Feldenkrais is a kind of movement practice that is known to enhance a person's self-awareness, improve their posture, and help them to experience a sense of well-being. The practice is based on certain basic principles of human development, such as Kinesophics, Self-awareness, and Movement re-education. In this article, you'll learn more about the basics of the practice.

Basic principles of human development

During the mid-twentieth century, Moshe Feldenkrais developed a revolutionary technique that enabled him to heal himself after suffering devastating knee injuries. His method incorporated his knowledge of the human nervous system and the principles of body awareness to restore mobility and coordination.

He later taught martial arts and movement analysis to the public for decades. In 1957, Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion became his first patient.

The Feldenkrais Method is a mind-body approach that integrates biomechanics, physics, psychology, and martial arts. It uses gentle touch and guided movement to help improve coordination, flexibility, and range of motion.

The Feldenkrais Method is also a form of somatic education. A Feldenkrais class can be a deeply relaxing experience. Rather than fix a problem, the method encourages a process of inquiry.

Movement re-education

The Feldenkrais movement re-education method is a 60-year-old form of neuromuscular re-education. It focuses on improving awareness of movement patterns and the ability to correct problematic habits.

Through the use of gentle, slow movements, teachers guide students through a series of exercises. Participants usually notice improved flexibility, increased coordination, and reductions in muscle tension.

As a result, the method has been applied to a variety of conditions. Some common problems treated include joint pain, muscle spasm, and gait disturbance. Other applications include athletic performance, artistic performance, and improved self-image.

A Feldenkrais practitioner uses gentle touch and verbal instruction to guide students through a number of slow, gentle movement sequences. The sessions may last between 30 and 60 minutes.

Practitioners also incorporate focused attention and biomechanics into the training. This allows the brain to regulate muscular and neurological systems better. These skills are important for reducing anxiety and pain.

Self-awareness

If you are looking for a way to increase self-awareness, consider taking a lesson with a Feldenkrais practitioner. This method can improve your physical and psychological well-being. During a session, the instructor guides you to become aware of your habitual patterns. They also help you identify alternative movement patterns that are more functional.

The Feldenkrais Method is a unique form of somatic education. It uses directed attention and gentle movement to help people become more aware of their bodies and feelings. These lessons are also called Functional Integration.

One-to-one sessions are usually 45 minutes to an hour long. Each one is tailored to your individual needs. You can have a Feldenkrais lesson as a stand-alone therapy, or you can take it as part of a longer course or workshop.

Evidence of efficacy

The Feldenkrais method, also called Functional Integration, is a therapeutic approach for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. It is a movement education technique that helps people reconnect with their bodies and develop an awareness of their movements. It is delivered in individual lessons. A Feldenkrais teacher guides students through gentle, slow movements. During a lesson, students are guided to accomplish postures that may have seemed impossible before.

Among other things, the Feldenkrais method helps people become more aware of their bodies and habits. These changes can lead to better physical and emotional functioning.

Feldenkrais is used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. For example, it has been applied to fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, and gait disturbance.

Some studies have shown that the Feldenkrais method has a beneficial effect on pain. Participants in one study reported a significant reduction in pain after six sessions. Another study evaluated a group of patients suffering from chronic pain. They reported a decrease in the sensory and evaluative dimensions of pain.

Kinesophics

There are many Feldenkrais methods available, and a few of them are pretty great. For instance, the AFG has an excellent journal, which is a good place to start. Likewise, the Open ATM project has some free Awareness Through Movement lesson downloads.

Kinesophics is an aptly named website authored by a certified Feldenkrais practitioner. Its features include a blog and recorded ATMs.

The site is not run by Podchaser but by Feldenkrais teacher and pianist Bob Schlesinger. Some of the ATMs on the site are more impressive than others. However, the ones that get my vote are the ones that are most likely to have a measurable effect on your life.

The Kinesophics blog has some entries that are worth a read. One of the most interesting is a series of videos of ATMs performed by Ruthy Alon.