(Re)Mind Your Body

The Feldenkrais Method® is a powerful and unique approach to learning how to move with greater ease, flexibility and grace. Learning with the Feldenkrais Method can permanently improve our posture, balance and co-ordination – leading to a reduction in tension, muscular pain and joint stiffness. It is possible for anyone to learn, regardless of age or condition and it is all done with the minimum of effort.

Unlike other movement approaches, which focus purely on body mechanics, the Feldenkrais Method works from the perspective that making changes in the brain and central nervous system function is core to improving movement. Therefore slow, gentle movements, done with focussed attention are used, rather than stretching or strengthening – this approach emphasises 'less will, more skill', instead of 'no pain, no gain'.

The originator of the method, Dr Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984) was an engineer, physicist and martial artist. He developed his method as a direct result of having to re-learn how to walk after crippling injuries to his knees. Determined to avoid surgery, he combined his study of anatomy, physiology, neurophysiology and psychology with his expertise in engineering and martial arts and succeeded in re-learning how to move freely without his injured knees being an obstacle. He observed that inefficient habitual patterns of movement underlie many physical problems and that these can be unlearned quite simply, using awareness as the key tool of learning. He soon began teaching his discoveries to others and the Feldenkrais Method was born.

The first UK training finished in 1990 and there are currently 150 UK based practitioners of the Feldenkrais Method who are working with people in all kinds of circumstances - from children with developmental problems to office workers with RSI, high performing athletes & dancers to older people who want to keep moving and improve balance. Some specialists work with people who have multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, depression and ME, while others work within the fields of music, theatre performance and sport.Virginia Taylor's training is in Malmo,Sweden, and she is qualified to teach Awareness Through Movement Lessons.

Although the Feldenkrais Method is more widely known in the USA and Germany it is steadily gaining ground in the UK. Some famous students of the method include tennis star Pat Cash and theatre practitioner Sir Peter Brook. Violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin and Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion were both keen promoters of the method after working with Dr Feldenkrais.

For more information visit the Feldenkrais Guild UK's website:

www.feldenkrais.co.uk