A process of capturing your attention through movement to reorganize your nervous system and reconnect to a whole & integrated sense of self.
What is the Feldenkrais Method®?
The Feldenkrais Method® is a form of somatic education that uses novel, gentle movement and directed attention to improve how we move and enhance our functioning. With this method, you can increase your range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful efficient use of your body without pain.
This method teaches you to include more of yourself in your movements. Students become aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and rigidities and learn to make different choices that bring freedom from pain, better balance, and a clearer sense of self. Over time, continuing to choose to move in these new ways, the brain rewires itself. This somatic experience is learned through either Functional Integration® or Awareness Through Movement® classes.
Learn more at www.feldenkrais.com
What is Functional Integration®?
Functional Integration® (FI) is essentially a nonverbal, hands-on form of Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) using kinesthetic communication. It is effective when a person, with any variety of injuries or disconnection with one’s sense of self, has lost the ability to help oneself.
Functional Integration® turns to the oldest elements of our sensory system – Touch- with the feelings of pull and pressure. Through gentle touch and easy movement, the practitioner nonverbally communicates with your body, how you are organized and how to reorganize. When you quietly observe and become absorbed in sensing the diminishing muscular tonus, the deepening regularity of breathing, abdominal ease, and improved circulation you are developing a somatic awareness that is a key to retaining or returning to this relaxed, integrated state.
Upon standing there is a change of pressure distribution on the soles of the feet, a reduction of intercostal tensions, and a change in the anti-gravitational muscular patterns for a clear feeling of vertical realignment which occurs because of a complete change in neural functioning of the motor cortex. A feeling of well-being prevails.
What is Awareness Through Movement®?
Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) classes are group lessons, where the teacher verbally guides you through a sequence of novel gentle movements intended to help you develop a somatic awareness of HOW you move.
In ATM® classes you are verbally guided to use slow, mindful movements, and integrative pauses. The process of assimilating the ideas to perceive, reorganize, and reintegrate yourself efficiently opens the new potentialities.
The powerful effects, in terms of increased strength, flexibility, and holistic integration of body and mind become achievable. You are learning to keep the essential and drop the unintended and unnecessary efforts.
How was the Feldenkrais Method® developed?
The Feldenkrais Method® was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc (1904-1984) an engineer, physicist, and martial arts expert.
Read more at www.feldenkraismethod.com
What to Expect in a FI Session:
Your FI® lesson begins with an assessment. You may lie comfortably clothed on a low padded table or some portions of the lesson may be conducted in a sitting, kneeling, or standing position, Various props such as pillows, rollers, or blankets are used for your comfort or support to facilitate certain movements.
These sessions are based on the ATM® movement sequences, yet they are highly personalized lessons, customized to your specific needs and patterns of movement. Kachina guides your movements with precise, gentle, non-invasive touch and verbal instructions. Both FI and ATM methods are used in these private lessons because learning occurs directly in your nervous system and in your conscious awareness.
An anointing with Wisdom of the Earth Essences is available with your session.