The Feldenkrais Method for people with Parkinson’s

The Feldenkrais Method, developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, is a body-oriented learning system that aims to improve body awareness and movement skills. This method examines the relationship between movement, thought and feeling in order to learn new, more efficient movement patterns and improve existing ones. This method is not only generally useful, but has also proven to be particularly beneficial for people with disabilities.

Main aspects of the Feldenkrais Method

1. Awareness Through Movement (ATM):
   • Group lessons in which participants perform simple movement sequences using verbal instructions.
   • The aim is to recognize movement habits and learn new, more efficient movement patterns.
2. Functional Integration (FI):
   • Individual sessions in which the practitioner guides the client with gentle touches and movements.
   • These sessions are tailored to the client’s specific needs and problems.

Effects of the Feldenkrais Method

1. Improve mobility and coordination:
   • By learning new movement patterns, people can act more fluidly and efficiently and reduce stiffness and tension.
2. Pain Relief:
   • Helpful for chronic pain, such as in the back, neck and shoulder area, by promoting better posture and reducing strain.
3. Increased body awareness:
   • Participants learn to perceive and control their movements more consciously, which leads to improved self-perception and self-regulation.
4. Stress Relief:
   • The method promotes relaxation and helps to reduce stress and tension, supporting a feeling of inner peace and serenity.
5. Rehabilitation after injuries:
   • Supports the healing process and recovery of mobility after injuries or operations.
6. Improving cognitive abilities:
   • Strengthens mental abilities such as concentration, creativity and memory through the connection of movement, thinking and feeling.

Feldenkrais and Parkinson

People with Parkinson's share many similarities in their symptoms, such as tremors, muscle stiffness and lack of movement, as well as non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, digestive problems and difficulty concentrating. The Feldenkrais Method offers a way to address these challenges by improving movement skills and self-awareness and ultimately self-efficacy.

Parkinson's patients learn to analyze their movements and discover new movement patterns that are easier and more economical. This method helps to improve balance and self-confidence, which contributes to fall prevention and a better understanding of oneself.

Course modalities

Those interested can register by email to mickdaun@muenster.de and will then receive a link to the course. The courses take place every Monday from August 12th to October 7th, between 11am and 12pm. The first session is a free trial session, while each subsequent session costs €5. Mick Daun's website