The Method

Developed over 40 years of research by Israeli scientist Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, this revolutionary method accesses the brain’s innate capacity for learning – and for increasing human potential at any age. It uses movement to improve the functioning of the body and brain and brings us back to our natural harmonious way of functioning. It is based on principles of neurobiology, physics, engineering, learning, and human development and can help anyone who wishes to refine physical and mental performance, and improve quality of life.

Practicing the Feldenkrais Method can have many therapeutic benefits, hone specialized physical skills and support creative expression. Resilience, adaptability and recovery are key themes of the method.

By breaking movement down into its smaller parts, linking your attention with your action, and working from a sensory based understanding, things that at first seemed impossible become possible, effortless and graceful.

“Make the impossible possible, make the possible easy and make the easy elegant.”
― Moshé Feldenkrais

How does it work?

In the course of our lives, and for a range of reasons, certain physical, emotional and psychological patterns become habitual, or fixed in the brain. These habits become problematic or limiting when they come to over-ride or inhibit easier, more comfortable and effective ways of functioning.

Feldenkrais helps your brain interrupt these habitual patterns by exploring and learning new and varied ways of moving. This process reminds your brain, muscles and nervous system of easier options and helps you learn new ones. By learning to create more choice for yourself in how you move you can literally learn to move beyond your limitations.

The lessons also develop greater awareness of how your body and movement habits influence everything you do, and vice versa: that your body-image includes thoughts and feelings and together they form an integrated whole, a self-image. As a result, many people find that learning to improve how they move facilitates improvement in everything they do, including their ability to think, respond, sense, and act in the world.

Benefits

What can the Feldenkrais Method do for you?

• improve posture, breathing, flexibility and coordination
• change movement habits that create pain, tension and difficulties
• refine performance skills, enhance what you already do well, and develop what you want to do
• reduce stress
• improve strength, stability and balance
• enhance self-awareness, self-image and personal well-being
• increase choices in your actions and behaviour

ATM classes

Feldenkrais® group classes are known as Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) lessons. ATM classes use slow, mindful movements to achieve powerful effects in terms of strength, flexibility, and holistic integration of body and mind. These lessons tie directly into functional movements of daily life, such as walking efficiently, safely lifting objects, easier and fuller breathing and improving one’s posture in sitting or standing.

Classes last between 30 and 45 minutes. They are usually done by lying on the floor in a variety of comfortable positions: either on your back, front, or side. The teacher guides students through a sequence of movements, encouraging them to move with gentle attention within a comfortable range.

Usually the lessons are not demonstrated but rather the class is led verbally by the teacher. This encourages the participant to take responsibility for their own learning, problem solve for themselves, and as such, achieve greater learning outcomes.

There is a huge variety of lessons, from simple to complex, minimal to dynamic. Comfort, ease, and quality of movement are the main criteria for developing greater awareness and choice around what you do and how you do it.

If you are interested in our Feldenkrais classes or you need more information, please contact us at training@heatds.com or +359 2 862 5396.