The Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is a system of somatic education. More precisely,
it uses basic human movement to explore habit patterns with a view to changing
behaviour.
We think, we feel, we sense and we move. We make decisions based on
incoming as well as past sensory information and we express these decisions
in the way we act (ie move) in the world. Over time, much of our behaviour
becomes habitual and repetitive and we seem to loose the freedom to respond
differently to situations. Our past experience often dictates our present
responses and the FM specifically is designed to offer the opportunity to observe
our behaviour (using movement) and discover new ways to function.
The FM is specifically an educational modality, meaning that LEARNING to
MOVE differently is the key to change. It is not a therapy although it is very
successfully used in a rehabilitation and therapeutic context.
MOSHE FELDENKRAIS (1904-1984) is the originator of the FM. He was
a Russian born Israeli who graduated from the Sorbonne with a Doctorate in
Applied Physics. He was also a Judo black belt and responsible for
introducing this martial art to the west. After a soccer injury which damaged
his knee he spent his life studying the structure and function of the human
body and the relationship between human development, education and
movement.
Feldenkrais concluded that behaviour is learned. From the time we are born
movement is the key to self expression. As babies we have to learn to suck
in order to feed; we learn to roll onto our backs and bellies and we have to
learn to crawl before we can balance our own weight appropriately to achieve
verticality. We proceed through many developmental stages which provide the
opportunity for mistakes and corrections. Sometimes the corrections are
overlooked and compensated for by the body which over time and possibly
many years later, produce our dysfunction or pain.
Babies spend a lot of time entranced with their surroundings. They
strike things, make noises, reach and roll which to adults appears to be play;
but in fact the child is engaged in learning ways to control and master its
environment. As adults, once we become upright and mobile it is as if our
task of learning is over. Further exploration into improving our movement or
functional potential stops. Of course movement exploration and functional
excellence is expected of such people as artists, performers, musicians and
athletes but for the rest of us, being able to move around and
operate within the limits of our particular world is all that is expected.
In a sense, we stop learning.
Feldenkrais' main interest was the freedom to choose our responses. He
did not see automatic habits as 'bad'. He simply realised that we have
lost our ability to choose and become stuck, since these habits lock us into
behaviour that is limiting and ultimately physically painful. Automaticity is
reversible and can build on the possibility that countless options are available
for self expression which in turn can produce physical and emotional comfort.
"There is nothing permanent about our behaviour
patterns, except our belief that they are so." (Moshe Feldenkrais)
Practitioners of the FM are not therapists and they see 'clients', not 'patients'.
They undergo a 4 year intensive, experiential training programme
allowing them to teach AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT CLASSES
(group lessons) and FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION (individual lessons).
AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT CLASSES - the group class
is usually taught on a weekly basis. The practitioner verbally guides the class
through a planned movement sequence. Attention is drawn to the process
of each movement pattern and through very small gradations the individual will
learn to develop awareness, flexibility and improved co-ordination.
FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION - is a hands on process which addresses the
specific needs of an individual. The client stays clothed and lies on a low table.
The practitioner uses gentle touch to inform the body of holding patterns and
habits with the intention of learning new ways to move out of discomfort or pain.
The lessons always end by applying the learning to everyday functions such as
reaching, bending, sitting, walking, standing, etc.
BENEFITS - The FM is beneficial to everyone from babies and children through
to senior citizens. Dancers, musicians, athletes and actors can address injuries
or simply enhance and heighten their performance potential through increased
body awareness. Others who are involved in repetitive work tasks such as
computer operating, desk work or manual labour will benefit from reducing
physical stress, stiffness, pain and strain. The FM is also very useful to
those suffering from strokes, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, motor accident
injuries, rehabilitation and post-operative conditions.
Generally there will be an increase in clarity of thinking, improved ability to
solve creative problems, better posture, increased breathing capacity, enhanced
self image and range of movement.
"The aim is a body that is organised to move with minimum
effort and maximum efficiency, not through muscular strength
but increased consciousness of how it works." (Moshe Feldenkrais)
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