Elaine Yoder

The Feldenkrais Method^®

We learn to move by exploring, playing, enjoying who we are.

"With every acquisition of new knowledge and skill we achieve greater and greater independence of some permanently acting restraint.... It is essentially a question of learning and not of infirmity.”

Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais

The Feldenkrais Method® of movement education is for anyone who wants to improve movement, learn about what helps now, and apply that toward the future. If you are dealing with chronic pain and want relief, or you spend too much time in front of a computer, or perhaps you are living in a new and challenging situation, the lessons offer an improved self-awareness and sense of ease.

The lessons are particularly effective with chronic physical conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, thoracic outlet syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and TMJ. The simple movement offers an eased sense of mobility and improved alignment. Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, cerebro palsy, MS, Lou Gherig’s, stroke and others) are addressed in an effective, creative manner that can improve life quality and self volition. Engaged attention and the relationship between movement, sensing, and thinking engages the brain’s plasticity, or ability to change.

If you are an athlete, martial artist, musician or any other highly skilled individual who wants to improve performance or avoid injury, the lessons offer the ability to sense, observe, and self-regulate in action.

The Feldenkrais Method is an intelligent approach to learning about how we move and interact. We experience our potential by moving, including our mental, physical, and social interaction. As we find ways to succeed, these modes of movement, thinking and feeling become habitual and we rely on our ability to succeed within this known arena of activity. When something about this environment changes, or we change, the need to move or act in a new way may not seem accessible. We may end up feeling restricted or in real pain. The lessons bring an opportunity to slow down, experience, observe, try on, find a new and less stressful mode of living. Rather than “correcting” you can find what works best for you.

Individual lessons, or Functional Integration®, are a time for you to address your specific needs. We will evaluate and clarify your goals and then develop the sessions according to your unique situation. The movements are usually done sitting or lying on a low table, and the movement is guided by the practitioner.

Group classes, or Awareness Through Movement® lessons, are verbally guided movement sequences that encourage attention to a specific area or pattern of movement. Students usually lie or sit on mats on the floor. The lessons are designed to improve your sense of which movements are a better choice for you. The process of learning about how you move and interpret the instructions is an interesting and enjoyable experience.

If you are willing to show up, pay attention to yourself, move and breathe for comfort, the benefits will follow.

"I started seeing Elaine to recover from a frozen shoulder and still see her occasionally even though my shoulder has long ago returned to full health. From the first time I saw her Elaine was really sensitive and skilled in working with my injury, and helping me to grow in my awareness of my body. Not only was I able to return to practicing my martial art freely, but I also feel the influence of her work in my daily life. I am more aware of my posture and I feel like I have a whole new kind of literacy about my movement and body. She's amazing!"

Deborah Farrell