Feldenkrais, Alexandra and Rubenfeld
Gilberto Barria Vallarino
The Feldenkrais Approach
The Feldenkrais approach to wellness is facilitated in two formats: a group format and a one-on-one modality.
The group version consists of movement sequences designed to heighten awareness of the range of motion of the joints and how muscles have been organized by an individual. The process involves the repetition of un-familiar movement sequences in a way that allows a student to familiarize himself with self created postural patterns that limit his capacity to move. The overall result of a group session is a relaxation effect that is usually experienced by a lengthening of the body and a sensation of having more space between the joints. Some people feel as if they have received a massage, however the most significant result is that with time a client learns to use his body in a more efficient way.
The one-on-one version is usually done in a massage table where movement manipulations are initiated by the practitioner, to help the client become aware of how tension and stress are accumulated in different areas of his/her body. In this modality, the practitioner has the opportunity to tailor the session to the particular needs of the client and guide the person through an interactive process of releasing energetic blockages. Releasing energetic blockages will help the person experience a new sense of well-being and is generally the key to long term recovery, especially from chronic stressful conditions. This form of the method is very beneficial to persons recovering from recent or old injuries and chronic conditions triggered by medical conditions like osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and arthritis.
The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a subtle hands on approach to bodywork whence a practitioner uses self-direction to communicate a sense of softening, relaxation and release of unnecessary tensions in very specific areas of the body to a client. Alexander Technique practitioners train to develop awareness and how to direct their intention while moving or while remaining in a fixed position to induce a sense of softening, relaxation and preparedness to move for a client. The general idea is to teach a client, through touch and subtle movement, how to inhibit unnecessary and stress-full muscular efforts. In addition to that, Alexander practitioners learn how to communicate their experience to their clients through skill-full use of language.
This modality of bodywork is of particular use to people that tend to accumulate stress while performing activities like dancing, singing, playing an instrument, typing, driving and fitness activities like yoga, tai chi, martial arts, golf, even giving a massage. In other words, the Alexander Technique will synergize well with activities that require concentration, attention, precision, endurance and that also require self-care to avoid burn-out. It will also alleviate stress and pain to persons that suffer from left-right body imbalances caused by injuries to the hips, spine and the shoulder/neck girdle. Once mastered, the Alexander Technique is perhaps one of the most effective self-care methodologies available.
The Rubenfeld Synergy Method
This method is a synergy of the Feldenkrais Method (F.M), the Alexander Technique (A.T) and the use of language as a means of developing response-ability. The Rubenfeld Synergy Method (RSM) allows a client to not only develop an awareness and understanding of the significance of stress, pain or discomfort as it manifests in his/her body and mind but to take responsability in creating a solution. Because language is a powerful expression of an individual´s mind, it serves as a means to integrate the perception of bodily sensations like discomfort, pain and thoughts, as well as to direct his/her intentionality.
One of the postulates of this method is that bodily sensations and perceptions provide a means to exploring the inter-relationship between the body and conscious, as well as unconscious thoughts. Through the skill-full use of language and bodywork (F.M. & A.T), a person is guided to an acceptance of his/her current reality and to get involved in the creation of alternatives to his/her current experience. An important element of this method is that solutions to current dilemmas should arise out of the client´s personal experience. Through the RSM a client is continuously supported towards, acceptance, integration and the discovery of personal creative solutions.