Mark Reese, Ph.D., of the Reese Movement Institute in California, combined his experience as a Feldenkrais practitioner and trainer to publish Relaxercise in 1989. This is accomplished by making movement reversible' - meaning the ability to stop, start or change movements without preparation, increased effort or loss of stability. It took millions of years to evolve this potential, and people use only a small part of it. As the client lies or sits comfortably clothed, the practitioner guides him or her through a series of precise movements to relax tense areas, alter habitual patterns and provide new options. Awareness Through Movement R is taught in a classroom setting.
Students learn movements in basic positions to improve movement quality, awareness and function.
Many specialties have also developed, from Feldenkrais teachers who work on just one organ or part of the body, to those who teach through the voice. There arc applications for everyone from world-class athletes to people with learning disabilities. The Feldenkrais Method makes breakthroughs everyday - from increasing a disabled client's range of movement to helping an athlete or dancer accomplish new career heights. Feldenkrais therapy is so subtle, however, watching it has been likened to watching paint dry. The lessons are so relaxing, some clients even fall asleep during sessions.