Feldenkrais

Feldenkrais

About the Method

The Feldenkrais Method of somatic education is a unique learning process
that cultivates a sense of body awarenes and teaches people how to
learn from their bodies. Feldenkrais sessions work by increasing the
communication between your brain and body. Your brain is responsible for
sending messages to your muscles to “command” them what to do. Your brain
is aided by your senses (touch, sight, hearing, balance) to let it know
your body’s position and level of muscular activity. Once your brain receives this
information from your senses, it can send the appropriate “commands” to your
muscles. Through this exchange of information between your brain and senses, unnecessary muscular
activity is eliminated, and your functioning and movement improve.

Private Sessions and Group Classes

During a private session, called Functional Integration (FI)
you lie comfortably clothed on a padded table. The practitioner uses
touch to communicate movements to your body. Functional Integration
is a direct hands-on approach that increases your body’s range and possibilities
of movement.

During group classes, called Awareness through Movement (ATM), no
direct touch is involved. The practitioner verbally guides you through
a series of specifically designed movement sequences in basic positions,
usually lying or sitting. The emphasis is on awareness of how you move and the quality of
the movement. You discover your habitual movement pattterns, and uncover new alternatives of movement
that are more effective for you.

For more about the Feldenkrais Method visit the

Feldenkrais Guild web site.