What
does the Feldenkrais Method® do?
The Feldenkrais
Method uses movement as a resource for learning how to achieve a pain
free existence, better musical, artistic and athletic performance
and recovery from trauma and neurological impairments.
It was
developed by physicist and judo master Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. Through
research and through the process of recovering from his own debilitating
injuries, he found a way to utilize principles of human movement,
development and learning to create new, more efficient patterns of
self-use.
The
Feldenkrais Method is practiced in two applications:
•
Awareness Through Movement® classes which consists of easy-to-do
movement lessons. These movements address all aspects of human functioning
and are of benefit to everyone. They build new skills with ease, using
as a foundation what the students do well, without promoting the feeling
of inadaquacy and without the exhausting struggle that comes from
imposing on ourselves someone else’s idea of perfection.
•
Functional Integration® is a gentle, effective hands-on approach
that addresses serious muscular-skeletal and neurological problems,
chronic tension and pain, developmental delays and learning issues
in children. It is personalized and improvised for each individual.
What
Benefits Can You Expect?
Because
Feldenkrais sessions are individually formatted for each student,
the benefits are as varied as the students themselves. Some of the
benefits commonly experienced are:
•
Reduced pain
•
New ways of coping with stress
•
Increased range of movement
•
Enhanced athletic and artistic performance
•
Prevention of performance related injuries
•
Greater ease and pleasure in physical activities
•
Quicker recovery of abilities following trauma
•
Increased mental clarity
To read two articles
by a Princeton University professor about his experience with repetitive stress
injury and the Feldenkrais Method please click here to go to the "links" section of
the Contacts page.
“The Feldenkrais Method has provided me with the critical
insights and experiences to free my body from the constant aches and
pains that plagued me and led me to Feldenkrais. With the fusion of
4 vertebrae 25 years ago, I was forced to tolerate back, hip and neck
discomfort and curtail some of my favorite exercise and parenting
activities. Aliza and Feldenkrais led me to understand the correct
way to carry myself, move and understand my body so that I can take
pleasure in the most mundane aspects of life that previously caused
me pain.”
- Gail Fishman
museum manager
“Since
beginning Awareness through Movement and Functional Integration lessons
with Aliza, I am in a place of re-discovery regarding movement. As
a career dancer & teacher, I am no longer feeling daily discomfort
from the over-use of muscle groups, and I am more efficient with teaching
movement.. I truly believe that whatever you are pursuing in life,
Feldenkrais can help you achieve your goal in a clear & gentle
way through internal and external awareness”.
- Liese Weber-Frutchey
Dancer, teacher, choreographer
“Aliza
Stewart has taught me a new way of thinking about movement as a therapeutic
tool. She has given me ideas and techniques Aliza to help my patients
self-correct. Her teaching style is open and natural, and allows me
to learn how to be responsible for myself.”
- Cindy Tipping
Physical Therapist
