Feldenkrais: what is it?
The Feldenkrais Method is a somatic learning system. It is a way of improving our movement, by looking at the patterns of our habits, and examining how they help or hold us back in what we are doing or want to do.
To learn more about Moshe Feldenkrais, its inventor, click here.
How does it work?
Scientists like Norman Doidge have shown that the brain is able to re-wire and constantly keep learning throughout life. (contrary to old ideas that we stop learning when we are adult). You can change how you think, move and rest at any age, if you understand how to ‘re-wire’ your nervous system.
The Feldenkrais Method harnesses the brain’s ability to constantly evolve; using subtle movements to optimise brain connections with our skeleton, muscles and soft tissues. By this unique combining of explorative movement with learning a physical self-awareness you are able to develop an ability to enabling you to be and move ‘smart’, improving both posture, strength and flexibility in the way you move and live. Feldenkrais is a educative method for self-directed neuroplasticity.
Who is it for?
Feldenkrais is for everybody, of any age; and well suited to people suffering from on-going musculo-skeletal pain. It also can work effectively for people with neurological conditions; those who have had strokes; or children with developmental challenges.
Whether you want to on the one hand be more comfortable working at your desk, bending down, playing with your children; or on the other, improve professional level performance of sports and Arts, Feldenkrais is an extraordinary tool.
Would you like to find out more, or work with me?
In more detail…
Professor Milton Cohen (UNSW Australia), rheumatologist and pain doctor on the value of the Feldenkrais method for patients with chronic pain and rheumatological conditions
In 2004, a Feldenkrais educator, Kurt Kothbauer, was appointed new coach for Canada’s alpine ski national team.
Here, national team skier John Kucera talks about how the Feldenkrais Method helped him find better body control, both on the slopes and in the gym.
Caroline Welsh, flautist, talking about how the Feldenkrais Method has helped her as a musician and person.
Violinist Glen Sheldon, (Royal Opera House, London) tells how the Feldenkrais method® helped him to refine musical expression, and prevent and manage tension and pain that can arise during long rehearsals and concerts.
Emma in discussion with Nick Bottini of JustPlay
Robyn Nevin, Actor and former head of the Sydney Theater Company on how important Feldenkrais has been for her over the past 25 years, both in relation to acting and physical and mental well-being.
Sheri-Rose’s son Max was born with a CP injury and prognosis was that he would never develop any significant mobility.
After recommendation, they contacted local Feldenkrais practitioner, Sheryl Field.Their lessons together transformed Max’s stagnant motor development and, in her parents’ own words, turned a huge tragedy into something incredibly beautiful.
themovingbrain.com 