The Feldenkrais Method® is named after its originator, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc., a Russian born physicist, judo expert, mechanical engineer and educator. It is a form of Somatic Education that
uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. The Feldenkrais Method is an approach to working with people, which expands their repertoire of movements, enhances
awareness, improves function and enables people to express themselves more fully. This method is used to increase ease and range of motion, improve flexibility and coordination, and rediscover the innate
capacity for graceful, efficient movement. These improvements will often generalize to enhance functioning in other aspects of life.
The Feldenkrais Method is based on principles of physics, biomechanics and an empirical understanding of learning and human development. The method utilizes the fact that the body is the primary vehicle for
learning. By expanding the self-image through movement sequences that bring attention to the parts of the self that are out of awareness, the method enables a person to include more of him or herself in
functioning movements. Students become more aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and rigidities and expand options for new ways of moving. By allowing people to learn how their whole body cooperates in any
movement, this method assists people to live their lives more fully, efficiently and comfortably.
The improvement of physical functioning is not necessarily an end in itself. Such improvement is based on developing a broader functional awareness, which is often a gateway to more generalized enhancement of
physical functioning in the context of the environment and life.
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