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Therapeutic Technique - Feldenkrais Method

Therapeutic Technique - Feldenkrais Method
SCI 201 – Survey of Alternative Medicine


The National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has five major categories of complementary and alternative medicine. Whole Medical Systems, Mind-Body Medicine, Biologically Based Practices, Manipulative and Body-Based Practices, and Energy Medicine. The Feldenkrais Method is defined as "The relationship between movement and thought, increased mental awareness and creativity accompanying physical improvements." (FEFNA 2007) Manipulative and Body-Based Practices are defined by the NCCAM as practices "based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage." The Feldenkrais Method is similar to massage and chiropractic in that the all three practices touch people. Beyond that there are significant differences. Massage works with the muscles. Chiropractic works with the bones. The Feldenkrais Method works with ones own ability to regulate and coordinate movement, using patterns of movements to guide each individual to their most ‘effective selves'. By doing a series of slow controlled movements with awareness and breaking them down into their smallest components and looking at them in relation to gravity we can find the most effect and graceful way of moving. Based on these definitions, the Feldenkrais Method therapeutic techniques would be categorized in the Manipulative and Body-Based Practices category.

The Feldenkrais Method is a type of somatic or "Of, relating to, or affecting the body, especially as distinguished from a body part, the mind, or the environment; corporeal or physical" (Dictionary.com 2007) education that uses "gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning." (FEFNA 2007) This method is used in dealing with specific problems such as back, neck, or...