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FELDENKRAIS METHOD FACTFILE

This method also referred to as ‘functional integration’ concentrates on slow, precise movement sequences, which engages your brain through your body and nervous system.  This method enables muscles to move outside of their normal pattern, as the neuromuscular system activates more parts of your brain.  The functional integration movement is practically focused and about discovering how to create movement within your body more easily and consistently, which results in improved physical functioning in everyday activities.
The Feldenkrais method is beneficial for musicians, dancers and artists as it aids their movement repertoire and awareness, whilst also being valuable for individuals seeking to minimize pain or limitations in moving their body.  In addition this method can be utilized to promote general wellbeing, personal development and as a means for enhancing self awareness, through developing an individuals choices and how they respond within different areas of their life: relationships, intellectual tasks and emotions; and furthermore at any level, from a severe disorder to professional performances.  The Feldenkrais method holds the belief that separation doesn’t exist between mind and body and by learning and improving movements of your body, wellbeing is discovered on various levels.
As Feldenkrais practitioners don’t work from a medical model, they often don’t consider their work a ‘cure’ or ‘treatment’.  They are however working alongside the body, with the nervous system, to promote change and new discoveries for the client.

The Feldenkrais Method may alleviate the following physical and mental conditions:

Anxiety             Arthritis         Arts Professional Movement Enhancement     Asthma                     Athlete Performance Enhancement     Backache             Balance Disorders             Breathing Problems         Cerebral Palsy                 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome         Chronic Pain             Coordination Problems             Depression                 Headaches                 Immobility             Inflexibility                 Insomnia         Lower Back Pain

Migraines Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Muscle Pain/Stiffness Neck Pain/Stiffness Neuromuscular Disorders Occupational Overuse Syndrome Over-Contracted Muscles Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Scoliosis/Spinal Injuries Sports Injuries Sports Performance Enhancement Strains/Sprains Stress – Emotional/Physical Stroke Tendonitis/Tennis Elbow Whiplash

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM FELDENKRAIS SESSIONS

At your initial session, the practitioner will spend time with you ascertaining the areas where you need relief.  A clear and deep explanation of the area of pain, when it causes discomfort, what if any relief works and how long it has been occurring is important to the practitioner.  During this session you may be asked to walk around the room and you will also be observed sitting down and how you rise from a chair.
Sessions last approx 45 minutes to an hour.  Usually a client is asked to lie down on a low padded table in the office, but you may also be asked to sit or stand for your appointment.  The practitioner will move your body in small ways, by perhaps raising one of your limbs and rock it forwards and backwards.  During your work with the practitioner no pain should be felt as the movements performed by the practitioner are within the range that the body allows.  The belief is that the body absorbs the information and you don’t need to consciously process it, the client can freely close their eyes and ‘zone out’.  If at any point something is uncomfortable tell your practitioner straight away.
At the conclusion of the appointment the practitioner may ask you if you feel differently and if you do, how.  Furthermore the practitioner may ask you if they can observe you walking again.  A long-standing discomfort or pain shouldn’t be expected to be resolved after the initial session.  If you are happy with the results from your initial appointment, then a commitment to weekly or semi-weekly sessions can be discussed, your practitioner will advise you on approximately how many sessions would see a resolution for you.

FINDING A QUALIFIED FELDENKRAIS PRACTITIONER

Most people find Feldenkrais methods relaxing as their energy and quality of movement increases.  It is also extremely safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner.  It is wise to carry out some research and select a practitioner who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the NZ Feldenkrais Guild.  Feldenkrais teachers are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.
The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Feldenkrais practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

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