Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais Method is a form of somatic education that uses directed attention and gentle movement to enhance human function. Feldenkrais helps to improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and coordination. This is helpful with vertigo and balance issues. These improvements will often generalize to enhance functioning in other aspects of life.
The Feldenkrais Method has its roots in principles of physics, biomechanics and empirical understanding of the human development and learning. By expanding our self image through movement sequences that bring attention to the parts of the self that are out of awareness, the Method enables you to include more of yourself in your functioning movements. Students become more and more aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and expand options for new ways of moving. By increasing sensitivity the Feldenkrais Method assists you to live your life more efficiently and comfortably. Rediscover your innate capacity for graceful efficient movement.
The Feldenkrais Method is a practical approach to the neuromuscular re-education of movement, posture, balance and behavior. It consists in two techniques, Awareness Through Movement and Functional Integration.
Awareness Through Movement
Verbally directed effortless movement sequences presented to groups, that bring about dramatic change. A lesson generally lasts from 30-60 minutes. Each lesson is organized around a particular function. These exercises range from subtle to expansive movements and involve attitude, imagination, attention, perception, cognition, and visualization.
Functional Integration
Functional Integration is a one on one method of teaching. Sensory-motor learning is accomplished through the practitioner using sophisticated techniques of gentle touch and passive movement. It is hands on kinesthetic communication. Awakening how to move in a more expansive and functional way.
Benefits
- Eliminates pain and movement restrictions.
- Improves coordination, posture, flexibility, movement efficiency, and elegance.
- Minimize work related stress and injury.
- Develops self-awareness and attention so change in habitual pain patterns can occur.
- Improves function in individuals with orthopedic or neurological problems.
- Refines performance skills for athletes, actors, musicians, and dancers.
To learn about the Feldenkrais method please click here.
"I have been taking Tracy's Feldenkrais class for over a year and I cannot recommend it too highly. In each class I discover another way my body can move, and using this awareness both consciously and unconsciously, I find ways to integrate this learning into my daily activities so that my body is less stressed. Some chronic pains have been minimized or disappeared. This not a cure but a way for me to enhance my health and well being. The exercises themselves are extremely slow and gentle and can be done in the imagination if there is any discomfort. I cannot imagine anyone who would not benefit from this activity." -E.R.