1. How is the
Feldenkrais Method® different than yoga
and Pilates?
Feldenkrais
focuses on function rather than form
and does not have a goal of attaining
an ideal body type or physical construction.
The Feldenkrais Method is intended to
improve the sensibility, awareness and
quality of movement through one's own
body feedback rather than teaching predefined
or static forms. Most people have difficulty
feeling their body and try to move better
without improving their sensory skills.
This has absolute limitations. A musician
can't play music unless they can feel
and hear the music and make fine distinctions.
Feldenkrais does not have a goal to achieve "correct" positions
as with yoga, but rather seeks to develop
a more dexterous, painless and efficient
body in motion.
2.
What ailments does The Feldenkrais Method
improve?
Feldenkrais
is not intended to cure disease or disabilities.
Instead, the Feldenkrais Method is an
effective way to learn about and improve
physical limitations through freedom
of movement. Because the Feldenkrais
Method provides relief from many ailments
caused by various neurological or physical
disorders, Feldenkrais enhances the quality
of living. To see a list of some of the
therapeutic applications for Feldenkrais, click
here.
3.
What role does Feldenkrais have in health
care or medicine?
Feldenkrais
techniques are widely used in physical
therapy and occupational therapy. From
common problems such as muscle injuries,
back pain and arthritis, to more complex
cases involving learning disabilites,
pediatrics and gerontology, the method
offers a highly effective form of co-therapy.
Sports medicine and nursing are also
discovering many remarkable benefits
for their patients.
4.
How come I haven't heard more about Feldenkrais
until now?
Feldenkrais
is relatively new. It has only existed
for 50 years since Moshe
Feldenkrais (1904-1984) originated
the method
and began
teaching it directly to a small number
of students, including Frank
Wildman, PhD. Today, the Feldenkrais
Movement Institute has steadily increased
awareness of The Feldenkrais Method through
its certification
training programs and workshops offered
in the United States, Europe and Australia.
5.
Do I need treatment from a practitioner
or can I do it myself?
Like most
forms of learning, Feldenkrais is best
done in combination with proper and experienced
guidance as well as through self-learning.
The complexity and immediacy of the need
will often determine which is best suited
to the individual.
For private
consultation, you may contact Frank Wildman,
CFT, PhD by clicking here.
6.
How do I learn The Feldenkrais Method?
Awareness
Through Movement lessons are typically
taught in a group setting with over
one thousand lessons available. Functional
Integration is a hands-on approach
where a practitoner gives personalized
care directly to the individual. Both
of these approaches can be learned
through training programs and seminars
provided by the Feldenkrais Movement
Institute. For anyone wanting to learn
Feldenkrais lessons on their own, comprehensive
audio tapes, books and videos are available
for self study through The Feldenkrais
Movement Institute's website.
7.
What is a certified Feldenkrais practitioner?
A certified
Feldenkrais practitioner is one who has
successfully completed a 4-year intensive
training program approved by the Feldenkrais
Guild. The Feldenkrais Movement Institute
offers these programs in the US, Europe
and Australia.
8.
How do I find a certified practitioner?
If you visit
or reside in the San Francisco Bay Area,
New York, or Sydney, Australia you can
write The Feldenkrais
Movement Institute or call (800)
342-3424 for availability. Otherwise,
you may contact the Feldenkrais
Guild of North
America at (541)
926-0981.
9.
Can I learn without years of studying
or investing a lot of money?
10.
What are reasons to become a certified
Feldenkrais practitioner?
Many people
find that their interest in The Feldenkrais
Method allows them to help others while
fulfilling their own goals of personal
development. Some desire deeper study,
a supplemental income, their own business,
or to integrate their career with health
care, or the arts. If you wish to learn
more about becoming a certified Feldenkrais
practitioner, please see our certification
training programs.
