Feldenkrais Method



The Feldenkrais Method, often referred to simply as "Feldenkrais", is a somatic educational system designed by Moshé Feldenkrais (1904–1984). Feldenkrais aims to reduce pain or limitations in movement, to improve physical function, and to promote general wellbeing by increasing students' awareness of themselves and by expanding students' movement repertoire.

Approach
Feldenkrais taught that increasing a person's kinesthetic and proprioceptive self-awareness of functional movement could lead to increased function, reduced pain, and greater ease and pleasure of movement. The Feldenkrais Method, like the Alexander Technique, is therefore a movement pedagogy as opposed to a manipulative therapy. The Method is experiential, providing tools for self-observation through movement enquiry.

Feldenkrais is used to improve movement patterns rather than to treat specific injuries or illnesses. However, because habitual and repetitive movement patterns can contribute towards and in some cases cause injury, pain, and physical dysfunction, the method is often regarded as falling within the field of integrative medicine or complementary medicine.







Scientific studies
In 2005 a systematic review of randomized controlled trials found six published trials of the Feldenkrais Method, which addressed varied populations and interventions. Of the six trials, five reported positive benefits, and one reported no change. The review concluded that the emerging evidence at that time was "encouraging" but "by no means compelling".

Certification by Feldenkrais Guild
To obtain the qualification of Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (CFP), Feldenkrais teachers complete 740–800 hours of training over a 3 to 4 year period. Professional standards are set internationally by the International Feldenkrais Federation. Feldenkrais practitioners are certified by a regional Feldenkrais Guild in one of seventeen countries, and each guild maintains lists of practitioners.