What We Do — Feldenkrais for People
The Feldenkrais Method offers two somatically based approaches to education and self-inquiry. These approaches use gentle movement and directed attention to re-educate the nervous system and improve function as well as range and quality of movement. We begin to resolve habitual patterns brought on by stress, misuse, accident, or illness. Through learning to perceive, sense and think outside our normal habits, we restore lost movement options and expand our self-knowledge. This expanded sense of self often results in enhanced functioning in other aspects of our lives. In this way, we live our lives more fully, efficiently, and comfortably.
Functional Integration® Communicating through touch and words, the practitioner guides you through slow, safe movements that provide new learning to your neuro-muscular system.
People often experience immediate improvements in function, lightness of movement, and freedom from chronic discomforts. They also report feelings of relaxation and ease and find their thoughts have more clarity. New sensory-motor skill can be acquired at any age, and regardless of your condition.
Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) consists of verbally guided sequences and combinations of movements taught primarily to groups. These gentle lessons guide you through novel movement sequences in basic positions, including sitting or lying on the floor, standing, or sitting in a chair.
Often, you are invited to examine muscle tone, breathing, skeletal relationships, and the quality of your movement. These movement explorations involve thinking, sensing, moving and imagining.
The lessons challenge your brain to find new connections and movement pathways bringing about enhanced awareness and expansion of movement patterns, greater mobility and flexibility, fuller breathing, and an increased sense of well-being. As muscle patterns unwind and clarify, pain decreases and performance improves. The lessons provide a means to “know what you are doing, so that you can do what you want.”
Who Comes to Feldenkrais?
Feldenkrais benefits everyone, including:
- People with pain and dysfunction through overuse, misuse and neglect, as well as those who want to move more gracefully
- Those that sit or stand for long periods or those engaged in repetitive motion
- Those dealing with central nervous system conditions, such as, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and strokes
- Professional musicians, athletes, equestrians, and dancers looking to refine and improve their abilities
- People seeking to recover from physical and emotional injury and/or trauma
- Anyone looking to improve his or her physical and emotional potential