better, yet can reduce stress and produce a feeling of calm, clarity, and self harmony. Lessons are often done in a group, yet can also be combined with individual Functional Integration® sessions.
A beautiful video illustrating Feldenkrais Method principles through how a infant learns to roll over: