About The Feldenkrais Method
and Awareness Through Movement

The Feldenkrais Method is based on recent findings in neuroscience, biomechanics, and psychology. This unique system of over 1,000 movement sequences utilizes the power of the nervous system to improve and learn. It is distinguished by its quick and remarkable results, which are achieved without any strain or exertion. There are over 3,000 Feldenkrais practitioners worldwide, working in physical education, the performing arts, sports training and the healing arts.  It has has two components:

Awareness Through Movement ® (ATM) and Functional Integration® (FI)

ATM classes are usually taught in a group, usually while lying comfortably on the floor, or sitting in a chair. Functional Integration lessons are custom designed for one-on-one work and incorporate gentle non-invasive touch.

Benefits of the Feldenkrais Method

• dramatic increase in self-awareness
   
• effortless posture and breathing
   
• more graceful walking, improved balance
   
• decrease in everyday aches and pains
   
• more comprehensive recovery from injury, surgery, or overuse problems
   
• increased energy and flexibility
   
• feeling taller and lighter
   
• improved mood and mental alertness
   
• smarter movement decisions
   
• more restful sleep
   

TOPICS in the Feldenkrais Method . . .
Aging Concerns:  Old dogs CAN learn new tricks!

We all understand that, as small children, we learn to do many things through movement.  We learn to roll over, that enables us to crawl.  We learn to crawl, that enables us to stand (and some say it impacts our ability to read!).  So, we know that human beings can learn by moving.  It appears that specific movements actually create neurological events which result in the creation of a kind of infrastructure on which all our subsequent functions will be built.  A common erroneous assumption is that we lose the capacity for this kind of learning once we're past childhood!  In fact, we can always learn to improve our movement -- and even to impact our thinking -- by moving.  The entire field of somatic education -- of which the Feldenkrais Method is a preeminent example -- is based on exploring and exploiting this capacity. 

According to a study by researchers at Juvenon, an emerging nutraceutical company, the leading age-related health concern for two out of three baby boomers is “deteriorating physical condition.”  And for good reason.  The experience of middle age makes it only too apparent that the old adage “Use it or Lose It” is verifiable!  Not only do we have to be proactive to make progress in our health and fitness – we have to do so just to break even.  The good news is that accepting this as reality can motivate us to work on creating lifestyle changes -- rather  than merely engaging in short bursts of healthy activity.  It’s what we do repeatedly – and what we do not do – that has the greatest influence.

To paraphrase Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais in his seminal work Body and Mature Behavior , “Old age…begins with self-imposed restrictions on forming new body patterns.”   We may simply stop doing things – such as sitting on the floor, dancing, crawling, or jumping.  Soon these actions become impossible to perform!  This is common sense.  However, what’s not widely understood is that “the resumption and reintegration of even these simple actions has a marked rejuvenating effect not only on the mechanics of the body, but on the personality as a whole.” 

Mark Reese*, a Certified Feldenkrais Trainer® from San Francisco, says it differently.  “While growing older is inevitable, many of the negative attributes we attach to aging are not. “  He points to some fascinating research about the way that people walk as they get older. 

“If we look at someone walking in the distance, how do we guess their age?  By their posture and gait.  When a person’s gait is lively, confident and agile, it gives the impression of youth.  If their gait is slow, stiff or uncertain it connotes age.  However, a recent research study about differences in gait patterns between people aged 30 to 75 is instructive.  Contrary to the expectations of some, there were no age-related differences in the gait of various age groups, if factors of disease and injury were ruled out.  Healthy individuals walk essentially the same way at age 35 and age 75.  It has been our experience that by using Feldenkrais movement re-training for individuals in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, it is usually possible to restore a more youthful gait, even with individuals who have a history of problems.”

What does this say for us who are in our middle years?  The frequent use of Feldenkrais lessons may also help us to keep from backsliding in the first place. 

Visit Mark Reese at www.feldenkraislearning.com

"Feldenkrais", "Functional Integration," "Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner," and "Awareness Through Movement" are registered service marks of the Feldenkrais Guild.