Functional Integration

Functional Integration is the hands-on version of Feldenkrais. This is where the years of training for the Feldenkrais Practitioner count the most. A Feldenkrais Practitioner, during a session relies on an extreme level of sensitivity to feel what is happening for his or her client.

A Functional Integration session is designed to address the neurological patterns that determine how a person organizes themselves in movement and expression. The Feldenkrais Practitioner is sensitive both to the presenting patterns of the student and the possibilities available. The Practitioner becomes a biofeedback mechanism for the client or student.

Intention with Functional Integration

The intention of the Feldenkrais Practitioner is to help the student become aware enough of their own patterns of movement such that they can make more informed choices around how they choose to organise themselves in the future.

In particular, we are looking at organising movement patterns around an application (function). It isn't movement for movement's sake.

At times this involves showing how other parts of the body can be included or involved within a movement pattern or function. At other times with a Functional Integration session the Practitioner may show how to leave out extraneous or unnecessary movement patterns associated with the Function.

The rate at which this procedes is determined by the capacity of the student to take in this information in a way that they can use it.

Note that the term used for the client is usually 'student' - not patient. This reflects the philosophy of Feldenkrais being a 'learning modality'.

Process

During a session the student may find themselves placed in different positions on the Feldenkrais Table. Other times the session may involve primarily just the one or two positions. Feldenkrais is a dynamic process that unfolds in the doing. To facilitate this a typical Feldenkrais Table is low, wide and flat.

Within a Functional Integration session the student can literally be rolled over on this table. It is low and adjustable to enable the student to kneel over it and maintain the alignment of the spine as if in a sitting position.

A Feldenkrais Practitioner will often use aids to assist with the alignment of the student on the table. As such a session may include foam rollers of different sizes, foam pads and other support aids such as a rolled up towel. These enable the student to be placed on the Table in a way that there is no tension due to gravity.

Very few people naturally lie flat without some inefficiencies with their habitualised holding patterns. One of the first requirements of the Feldenkrais Method is to absolutely minimize any tension within the system. The student then can become more sensitive and aware to options and changes as the Lesson procedes.

Results

It is important to note that both a Functional Integration session and an Awareness Through Movement lesson are both aimed at producing the same result - an improvement in the intelligent, applied use of movement.

A session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the Practitioner, student and circumstances. At the end of it a person often feels lighter and more fluid. Sportspeople can develop more speed, balance, accuracy and power as their skeletal structure and musculature become more efficient. One thing to note though is immediately afterwards accuracy and timing can be out while the person integrates this new found efficiency into their craft. It doesn't take long though.

• Improve your mobility
• Develop your balance
• Move naturally and with ease
• Release tightness around hips and lower back
• Be able to rise from sitting easily
• Reverse aging related stiffness
• Discover the center of power

Return from Functional Integration to Feldenkrais main page.