Holistic Articles
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Feldenkrais Method ®
- Karen Toth
"..make the impossible possible, the possible easy, and the easy elegant." -Moshe Feldenkrais D.Sc.
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Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, a physicist, engineer and judo master, pioneered a learning system that uses
movement and awareness of self to bring about remarkable changes in the human mind and body.
Born in Russia in 1904, as a young man he developed a great interest in hypnosis and autosuggestion,
played soccer and was a weight lifter. Still in his early twenties he moved to Paris, France where he
earned a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering followed by a Doctor of Science in Physics.
In Paris he met Professor Kano, creator of modern Judo and the Minister of Education of Japan at the
time. Professor Kano chose Dr. Feldenkrais to train in judo and to open the first Judo club in Paris.
During World War II, Dr. Feldenkrais was recruited by the British, moved to the UK, and served as a
science officer.
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After suffering a debilitating knee injury, Dr Feldenkrais realized that surgery would not result in an
acceptable outcome. Instead, he began exploring ways to re-educate his body to move in new ways that
would work despite the damage to his knee.
He recovered full function and at the same time developed a new, scientifically-based method of movement
based on his understanding of the central nervous system, mechanics and physics.
From the early 1950s until his death in 1984, Dr. Feldenkrais devoted his time to developing his method
through personalized hands-on teaching. His method, which now includes hundreds of movement lessons,
makes it possible for the brain to organize action more effectively. By following his method, people
can continue to learn and improve throughout their lives, consistently making the impossible possible.
Today his training programs can be found all over the world.
Moshe in the 1970's doing a Functional Integration Lesson
The Feldenkrais Method® is known to :
- overcome pain
- create vitality
- retrain the nervous system
An Awareness through movement® session will help you fully understand how to walk with your weight
bearing on your skeleton. These sessions will create balance of posture in action. Posture is more than
an elegant pose; it is a correct relationship to gravity while sitting, standing and walking that makes
your movements effortless. The Feldenkrais system aims to locate your personal distortions, then
re-educates your neuromuscular system so it can release ineffective or stressful habits.
In an article Dr. Andrew Weil wrote, "I recommend The Feldenkrais Method® to my patients whose
movement has been restricted by injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain. It can
help older people achieve greater range of motion and flexibility and help all of us feel more comfortable
in our bodies."
http://www.stretchyourlife.com/
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