“The Feldenkrais Method is the most sophisticated and effective method I have seen for the prevention and reversal of deterioration and function.”
Margaret Mead, Ph.D., Anthropologist
Tag Archives: Victoria Feldenkrais
Margaret Mead on Feldenkrais
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Tagged Greater Victoria, Margaret Mead on Feldenkrais, Quotes, Victoria Feldenkrais
Low Back Pain
Feldenkrais® Method Research
After four Feldenkrais sessions, 76% of participants with chronic low back pain improved to normal activity. All had tried a variety of other therapies without success and all had experienced discomfort, restriction and stiffness prior to these sessions.
Lake, Bernard. Photoanalysis of Standing Posture in Controls and Low Back Pain: Effects of Kinesthetic Processing (Feldenkrais Method) in Posture and Gait: Control Mechanisms VII. eds. M Woollocott and F Horak, U of Oregon Press, 1992, pp 400- 403.
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Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Functional Integration®, and Awareness Through Movement®, are Servicemarks of The Feldenkrais Guild®
Andrew Weil on Feldenkrais®
“I have been intrigued by this subtle form of retraining the nervous system, which I recommend to patients whose movement has been restricted by injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain. I find it to be much more useful than standard physical therapy. I also believe that the Feldenkrais Method can help older people achieve greater range of motion and flexibility, and help all of us feel more comfortable in our bodies.”
Andrew Weil, M.D. Author of Spontaneous Healing and Natural Health, Natural Medicine
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Tagged Andrew Weil on Feldenkrais Method, B.C., Greater Victoria, Victoria Feldenkrais
Anxiety, Depression and Mood
Feldenkrais® Method Research
Early research suggests that participation in a single Awareness Through Movement session may reduce anxiety levels, with increased effects after six to eight sessions. A study involving 147 female general curriculum and physical education teachers enrolled in a one-year enrichment program at a physical education college revealed improved mood after Feldenkraislessons. Feldenkrais lessons seem to ease depression and anxiety, and improve self-esteem in multiple sclerosis patients.
Kerr, G. A., Kotynia, F., Kolt, G. Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement and state anxiety. J Bodywork Mov Ther 2002;6(2):102-107.
Kolt, G. S., McConville, J.C. The effects of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movementprogram on state anxiety. J Bodywork Mov Ther 2000;4(3):216-220.
Netz, Y., Lidor, R. Mood Alterations in mindful versus aerobic exercise modes. J Psychol 2003;137(5):405-419.
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Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Functional Integration®, and Awareness Through Movement®, are Servicemarks of The Feldenkrais Guild®
Senior Movement
Feldenkrais® Method Research
A group of 31 older adults were studied using a prospective, repeated measures control group design. The SF-36 was used to assess health status – quality of life. Video motion analysis was used to collect data on walking and on a floor-to-stand transfer movement. Coordination of the transfer movement improved significantly in the Feldenkrais group. Vitality and mental health scores also improved significantly in this group. The Feldenkrais Method has been shown to be an effective method for improving coordination, mobility, economy of movement and quality of life in older adults.
James Stephens, Christopher Pendergast, Beth Ann Roller, Robert Scott Weiskittel. Learning to Improve Mobility and Quality of Life in a Well Elderly Population: The Benefits of Awareness Through Movement. IFF Academy Feldenkrais Research Journal.
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Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Functional Integration®, and Awareness Through Movement®, are Servicemarks of The Feldenkrais Guild®
Flexibility
Feldenkrais® Method Research
Studies identified increased flexibility through the use of Awareness Through Movementclasses. In a study of neck flexion in normal subjects, a significant increase in the amount of flexion after a single one-hour class was shown, as well as significant positive changes in muscular activity in the trunk.
Ruth, S., Kegerreis, S. Facilitating Cervical Flexion Using Feldenkrais Method: Awareness Through Movement. JOSPT Vol 16 No 1: July 1992.
Brown, E., Kegerreis. Electromyographic Activity of Trunk Musculature During a Feldenkrais Awareness Through MovementLesson. Isokinetics and Exercise Science Vol 1 No 4, 1991.
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Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Functional Integration®, and Awareness Through Movement®, are Servicemarks of The Feldenkrais Guild®
Eating Disorders
Feldenkrais® Method Research
Preliminary research suggests that in patients with eating disorders, Awareness Through Movement sessions improved self-confidence and increased contentment with regard to problematic zones of their body. Patients experienced increased sense of contentment in regard to their health, accompanied by decreased sense of helplessness.
Laumer, U., Bauer, M., Fichter, M., Milz, H. (in German. Title translation: Therapeutic effects of the Feldenkrais Method Awareness Through Movement in Patients with Eating Disorders). Psychother. Psychosom Med Psychol 1997, May; 47(5):170-80.
Inside Awareness Center for Integrative Somatic Learning 