The Feldenkrais Method®
What is the Feldenkrais Method®?
Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais was a physicist, a judo master and a soccer player. He studied his own movement in order to heal from a knee injury. This led him to find a way that helps others recover from injuries. It is to help people with many other pain and movement issues.
The tools are movement, touch and imagination. These are used to show students how to move with more ease and grace. To move in this way reduces body aches and pains, to move freely, and feel good.
How is it practiced?
1 Awareness Through Movement®
This is a group class. They talk you through a series of gentle actions to help you have a better sense of your body. You will become aware of habits and places that feel rigid, while you find better ways to move.
2 Functional Integration®
This is a one-on-one lesson to meet your needs. With words and gentle touch, they can guide you in a process that leads to be more at ease with your body.
How can this Method help me?
It may help you in a number of ways.
Movement
It may help as part of your treatment from stroke, MS, or other neurological issues. It can also help athletes, musicians, dancers, and actors to improve their skills of movement, flexibility, balance and coordination.
Pain
It can help decrease muscle or joint pain that are the result of injuries.
Mood
Many people have a feeling of well being after lessons. If you are being treated for anxiety or depression it may help these symptoms.
Who practices Feldenkrais?
Find a certified Feldenkrais practitioner through the Feldenkrais Guild of North America. Practitioners have over 800 hours of formal training over the course of 4 years.
If you would like to speak to a certified Feldenkrais practitioner contact UW Health Integrative Medicine at 608-263-7936.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 01/28/2013
Copyright © 01/28/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6873
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