Frequently
Asked
Questions
How is the Feldenkrais Method® different from yoga?
"Unlike yoga, the Feldenkrais Method does not require you to be flexible, nor does it involve stretching or holding any positions. It also does not involve any practice to perfect positions. Instead of repeating and holding set poses as in yoga, in a Feldenkrais® class you explore gentle and innovative movements as you learn to become aware of habits that may be causing you movement difficulties, inefficiencies, or pain. Many yoga devotees explore the Feldenkrais Method as a way to achieve postures that previously eluded them or that caused discomfort." (from The Feldenkrais Guild of North America)
What kind of approach is the Feldenkrais Method®?
The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education teaches a practice, a process, and a system for self-improvement. As a form of 'somatic education,' the practice is about learning to pay attention to one's actions. Awareness of one's habits and patterns and the self-knowledge that follows means that one change those patterns if we wish.
The Feldenkrais Method is a learning approach to becoming more present in one's life. Movement is the vehicle for helping students become more aware of mind/body unity. The Feldenkrais Method is not a treatment, adjustment, or exercise program. Instead, this somatic approach "is based on decades of research in physics, neuroscience, biomechanics, learning theory, and human development to give you the means to help yourself. " (The Feldenkrais Guild of North America).
Though many people seek the support of a practitioner when they encounter problems such as injury, pain, and anxiety, there are many others who use the method to support them in staying flexible, creative, and generally connected to their life vitality. How one moves is linked to how one moves through life. Improvements will often enhance your thinking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving capabilities.
The Feldenkrais Guild of North America is a professional membership organization of The International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA).
How does one become certified as a Feldenkrais Method®
practitioner?
After successfully completing 160 days of training spread over at least 36 months, graduates are eligible to become certified by the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America. They maintain that certification by fulfilling continuing education and professional practice requirements each year.
More Info
& Resources
Visit feldenkrais.com or feldenkraisguild.com for general information on the Feldenkrais method.
Also, check out this short essay by David Zemach-Bersin The Feldenkrais Method: Movement in Mind.
Some of Moshe Feldenkrais' Titles
Awareness Through Movement provides an introduction to The Feldenkrais Method and includes theory as well as several lessons and illustrations.
The Elusive Obvious provides more information, explanation and examples of Feldenkrais' ideas and is my personal favorite.
The Case of Nora is Moshe Feldenkrais' account of his work with a writer named Nora who recovered and healed from a stroke.
Embodied Wisdom is a collection of interviews and articles with Dr. Feldenkrais.
Recent, Relevant Titles
The Brain's Way of Healing by Norman Doidge M.D. includes two chapters describing the method, aspects of Dr. Feldenkrais' background which contributed to his discovery, and stories of people whose lives were touched by the method.
Mindful Spontaneity by Ruthy Alon is a highly accessible, enjoyable, and instructive explanation of the work and includes lessons.
Pain is Really Strange by Steve Haines does not address the method but it is an engaging explanation of pain research and why learning variations of movement using curiosity and exploration are helpful for those who experience pain. The book is part of a series addressing the research and suggested practices to move through anxiety, trauma, touch, and, as explained above, pain.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk M.D. explains how evolving neuroscience research links recovering from traumatic experience with body awareness and movement approaches.