Functional Integration

Functional Integration® (FI)

Functional Integration (FI) is the hands-on approach of the Feldenkrais Method and each session is personalized to meet the needs of the individual. The essence of the private work is steeped in the title of the approach. There is physical function that is limited and is most likely inhibiting your daily life as well as causing you pain. In each lesson the practitioner will create a conversation with body parts so they will work more efficiently as an integrated whole.

An FI is personally designed so the individual may let go of habitual holding patterns so new movement patterns can emerge.

First, I will help you to observe and recognize what you do as you move. Then, I will bring to your attention certain movement patterns that you are doing, consciously or unconsciously, that cause restriction. Next, I’ll offer you different movement patterns to feel and explore. Lastly, I’ll help to integrate these new movement patterns into your experience and will give you something specific to work with so learning continues and the movement integrates into your daily self-use.

Each FI session is done in comfortable clothing on a specific Feldenkrais Table that is similar to a massage table only it is wider and lower to the ground.

In the Feldenkrais Method, we seek to learn what we do and how we do it so that we can do what we desire. This isn’t as simple as it may seem and the ability to allow yourself time to observe your intentions and motivations so you may co-ordinate them and propel them into potent actions, is precious.

Moshe Feldenkrais Bio

Moshe Feldenkrais

(1904-1984)

Founder of The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais was a noted scientist and active Martial Artist. He received degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, had a D.Sc. in Physics from the Sorbonne in Paris, and he worked in the French nuclear research program with Joliot-Curie.

Dr. Feldenkrais was a Martial Artist and studied with Jigoro Kano, the originator of Judo. In 1936 he was honored as one of the first Europeans to earn a black belt in Judo and began teaching. He published articles about Judo, a self-defense manual, and a book in 1952 entitled Higher Judo. His Martial Art knowledge greatly influenced the movement sequences and patterns of what would become Awareness Through Movement lessons. Movement, physics, neurology, learning from the perspective of human function all motivated Dr. Feldenkrais to investigate his own healing process when he was debilitated with chronic knee injuries.

Like many somatic innovators, Feldenkrais used himself to create a future method of learning and recovery. He was not satisfied with the medical options given to him so he investigated his movement so he could walk without pain and properly function. His Martial Art students took notice of his work and asked to be taught what he was doing which evolved into one of the great somatic methods of today.

Due to the great demand and interest in his modality, Dr. Feldenkrais conducted three professional training sessions during the last 13 years of his life. Feldenkrais published many books, some of them being; Body and Mature Behavior, The Potent Self, Awareness Through Movement, The Case of Nora, and The Elusive Obvious.

Dr. Feldenkrais was a brilliant forward thinker who left behind an outstanding body of work which continues to thrive today. There are thousands of Feldenkrais practitioners who have gone through extensive training so they too may pass along this dynamic learning modality called The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education.

"Explore the Subtle World of You!"