Moshe Feldenkrais Ph.D.
Feldenkrais’ problem
As a young man Moshe Feldenkrais injured his knee playing soccer. Problems resulting from this injury followed him throughout his life. When he was finally faced with the necessity of surgery that offered him a 50% chance of walking without a cane, Feldenkrais realized that he needed to find his own solution. His success in finding this solution became The Feldenkrais Method.
What Feldenkrais Brought to His Solution
The sophistication and effectiveness of The Feldenrkais Method is a reflection of the brilliant mind, extensive education and vast creativity of Moshe Feldenkrais.
He had the practical precision of an engineer (Ph.D. in engineering from the Sorbonne ) the mental rigor of a research scientist, (atomic physics research at the Joliot Curie laboratory in Paris, and anti-submarine research for the British Admiralty) and the discipline of a judo master (second degree black belt in judo and founder of one of the first judo schools in Europe ). In addition, he passionately pursued his interest in understanding human potential by educating himself in child development, somatic disciplines and human learning theories.
Engaging the Brain's Plasticity
In the research-like approach he took to healing his knee, Feldenkrais discovered a way to engage the plasticity of the brain. The brain’s plasticity is now common knowledge and no one, as of yet, has developed a more comprehensive, refined and effective means of engaging this plasticity.
"As a neuroscientist interested in the development and plasticity of the nervous system, it is gratifying to see how the Feldenkrais Method demonstrates these principles. The Feldenkrais Method has also greatly improved my personal quality of life - physically and emotionally - by reducing the restrictions and limitations I thought were permanent due to multiple sclerosis." Maria Luskin, Professor, Emory University Medical School
Feldenkrais
