The late Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais was fascinated by falling. He was captivated by the “;instinctive reaction to falling”; common to all human beings, a collection of movements exhibiting the vast, immediate intelligence of the central nervous system.

As a nuclear physicist, Feldenkrais (1904-1984) studied movements within the atomic structure and ways to harness the energy through the reaction of certain elements.

When he turned his attention to the human body, he was compelled by the mysteries of the impulses, patterns and reactions of muscular and skeletal movements. From observing complex movements like falling, to the subtlest of body articulations, Feldenkrais developed lessons to facilitate his students' awareness of movement. He emphasized the plasticity of the human brain (neuroplasticity) and its innate capacity to change its structure through the redirecting of attention.

Feldenkrais devoted his life to establishing what became known as the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education, fusing his knowledge of physics, biomechanics, psychology, neurophysiology and child development.

Eve Strauss, who teaches the Feldekrais Method at Manoa Dance Studio and Kapiolani Women's Center, said the benefits come from simple self-observation. “;Awareness is the key. There is a whole range of movement possibilities that might be inaccessible to us at the moment. Inaccessible, but entirely possible.”;

Group classes (Awareness Through Movement) and individual sessions (Functional Integration) provide a framework to facilitate the students' sensations of movement and enhance awareness of neuromuscular patterns.

The method has garnered attention since its arrival in the United States in the 1970s for its visionary descriptions of how the brain rebuilds itself, forms new nervous pathways and can continue to improve its functioning.

“;The classes and private sessions of the Feldenkrais Method are an exploratory, playful process,”; says Strauss. “;These teachings involve the central nervous system in a way that invites self-correction. It quite literally allows you to access more of your own intelligence. Intelligence to move, to breathe and to take more pleasure in movement.”;