Feldenkrais Method

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Feldenkrais illustrating the function of the human skeleton in sitting.

The Feldenkrais Method, often referred to simply as "Feldenkrais", is a somatic educational system designed by Moshé Feldenkrais (1904–1984). Feldenkrais aims to reduce pain or limitations in movement, to improve physical function, and to promote general wellbeing by increasing students' awareness of themselves and by expanding students' movement repertoire.

Approach

Feldenkrais taught that increasing a person's kinesthetic and proprioceptive self-awareness of functional movement could lead to increased function, reduced pain, and greater ease and pleasure of movement. The Feldenkrais Method, like the Alexander Technique, is therefore a movement pedagogy as opposed to a manipulative therapy. The Method is experiential, providing tools for self-observation through movement enquiry.

Moshé Feldenkrais (pictured bottom) practising Judo, one of the major influences on his work.

Feldenkrais is used to improve movement patterns rather than to treat specific injuries or illnesses. However, because habitual and repetitive movement patterns can contribute towards and in some cases cause injury, pain, and physical dysfunction, the method is often regarded as falling within the field of integrative medicine or complementary medicine.[1]

Feldenkrais demonstrating Functional Integration
Students at the San Francisco Feldenkrais Practitioner Training doing an Awareness Through Movement lesson (1975)
Moshé Feldenkrais being interviewed with Margaret Mead and Karl Pribram at the San Francisco Feldenkrais Practitioner Training Program (1977)

Scientific studies

In 2005 a systematic review of randomized controlled trials found six published trials of the Feldenkrais Method, which addressed varied populations and interventions. Of the six trials, five reported positive benefits, and one reported no change. The review concluded that the emerging evidence at that time was "encouraging" but "by no means compelling". [2]

Certification by Feldenkrais Guild

To obtain the qualification of Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (CFP), Feldenkrais teachers complete 740–800 hours of training over a 3 to 4 year period. Professional standards are set internationally by the International Feldenkrais Federation. Feldenkrais practitioners are certified by a regional Feldenkrais Guild in one of seventeen countries,[3] and each guild maintains lists of practitioners.

References

  1. ↑ Herman, Carla J.; Allen, Peg; Hunt, William C.; Prasad, Arti; Brady, Teresa J. (2004). "Use of Complementary Therapies Among Primary Care Clinic Patients With Arthritis". Preventing Chronic Disease 1 (4): A12. PMC 1277952. PMID 15670444. 
  2. ↑ Ernst, E.; Canter, P. (2005). "The Feldenkrais Method - A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials". Physicalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin 15 (3): 151–156. 
  3. ↑ International Feldenkrais Federation list of guilds

Sources

  • Feldenkrais, Moshé (1991). Awareness Through Movement. London: Thorsons. ISBN 0062503227. 
  • Feldenkrais, Moshé (1981). The Elusive Obvious. Cupertino, Calif.: Meta Publications. ISBN 0-916990-09-5. 
  • Feldenkrais, Moshé (2006). The Potent Self: A Study of Spontaneity and Compulsion. Berkeley, Calif.: Frog Publications. ISBN 1-58394-068-5. 
  • Feldenkrais, Moshé (2005). Body and Mature Behaviour: a study of anxiety, sex, gravitation and learning. Berkeley, Calif.: North Atlantic Books U.S. ISBN 1-58394-068-5. 
  • Beringer, Elizabeth (2010). Embodied Wisdom: The Collected Papers of Moshé Feldenkrais. Berkeley, Calif.: North Atlantic Books U.S. ISBN 1556439067. 
  • Rywerant, Yochanan (2002). The Feldenkrais Method: Teaching by Handling. Basic Health Publications. ISBN 1591200229. 
  • Alon, Ruthy (1996). Mindful Sponaneity: Lessons in the Feldenkrais Method. Berkeley, Calif.: North Atlantic Books U.S. ISBN 1556431856. 
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike; additional terms may apply for the media files.