Mindful Movement Therapy: How Feldenkrais Transforms Physical & Mental Wellbeing
A specific mindful movement therapy has surged in popularity in recent times, with many people discovering that the Feldenkrais Method can transform physical and mental wellbeing. So, what exactly is the Feldenkrais Method?
Essentially, this is a type of movement therapy devised by physicist and engineer Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais in the mid-20th century with a focus on gentle and mindful movements to improve coordination, flexibility, and body awareness. This post will explore how it can benefit your physical and mental wellbeing and offer advice on getting started.
Physical Benefits
The Feldenkrais Method has several notable physical health benefits, specifically improved flexibility and coordination, enhanced body awareness, pain reduction, and improved balance and posture. This means that it is beneficial for those struggling with mobility and/or recovering from an injury, but it can also help anyone in their day-to-day physical wellbeing.
Mental & Emotional Benefits
Many people find that the Feldenkrais Method has a profound impact on their mental and emotional health. Slow and mindful movements can help with stress reduction, enhanced mindfulness, and improved mental clarity and focus. The gentle nature of the method can help people unwind and disconnect from today’s fast-paced, stressful lifestyle, helping them become calmer and happier.
How the Feldenkrais Method Works
The Feldenkrais Method can be taught in two ways. First, you have Awareness Through Movement (ATM), which involves group classes where participants are guided through movement sequences designed to improve mobility, posture, and coordination. The other method is Functional Integration (FI), which involves one-on-one sessions with a trained practitioner who uses touch and movement guidance to help refine movement patterns.
Neuroplasticity is at the core of the Feldenkrais Method, which is the brain’s ability to re-organise and form new neural connections by engaging in novel movements.
Applications & Accessibility
One of the main benefits of the Feldenkrais Method is its accessibility. It is an activity that is suitable for all ages and physical conditions, making it a useful practice for many people with injury prevention and rehabilitation.
The Feldenkrais Method is commonly used by athletes, musicians, and other performers as a way to improve your performance and overall well-being. For example, for musicians looking to launch their careers, which can often be extremely challenging, it is worth looking into the Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais Method is surging in popularity right now, and it is easy to see why. This unique approach to movement ensures that the Feldenkrais Method can improve physical and mental wellbeing with an emphasis on the efficiency and ease of movement. This makes the Feldenkrais Method something that is accessible to all and a discipline that can help people to overcome many of the challenges in their lives, whether this is a physical injury, mental health problem, or something as simple as their balance and coordination.