We are always in movement - even sitting at the computer involves a complex series of signals throughout the nervous system that keeps the mouse moving, the toes tapping, the forehead wrinkling. These habitual movements help get the job done - the foot knowing when to step on the brakes, the hand knowing how to hold the toothbrush. But many of these habits also cause pain and limitation. Hunched shoulders, grinding teeth, tense lower back are just a few examples of what Moshe Feldenkrais called parasitic habits. Sometimes an illness or an injury have forced the development of compensatory habits - they help you through a portion of recovery, and then they create greater problems.

Research has proven that the nervous system can learn to create new patterns, new "neural pathways" for a more rewarding life. It does this most effectively through movement - the language of the body. The Feldenkrais Method® uses subtle, sophisticated movements to teach people how to literally reorganize themselves - improve range of motion, reduce pain and live a fuller life. Students can take group classes, called Awareness Through Movement® lessons, or work one on one (Functional Integration® lessons.) Both approaches are extremely safe and pleasant learning experiences for any level of movement ability - from severe limitation to peak performance.

Here are some of the more common questions asked about The Feldenkrais Method:

Where did the name come from?

The Feldenkrais Method was developed over 40 years of research by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. He was a scientist and an athlete, as well as one of the first Europeans to earn a black belt in Judo. He combined his rigorous scientific approach to the study of movement in order to explore how we learn and how to improve our lives.

Is it strenuous?

No. Both Awareness Through Movement lessons, which are taught in a group setting, and Functional Integration lessons, which are taught one on one, are slow, gentle explorations of movement that can be done by anyone, at any level.

How does it work?

Because the movements are not physically demanding, they are able to interfere with habits you may have developed - some since childhood, some due to injuries - that are now causing problems in your life. The Feldenkrais teacher guides your attention, either verbally, or through gentle touch. You begin to learn more functional habits that your nervous system then incorporates, improving range of movement, breathing and quality of life. Because everyone learns at one's own pace, the changes are often gradual, but most people feel some improvement even after one lesson.

What do we do?

An Awareness Through Movement class can take place lying, sitting or standing, although most often they are done lying down. You may be on your back, side, or stomach depending on the movement sequence being explored. The teacher gives clear, verbal directions. There is little to no demonstration. Your quality of movement is based on your experience of yourself, not some outside model. The teacher is there to guide you toward a greater awareness of HOW you do things. You will not lose weight doing these movements, although you may discover a change in attitude towards your eating habits! In a Functional Integration lesson, the student may either sit or lie on a low table, fully clothed, while the teacher guides the student's awareness of movement through touch. The lesson is often silent, although some verbal direction takes place. The touch is gentle and non-invasive. In both experiences, the teacher creates a safe and nurturing environment for maximum learning.

I have a lot of pain, and severe movement limitations, can I still study the Feldenkrais Method?

Absolutely. The wonderful thing about the Feldenkrais Method is that it is about exploring learning strategies. If you have difficulty with one side, you can work with the other side. If you can't lie down, you can sit. And even if nothing moves, you can work with your imagination, creating new neural links that can improve your quality of life.

I feel great and perform at my peak. What can the Feldenkrais Method offer me?

There is always room for improvement. You can learn to do what you already do well, more easily, with less effort, so there is energy left over to go even further. Many of Feldenkrais' biggest adherents are professionals who strive to be their best - Yehudi Menuhin, Martina Navratilova, Whoopi Goldberg are just a few. Weight lifters find the weights seem lighter, tennis players, golfers find their swing more effortless, runners go further and performing artists feel they can dance or play the night away.

Can anyone teach The Feldenkrais Method?

In order to become a certified teacher, you must graduate from a Guild accredited training. The training takes 800 - 1000 hours spread over 3 - 4 years. The Feldenkrais Method can only be taught by Guild Certified Teachers.

Where can I learn more?

The Feldenkrais Guild of North America has a great website - www.feldenkrais.com. You can find articles, interviews, faq sheets, even a couple of lessons that you can do at your computer. Books about The Feldenkrais Method:

Awareness Through Movement - Moshe Feldenkrais - This is a thorough introduction to The Feldenkrais Method written by its creator. It includes theory as well as several lessons and illustrations that are practical and easy to follow.

The Elusive Obvious -Moshe Feldenkrais - In this book Feldenkrais expands his ideas to include more about learning and how we can free ourselves from limits. An inspiring read.

The Potent Self - Moshe Feldenkrais - Published after Feldenkrais' death in 1984, this book goes deeply into the psychological connections to movement, how it related to sexuality and emotional development.

Awareness Heals - Steven Shafarman - Written by one of Feldenkrais' American students, Steven worked closely with Feldenkrais for several years. It is a practical book with many lessons and lots of illustrations.

Mindful Spontaneity- Ruthy Alon - Ruthy Alon was one of Feldenkrais' original students in Israel. She has written an elegant, delightful and very accessible introduction to the method.

Relaxercise: The Easy New Way to Health and Fitness - Mark Reese and David Zemach - Bersin - Both authors worked extensively with Feldenkrais. This is one of the most popular books of lessons available.

What Are You Afraid Of? A Body/Mind Guide to Courageous Living - Lavinia Plonka (click here for more info on this book)

Other recommended books:

The Thinking Body - Mabel Todd - Mabel Todd was an RN and a teacher in the 1920's. Her theories had a great influence on Feldenkrais as he was developing his method. It is a fascinating book to read, to see how much knowledge was around so many years ago that took so long to permeate our culture.

The Brain's Sense of Movement - Alain Berthold - A neuro-scientist fascinated with the brain, Berthold presents his research in this groundbreaking book. Although written for the layman, it is a dense read, but wonderful for "inquiring minds."

The Case of Nora - Moshe Feldenkrais - Nora was a writer unable to write after a stroke. This case study reads like a novel, a fascinating look at how Feldenkrais approached the processes of healing and learning.

The Busy Person's Guide To Easier Movement - Frank Wildman

Demonstration of Functional Integration®