From the Fall 2006 Schedule

Whole Body Integration

 As you read this, please, look in front of you and identify an object that is a little  away from you and that you could pick up with an easy reach. Then, moving slowly so you can observe yourself, reach for it. Take it in your hand, return to your natural reading posture, and pause. Then, moving slowly again, return the object to its place.

As you did this, what parts of you moved?

Certainly, your hand, your arm and your eyes moved. Any other parts?

The question “What parts move?” is a core question of the Feldenkrais Method, and the origin of many of its benefits.

When done in a healthy way, reaching is an integrated action of the whole person. While sitting, there is movement in the hip joints so the torso comes forward with the reaching arm. The legs and feet also adjust so the contact with the ground supports the reach. 

In the cartoon at left one can see how natural this integration is in the young child. As he reaches to pet the cat with his right hand, his back, legs and left arm take definite, supporting actions. In a young child this unity is present in every gesture. But for adults . . . somehow . . . in the process of growing up, things have happened, and movements have become isolated. The back, hip joints and feet have gotten stiff, and the person has become preoccupied. Under these conditions, reaching reduces to something happening in the arm. Moving like this opens the door to strain in other parts, especially in the neck, shoulder, and low back.

 Lack of whole body integration in any of life’s actions is the source of a great many pains and restrictions. The Feldenkrais Method can help because it is a training process that works to restore one’s natural unity in movement.

 The Feldenkrais training is applicable to every kind of injury: back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, ankle pain – all of them. Every part works better when they all work together  – as a team. Your team.

© All Rights Reserved Maureen McHugh 2006