|
What Is Feldenkrais? |
| The Feldenkrais (rhymes with rice) Method® is an educational system of
small, easy movements named after the man who developed it, Moshe Feldenkrais.
It is a form of movement re-education that uses gentle movement and directed
attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. Benefits can
include improved flexibility and coordination, increases in ease and range of
motion, and an overall capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Feldenkrais lessons are suitable for almost everyone: young or old, those who are physically challenged and those who are very physically fit. (Sessions in the Feldenkrais Method are termed lessons, based on their educational focus.) Feldenkrais lessons are available in two formats, one of which is available at the Shepherd Center. These are group classes called Awareness Through Movement ® (or ATM) lessons. During these approximately 45-minute sessions, a trained Feldenkrais teacher verbally guides students through a sequence of gentle movements and directed attention. The lessons are most often done while lying on a lightly padded mat on the floor, although they may also be done seated in a chair or standing. Students wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. A short sample ATM lesson is included at the end of this section. The other format of Feldenkrais lesson is called Functional Integration®, and is not available at the Shepherd Center. In Functional Integration, the teacher tailors a lesson especially for that individual student, guiding the pupil with gentle touch, as well as directed awareness. Teachers of the Feldenkrais Method receive about 800 hours of training, generally over a four-year period. Each of the weekly ATM classes at The Shepherd Center of Richmond are led by one of the seven experienced teachers or practitioners who participate. These teachers include: |
| Zayde Child |
| Nancy Dawe |
| Mary Ann DeTrana |
| Natalie Easterly |
| Tom Landini |
| Cas Overton |
| Mike Williams |
| Link to a Typical Lesson |