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Natural Therapies Home | Structural | Feldenkrais

Feldenkrais

 
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"Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself" — Moshe Feldenkrais.

The Feldenkrais Method is recognised for its demonstrated ability to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image and to alleviate muscular tension and pain. The effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method is in its ability to access the nervous system's own innate processes to change and refine functioning. The Feldenkrais Method is a unique and sophisticated approach to human understanding, learning and change.

Feldenkrais is based on principles of physics, biomechanics and a complete understanding of human development. As a form of somatic education, the Feldenkrais Method uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. This allows increased ease and range of motion, improved flexibility and coordination, and a re-discovery of efficient, graceful movement.

Anyone, young or old, physically challenged or physically fit, can benefit from the Feldenkrais treatment. It is beneficial for anyone suffering chronic or acute back, neck, shoulder, hip, leg or knee pain, as well as for healthy individuals who wish to enhance their self-image. Helpful in dealing with central nervous system conditions such as multiple scelorsis, cerebal palsy and stroke relief, all patients of the Feldenkrais Method enjoy greater ease of movement, an increased sense of vitality and an experience of relaxation leaving one feeling more centred and balanced.

Feldenkrais work is done in two formats.

  • Group classes are known as "Awareness Through Movement" during which a teacher leads the class through a sequence of movements in basic positions involving sitting or lying on the floor, standing or sitting in a chair. These sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes and can vary in difficulty and complexity, for all levels of movement ability. The students are guided through the movement process within the limits of safety by avoiding pain and strain.
  • Private lessons are called "Functional Integration" as the movements are tailored to each student's individual learning needs. The student remains fully clothed, usually lying on a table or sitting or standing in certain positions which are sometimes supported by various props such as pillows, rollers or blankets. This hands-on form of kinesthetic communication conveys the experience of comfort, pleasure and ease of movement as the student learns how to reorganise their body and behaviour in new and more expanded functional motor patterns.
 


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