Overcoming Obstacles  -The Feldenkrais Method-

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 Written by Marissa Hoen | August 14th 2020

As a practicing massage therapist and kinesiology student, I have been exposed to many styles of movement and ‘body-mind’ therapies such as tai chi, yoga, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and craniosacral therapy. I see value in all of these therapies, and believe they have their time and place. There is one method however, that really excites the lazy person in me, as it requires very little effort to feel the results. In fact, the less effort you apply while moving through a Feldenkrais lesson, the better.

What is the Feldenkrais Method?

“The Feldenkrais approach uses a series of slow, gentle, and varied movements. These movement lessons guide patients to not only adopt more functionally efficient movement patterns, but also to promote motor learning”.1 

What are some of the benefits?1

  • Improving balance

  • Decrease in pain

  • Improving mobility and comfort

  • A greater sense of enjoyment in movement

  • Many more!

Key components to a Feldenkrais lesson2: 

  1. “Start within your comfort zone, and make it even more comfortable”

  2. “Not too easy, not too hard. Pick an interesting challenge within your reach.”

  3. “Move away from your desired place, and come back to it from different angles”

  4. “Play with it. Connect it to what you know, make it your own.”

If there is a certain movement skill that you are trying to learn, such as walking, hula hooping, or rolling over in bed, and have reached a plateau in your progression, Feldenkrais may be a great new addition to your exercise plan. If you want to try a lesson in the comfort of your own home, search YouTube for endless Feldenkrais classes- but make sure to stay safe within your comfort zone! 

What does a Feldenkrais lesson look like?

  • Most of the lessons involve movements performed while lying on the floor or while in a seated position to take out the extra muscle engagement that is needed when standing.

  • The practitioner will guide you through movements verbally in an ‘Awareness Through Movement’ class or more hands on in a one-on-one ‘Functional Integration’

  • While you move gently and in different ways you will be cued to focus your awareness on different parts of your body, which helps in the motor learning process.

References

  1. The Feldenkrais Method as an Essential Adjunct to Physical Therapy. Gentle, Evidence-Based Neuromuscular Re-education for Balance Improvement, Coordination Training, and Musculoskeletal Pain Relief. Paul McAndrew. 

  2. A Feldenkrais Lesson for the Beginner Scientist: Professor Dorit Aharonov at TEDxJaffa  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FUlRjBcGGE

    Image Credit: https://wdrfree.com/stock-vector/vrksasana