The Feldenkrais method is a somatic therapy named after Moshe Feldenkrais and designed to help people reconnect with their bodies and move more freely.

It is a method of working with the body, based on the natural learning ability of our nervous system.

He formulated his ideas about the necessity of changing the relationship between spirit and body into a wide and rounded system of exercises based on a kind of life philosophy, such that many consider him a pioneer in this field, a great teacher and healer.

The Feldenkrais Method is based on fundamental ideas in human development and incorporates biomechanics and physics.

People who have restricted, painful, or otherwise limited movement due to an injury, chronic pain, or other physical or neurological reasons can benefit from Feldenkrais therapy.

It improves flexibility and coordination while also lowering muscle tension and pain.

This cutting-edge technique promises to reach deep into the nervous system to encourage change and liberation from hard-to-break habits that might interfere with daily function or well-being.

The focus is on the nervous system

The approach is founded on the idea that every neurological system is unique, just like every individual.

The fundamental principles of the Feldenkrais method emphasize the importance of the function of the nervous system

By acting on the development of the nervous system, biomechanical optimization is achieved, i.e. better movement organization. 

This can be achieved thanks to the ability of the nervous system to reorganize. 

Practical work emphasizes an individual approach to the process of self-learning.

The method uses the innate ability of the nervous system to sense the body and its environment and learn from that information how to perform movements in a new, improved way.

With the Feldenkrais method, we can increase the range of motion, improve posture, improve flexibility and coordination, and achieve ease of movement through controlled muscle inhibition.^[1]

Learning this method is a process in which we mature both psychologically and motorically, just like babies who develop psychometrically primarily in the first year but also later during childhood.

In practice

With new ways to move, you can better understand what repetitive movements or postures are causing you discomfort. It also helps you understand the pain.

As it can help people identify and examine their cognition, intention, and attention abilities and patterns, movement is a crucial component in the process of determining the relationship between development and adaptation.

The approach’s main objective is to alleviate physical discomfort or movement restrictions for those who are suffering, while also teaching them coping mechanisms for chronic pain-causing conditions. ^[2]

There are two ways to apply the Feldenkrais method: ATM (Awareness Through Movement) and FI (Functional integration). 

• ATM (Awareness Through Movement)

In the ATM format, the instructor organizes the lessons around a particular subject (such as rotations, flexion, extension, coordination, and balance) and gives instructions orally. The performers then personally carry out the instructions, forming the amplitude and paths-trajectories of the movements. They attempt to optimize movement by changing the precise neuro-physiological parameters that movement engrams are based on in this way, using their own perception of the body and space. As a result, coordination and execution efficiency has improved.

• FI (Functional integration)

Represents individual work with the patient. In this format, the instructor uses his hands to explore the patient’s movement options and potential obstacles, provides guidance, and develops solutions for specific body parts. Everything is done slowly so that, despite the patient’s sometimes-appearing biomechanical passivity, the patient’s neurological system is actually receiving the instructor’s instructions and incorporating them into new motor behavior. This format is actually an input that has the potential to change the pattern and improve the functionality of the movement.

Conclusion

The Feldenkrais method has numerous advantages that show up in both physical and mental health. 

The Feldenkrais method’s ability to communicate with our nervous system is what makes it special and beautiful.

The technique can be used to prevent negative effects and injuries by carefully listening to ourselves in the present moment, sensitivity and softness towards oneself and others, as well as successfully reducing or even removing various pains and discomforts in some parts of the body, relaxing muscles, mitigating the negative effects of stress, increasing the functionality and mobility of the locomotor system, etc.

When I employ this technique with my clients, I first make sure they feel secure and at ease before reaching out to them in a way that avoids pressuring them by listing all of the things they are unable to do. Instead, I focus on what movement they can actually do.

The client will eventually be prepared to move beyond what he already knows and begin to focus on his feelings as he performs a movement.