Feldenkrais

The Feldenkrais method

is based on a pedagogical concept of movement with an aim to correct posture and movement disorders.

Moshé Feldenkrais (1904-1984) was a physicist and an enthusiastic judo devotee. A persistent knee injury encouraged him to explore awareness techniques through self-observation. He taught himself a different form of walking which enabled him to move around pain free.

Moshé Feldenkrais emphasised that his method was not a treatment which prevented or treated diseases but was more a method to generally improve life quality. It strengthened self- awareness and as a positive side effect, it could sometimes improve symptoms of diseases.

The idea behind the Feldenkrais method

is not to treat per se but to educate.  In general it starts with a one to one session where the student has a passive role and the teacher shows the student how to move. In a group session the student is asked to actively carry out the movements himself. The aim is to increase awareness of the movements. It is necessary that the student continues to practise the exercises alone to achieve long term results.

The Feldenkrais method can be used in various fields. It first starts with an improvement in movement techniques. Therefore, the Feldenkrais method is quite often used in cases of pain and movement disorders. In general it leads to an improved posture and coordination. It is also great for relaxation and stress relief.

On a subconscious level, the Feldenkrais method has an effect on personal development and emotional wellbeing by improving learning ability and increasing self-esteem and self-acceptance. Overall it gives greater flexibility to the body in both a physical and psychological sense.