Date:         Thu, 11 May 1995 00:12:30 +0100
From:         myriad@panix.com (Michael Krugman)
Subject:      Feldenkrais Article

FELDENKRAIS METHOD Eases Computer Stress

By Michael Krugman, M.A.
Guild-Certified Feldenkrais Teacher

Copyright 1995 by Michael Krugman

The Feldenkrais Method is an internationally acclaimed system of mind/body
education designed to improve your posture, breathing, and coordination
while enhancing creativity and physical intelligence. Long a favorite of
performing artists and athletes, the method has helped people in all walks
of life--including many with illness or disability--to feel better and
enjoy life more.

The Feldenkrais Method is particularly helpful for computer users.
Prolonged sitting, stress, and ill-configured computers can restrict and
distort your movements and posture. Feldenkrais sharpens your awareness of
your body and its needs, so you can alter potentially injurious work habits
before they take their toll. Knowing this will also help you make better
informed decisions when choosing a chair, keyboard, or pointing device.

The Feldenkrais Method is based on the understanding that the human body
thrives on movement. "Movement is life," said physicist and judo teacher
Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984), originator of the method, "without
movement life is unthinkable."

The quality of your movement, then, is a key to the quality of your life.
Easy, well-coordinated movements feel good and are good for your body. They
produce a feeling of well-being, mental clarity, and physical vitality.

Awkward, poorly coordinated movements waste energy on hit-or-miss actions.
This misdirected energy turns back on the body itself, damaging muscles and
joints, and producing pain, stiffness, and disability. All the vital
functions--breathing, circulation, digestion, even thinking--are
compromised.

Sitting in a chair, typing, and using a mouse is movement. It is not a
static position, even though we often think of it that way. No living
person can or should sit in the same position all the time, and no single
sitting position can assure safe, comfortable keyboarding. For that, you
need to be able to activate all the parts of your body in an orderly and
ever-varying way. In other words, you need well-coordinated movement, just
as you do for any other human action.

The Feldenkrais Method guides you step by step in discovering the movements
that work best for you and your body. You can learn to sit, stand, and walk
comfortably, without strain, and to maintain effective posture and
coordination as you perform all your daily activities, including typing and
using a mouse.

Feldenkrais is taught in two formats. In group classes, called Awareness
Through Movement, the Feldenkrais teacher verbally leads you through a
sequence of movements that reveal the limitations of your habitual behavior
and lead you to a broader vocabulary of action and expression. Private
Feldenkrais lessons, called Functional Integration, are primarily
nonverbal; the teacher guides your movements through touch. Functional
Integration lessons are tailored to each student's individual learning
needs.

Regular practice of the Feldenkrais Method can help you to remain relaxed,
alert, and energetic throughout the day, and make you more resistant to
injury. If you're already on the injured list, Feldenkrais can be a
powerful ally in your recovery process.

RESOURCES:

Names, addresses, and phone numbers of Feldenkrais practitioners anywhere
in North America can be obtained by e-mailing the Feldenkrais Guild at

   FLDGLD@aol.com

"Relaxercise", an audio-tape series of 10 fundamental Feldenkrais exercises
(based on the best-selling book by the same name) is available from Sensory
Motor Learning Systems, at (800) 735 7950. These exercises can be done in
sitting position or lying down, and are of particular relevance to computer
users. The price is $69.95 (plus S&H). Mention "Feldenkrais Online", and
you will receive a 10 percent discount!

Sensory Motor Learning Systems also has a "TMJ Health" tape set that is
designed to assist people with jaw problems: clicking, grinding, locking,
pain, etc. Mention Feldenkrais Online and save 10 percent.

Also available: the original "Relaxercise" book. Fully illustrated, large
format. Price: $20.00; mention "Feldenkrais Online" and save 10%.

All from Sensory Motor Learning Systems, (800) 735 7950.

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Note: "Feldenkrais", "The Feldenkrais Method", "Awareness Through
Movement", "Functional Integration", and "Feldenkrais Guild" are Registered
Service Marks of the Feldenkrais Guild. "Certified Feldenkrais Teacher" is
a Certification Mark of the Feldenkrais Guild.