The metodo Feldenkrais is a somatic, or body-oriented, intervention designed to help people reconnect with their body and learn ways to move more efficiently. It can help a person increase vitality, coordination, and achieve better overall well-being.
This is the definition on paper. But then in practice what does it consist of? I had the opportunity to try this method in a one to one lesson at theAspria Harbor Club of Milan with Maria Luisa Tettamanzi, teacher of the Feldenkrais method with decades of experience behind him.
His way of speaking, his gait, have something of a zen. «The Feldenkrais method is considered the western yoga, that is, wisdom and discipline encoded in precise movements, but from a more “earthly” perspective ». Well, maybe that’s why she’s so seraphic. After this explanation, however, I am more and more intrigued.
The lesson takes place in a series of movements to be performed standing or lying supine, following his instructions. I’m very simple movements, like turning around to look over your shoulder, or stretching your arms and legs alternately, but done with the utmost calm and attention, perceiving how each cell is involved. At the beginning of the lesson, it makes me aware of how I put my feet on the ground, which leg is less fatiguing, which is more unstable. At the end of the session, I realize that standing seems “easier”: I feel more rooted, my spine is lighter.
«The Feldenkrais method is all about movement awareness: we are often convinced that it is only by making a movement at speed, with fury, that we train the muscles. But no, they often need to be trained slowly to allow the body to understand where it has tensions and knots and loosen them. It is only with the slow movement that the nervous system “realizes” that it is doing physical activity ».
Developed by Moshe Feldenkrais in the mid-1900s, the Feldenkrais Method is based on the basic principles of human development, integrated with physics and biomechanics. Feldenkrais has been teaching judo and other martial arts for decades, incorporating his knowledge of the nervous system and the body into his healing process after sustaining severe knee injuries. His recovery inspired the development of a mind-body approach that used guided movement to improve physical and emotional well-being.
«The Feldenkrais method improves a person’s flexibility, coordination and self-image. This innovative method aims to penetrate deep into the nervous system to promote change and release from any hard-to-break habit that may affect well-being or daily function. For example, shoulder tensions and contractures are pains we get used to, but they are not the normal healthy condition of the body. The Feldenkrais method with targeted and conscious movements aims to dissolve them ».
But how does it work? “Exist two types of approach: in the one called “Functional integration”, the teacher guides the patient’s movements through the use of a soft and non-invasive touch. In the one called “Awareness through movement”, the teacher verbally guides the patients through a sequence of slow and gentle movements in a variety of positions while on the floor, sitting in a chair or standing ».
The Feldenkrais method differs from corrective massage and chiropractic approaches in that practitioners of these treatments work directly to manipulate the muscles and bones. Feldenkrais practitioners, on the other hand, work with people to help them become able to strengthen and regulate movements on their own.
But who can the Feldenkrais method be recommended to? “Recommended for all ages, has been specifically designed for those with injuries, chronic pain or other physical or neurological problems. People who participate in Feldenkrais sessions often see an increase in flexibility and coordination, as well as a decrease in pain and muscle tension.
Further side effects can be a sensation widespread relaxation and the alleviation of the stress. Therefore, individuals suffering from anxiety or stress can also benefit from it. It is also recommended in support of other sports activities: the resulting skeletal support allows for better explosive movement, limiting injuries ».
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