The Feldenkrais Method continues the education that was begun by every individual as a newborn infant. It concerns itself with the learning of movement: exploring the quality and effectiveness of new movements and challenging the brain to relearn existing movement skills, in effect reprogramming the brain to optimize one's movements on a neurological level.

Unlike strengthening and stretching exercises, or any notion of a "correct posture," the Feldenkrais Method provides participants with necessary kinesthetic information so that they can become more aware of their movements and learn to eliminate unnecessary strain and effort. The process is gentle, safe, and relies heavily on the intelligence and attention of the participant.

The Method is based on the scientific understanding of:

The mechanics and dynamics of the body in the gravitational field

The neurological and kinesthetic processes underlying the learning of movement skills.

Although THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD® has proven to be an effective approach to reducing pain which stems from poorly organized movement, the Method is, nevertheless, an educational modality, not a medical one. It is beneficial to anyone who is interested in learning new movement skills, and can improve physical function in all areas of life, bettering and enhancing the functioning of the back, the use of the arms, breathing, and general mobility and stability.

Moshé Feldenkrais, D.Sc., an internationally-known engineer and physicist, developed this innovative approach to movement re-education when he was incapacitated by a sports-related injury and given little chance of ever walking without pain. Dr. Feldenkrais applied his extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics, and engineering, as well as his mastery of martial arts, to restore his own functioning and, later, the functioning of many others.



Photos: Rosalie O'Connor

Two ways to learn

GROUP CLASSES:

Awareness Through Movement®
In an Awareness Through Movement (A.T.M.) lesson, the teacher verbally guides the students through a sequence of movements based on the sensory motor processes in the brain. Through these lessons, one can dramatically improve one's own quality of movement and acquire new coordination and skill. Please visit our Classes & Workshops page for more information and a schedule.

PRIVATE LESSONS:

Functional Integration®
In a Functional Integration (F.I.) Lesson, the teacher's delicate and precise touch guides the student through gentle, safe movements. These movements provide new information directly to the neuro-muscular system, enabling it to change one's organization in gravity and enhance efficiency, coordination, and ease of movement.

Each faculty member offers private Functional Integration lessons. They are an opportunity for the student to accelerate the learning of alternatives to habitual patterns of organization. Those with chronic pain or movement limitations, or those who would like the benefit of individual help, will find that these lessons are a potent means of improving daily function, as well as an excellent preparation for Awareness Through Movement classes.

The cost of the lesson varies with the individual teacher. In some instances, medical insurance may cover the practitioner's lesson fee.