The Feldenkrais method is a gentle, non-invasive method of movement re-education which brings about changes in the patterns of how people move. It does this by using the transformational abilities of the nervous system. It is highly valued by dancers, actors and other performing artists, as well as sports people seeking ever-subtler refinement of co-ordination and physical freedom. Feldenkrais has been used by Olympic athletes, sports teams and theatre directors, and in the UK the Feldenkrais Guild has as its patron world-renowned violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin.
The founder, Moshe Feldenkrais, who died in 1984, was an innovative Israeli scientist who became convinced that the easiest and most accessible way of becoming aware of ourselves is through movement. The Feldenkrais method uses movement as the principal medium for learning and self-discovery. Many of the movements are based on the learning process of infants and the evolutionary patterns observed in animals. Evident too, is Feldenkrais' knowledge of martial arts - he started the first judo club in Europe in the 1930's while working as a physicist at the Curie laboratory in Paris.

The Feldenkrais method is not a therapy, although the outcome is often highly therapeutic; nor is it conventional physical education, although the individual may roll, twist, bend, lengthen and release. Feldenkrais frees the body, not by an aerobic workout or yoga-type stretches, but by somatic learning - bringing about changes in the brain itself and so making it possible to re-learn and improve patterns of action.

Why can't we naturally sit up straight, and why do we inevitably slump down again a few minutes after straightening up, despite our intentions to the contrary? The necessary internal organisation seems to elude us. The Feldenkrais method give people who want to change the opportunity to learn how to do that - to be able to inhibit worn responses and recreate the appropriate internal organisation. In order to change posture, we also need to feel how to do it - to have a distinct kinaesthetic sensation, rather than an intellectual understanding. With good bodily organisation it becomes possible to carry out most normal actions without any feeling of effort or strain, indeed with pleasure and ease.

The Feldenkrais method is taught in 'awareness through movement' classes or individual, hands-on 'Functional Integration' lessons. On one level people come to weekly awareness through movement classes or workshops in order to relax profoundly, ease their aches and pains, and feel freer. The method is renowned for its gentleness supportiveness and efficacy in dealing with physical restrictions and limitations.

The benefits, however, are not confined to the body, and people often experience an overall sense of flowing well-being and positivity. Their self-image develops and their confidence increases. The gentle somatic 'exercises' do not aim to strengthen muscles but to give an increased consciousness of how they work. There are hundreds of these movement sequences, primarily done lying on the floor. Each evening class focuses on one sequence, and in a day or weekend you experience several. They are all safe, painless and easy to perform, so that you can benefit, whatever your age or level of fitness.

In the individual functional integration lessons the verbal cues of the awareness through movement classes are replaced by gentle, non-invasive touch which seeks to undo and release muscular tensions and holding patterns. This kind of touch is deeply releasing, supportive and very pleasant. Unlike with massage, you remain clothed and lie on a wide couch.

Also unlike with massage or other manipulative techniques, you learn more about yourself, so that you do not perpetuate the pain or tension which brought you to seek treatment in the first place. You become aware of what you've unconsciously been holding on to, and the self-perpetuated restrictions which can cause pain or discomfort.

You discover easier ways of doing everyday activities, new ways to lead you out of compulsive behaviour or harmful habits. Function Integration is effective if you're tense and don't know how to relax; if you have backache, specific injuries or stress-related disorders, such as neck and shoulder pain or headaches; neuro-muscular diseases, repetitive strain injury, poor co-ordination and clumsiness. Lessons last and hour, and while you can undoubtedly benefit from one or two, it is recommended that they be taken regularly for a period of time - approximately how long and at what intervals can be determined at an initial session.