What is the Feldenkrais Method?
The Feldenkrais Method is a holistic approach to the body based on awareness through movement and functional integration.
It aims to improve dysfunction and reveal potential.
Like Anti-gymnastics, Alexander Technique and others, it is part of a family of approaches commonly referred to as "gentle gymnastics" and more appropriately called somatic education.
It is recognised as being risk-free, requiring no special effort and can help children, adults and the elderly alike.
The main principles
The method is based on two main components: perception through movement (PCM) and functional integration (FI).
FI sessions are done individually and use touch, while PCM sessions are done in groups and aim to help people focus on their inner sensations and get to know themselves better.
According to Feldenkrais, incomplete or impaired motor functioning leaves its mark on all biological functions, such as breathing or digestion, and even on how we make love or behave in society.
Feldenkrais is not about "fixing" someone, but about engaging them in a process of discovery that allows them to find their own functionality.
In fact, most adults do not use "their mechanism" optimally.
The optimal functioning of this mechanism depends to a large extent on the mobility between the different segments of the body.
The Feldenkrais Method focuses on the relative mobility between these different segments.
It uses some simple self-education strategies to improve this mobility.
It is used by people who are struggling with pain or motor dysfunction, but also by people who want to make better use of their bodies.
Benefits of the Feldenkrais Method
Not exactly a therapy, the Feldenkrais Method is not indicated for the treatment of a specific health problem, but it can be used as a complementary approach (in parallel with treatment) for various conditions.
Supporting functional rehabilitation
Case studies have shown that the Feldenkrais Method is a potentially useful adjunct to rehabilitation or recovery from injury or surgery. Although Feldenkrais sessions appear to be safe in most cases, people with chronic illnesses, recent injuries or recovering from surgery should consult their doctor before beginning a Feldenkrais therapy programme.
Improving the psychological state of people with multiple sclerosis
The results of a randomised clinical trial of 20 people with multiple sclerosis showed an improvement in depression and anxiety in patients who practised the Feldenkrais Method for eight weeks. On the other hand, there were no benefits to the patients' symptoms or functional capacity from practising the method.
Improving body awareness in people with eating disorders
A randomised clinical trial in patients with eating disorders compared a group of patients using the Feldenkrais Method with a control group receiving standard treatment. The former were better at taming areas of the body that were perceived as 'problematic'. We also found that they had a greater sense of physical ease, which also translated into a better perception and acceptance of their bodies. However, it is not clear whether their eating habits changed.
Improving quality of life for people with musculoskeletal disorders
A randomised clinical trial was carried out on 78 patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The results show that the Feldenkrais Method is more beneficial than conventional therapy in improving patients' quality of life. However, there are no results to indicate whether the Feldenkrais Method is superior or equivalent to other forms of therapy regularly used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
Improving physical well-being
This method would improve flexibility and mobility (neck, shoulders, back, hips, legs), reduce pain and discomfort caused by neuromuscular problems, increase efficiency of movement, and develop better sensory perception (ability to hear oneself in relation to the environment).
Feldenkrais in practice
The Specialist
The Feldenkrais Practitioner is first and foremost a teacher. He or she may practise as a freelancer, as an employee, or as a volunteer within an organisation.
One-session course
Depending on the nature of the problem or need, Feldenkrais can be practised in individual or group sessions.
In a one-to-one session, the client sits at a large low table while the practitioner manually guides him or her through a series of precise movements. Some of the exercises can be done sitting or standing. Slowly, the practitioner lifts, supports and gently moves the head, torso, arms and legs - unlike the usual gestures, and sometimes incongruously.
For example, having identified a spasm or tension in a muscle, the practitioner will use touch to suggest a healthier way for the body to move. In Feldenkrais terms, this manual rehabilitation is called Functional Integration (FI). If desired and possible, the session can take place in a heated pool.
In group sessions, the teacher directs very varied, often unusual, sequences or combinations of movements that lead individuals to become aware of their stiffness and to discover other ways of moving. These are focused and precise 'gestural explorations' that involve thought and imagination as well as sensory experience.
Some sequences are based on functional activities, others on little explored joint possibilities; some gestures are small, others large; some sequences are short and simple, others more complex. The idea of play is often present; attention is always required. This form of Feldenkrais group is called Awareness Through Movement.
Contraindications to the Feldenkrais Method
There are no contraindications to the Feldenkrais Method, except of course if you have multiple fractures.