In a message dated 02/13/2000 7:34:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
<< << NACD, a little bit of Feldenkrais >>
HI: What exactly is NACD and Feldenkrais and how have they helped you. My
daughter is spastic diplegic CP and 18yrs old.
>>
Trisha (of Administrator 3 of 4 fame) posted a very informative piece about
the Feldenkrais method not long ago -- I've pasted it here for you. I don't
know about NACD but I'm sure someone else can help you with that. It's
probably been explained in great detail but I managed to miss it somehow.
Betty
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"This month I have researched Feldenkrais on the =
Internet and am sharing the the info. The same stuff can be found on my =
Web Site. I encourage others to venture their opinions and experiences. =
As always I expect this to be done with grace and tack - gentle motherly =
smile!! I have copied an introductory portion and have numeropus links =
after - please enjoy."
Brightest Blessings
Trisha
Consider This Therapy For=20
The Feldenkrais Method is not a treatment or cure. Rather, it is a =
type of supportive therapy that can help in any situation where improved =
movement patterns (and awareness of those patterns) can help with =
recovery from illness or injury. Practitioners consider it useful for =
many types of chronic pain, including headache, temporomandibular joint =
disorder, other joint disorders, and neck, shoulder, and back pain. It =
is sometimes used as supportive therapy for people with neuromuscular =
disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and stroke. It's =
also helpful for improving balance, coordination, and mobility; many =
athletes, dancers, and other performers use the Feldenkrais Method as =
part of their overall conditioning.
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How The Treatments Are Done=20
The Feldenkrais Method has two components; you may use either or =
both of them, depending on your needs. One component, called Functional =
Integration, consists of hands-on sessions with a Feldenkrais =
practitioner, who uses touch to help you sense and improve your movement =
patterns. As you sit, stand, or lie comfortably, the practitioner may =
gently manipulate your muscles and joints. Unlike some forms of body =
work, Feldenkrais manipulations are all within the usual range of =
motion, without pain or "cracking" of joints.=20
The second component is a type of training called Awareness =
Through Movement, which focuses on slow, non-aerobic movement and =
specific motions from everyday life, such as sitting and standing. =
Practitioners consider the two components to be equivalent, =
complementary ways of achieving the same results. Loose, comfortable =
clothing is worn for both. Practitioners emphasize that the method does =
not involve traditional calisthenics.=20
Treatment Time: Functional Integration sessions typically last =
about 45 minutes. Awareness Through Movement sessions run 45 minutes to =
an hour.=20
Treatment Frequency: Both Functional Integration and Awareness =
Through Movement are typically offered in a series of 4 to 6 sessions, =
meeting once a week.
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What Treatment Hopes to Accomplish=20
The Feldenkrais Method aims to help you re-learn how to move your =
body, replacing old ways of movement with new, more efficient habits. It =
focuses on improving flexibility, coordination, and range of motion. =
Feldenkrais practitioners don't make any extravagant claims that the =
method will cure a specific ailment. They do say that it helps people =
become aware of how they move, and teaches them how to reduce stress on =
joints and muscles, and how to move more comfortably.=20
Feldenkrais practitioners believe that people develop habits of =
movement as young children, and retain those patterns for life. If the =
movements are adequate for daily life, the patterns remain unnoticed, =
even if there are more efficient, comfortable ways to move. But if the =
patterns are not adequate, or if the body is stressed through illness, =
accident, or simply age, they argue that the body will become stiff, or =
uncomfortable, or experience pain. For people trying to optimize their =
movements, such as athletes or dancers, the most efficient method of =
movement is of paramount concern.=20
The method was developed by Russian-born Israeli Moshe Feldenkrais =
(rhymes with rice), a scientist who was himself recovering from an =
injury. A life-long athlete and martial artist, he began synthesizing =
his knowledge of anatomy, physics, and psychology when his own doctors =
couldn't fully restore movement to his injured knee. The method first =
became popular in the U.S. during the 1970s. With its emphasis on the =
importance of making movement a conscious act, it is similar to other =
mind-body therapies, including the Alexander Technique.
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Who Should Avoid This Therapy?=20
The Feldenkrais Method is generally considered safe for everyone =
as a supportive form of treatment.
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What Side Effects May Occur?=20
There are no known side effects to the Feldenkrais Method.
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How to Choose a Therapist=20
Because the terms Feldenkrais, Functional Integration, and =
Awareness Through Movement, are registered service marks of the =
Feldenkrais Guild, only practitioners trained in an accredited program =
are entitled to offer Feldenkrais lessons. The technique requires 160 =
days of training over almost four years. There are over 30 training =
programs in the U.S. You can check with the Guild for referrals, or to =
verify a practitioner's training.=20
No medical background is required for people who wish to be =
practitioners, but the method has been adopted by many physical =
therapists. You may want to see what other credentials a potential =
therapist has obtained.
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When Should Treatment Stop?=20
The Feldenkrais Method may be continued as long as it is =
comfortable and beneficial to you.
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See a Conventional Doctor If...=20
Because most Feldenkrais practitioners are not schooled in medical =
diagnosis, you should see a doctor to rule out the possibility that a =
serious disorder is causing your problems. Also check with your doctor =
if you experience any new symptoms while participating.
This is from =
http://health.yahoo.com/health/Alternative_Medicine/Alternative_Therapies=
/Feldenkrais_Method/
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Additional links for your perusal pleasure - my disclaimer - as always =
read everything with a grain of salt and one size does not fit all -=20
http://www.feldenkrais.com/
http://www.somatic.com/
http://www.sonic.net/~aumleya/fel.html
http://www.axess.com/feld/
http://www.feldenkrais-resources.com/
http://www.alternative-medicine.net/
http://www.feldenkrais-intl.com/
http://hometown.aol.com/crittaylor/index.html
http://www.movement-educators.com/
http://www.sonic.net/~aumleya/
http://www.personalhealthzone.com/feldenkrais.html
http://www.dynamicwellnesscenter.com/page2.htm
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