125 under pressure FELDENKRAIS WHO: Although Feldenkrais can benefit humans of any age or stage in life, Haller says people with neck and lower back pain often flock to Feldenkrais. Feldenkrais can also help rehabilitate - as Haller knows. In 2000, she underwent maxillofacial surgery. During surgery, she received a brain injury when a genetic trait (formerly unknown to her) reacted badly to anesthesia. Afterward, her speech altered: word order became disorganized, consonants were difficult. Haller was diagnosed with a very rare condition, Pseudo Foreign Accent Syndrome: she literally sounded foreign. Then, said Haller, fewer than 65 others in the world shared the same diagnosis. Recovery was challenging: two years past surgery, she had 52 percent intelligible speech. Ten years later (in 2012) her speech therapist Dianna Britton rated her at 78 percent intelligible speech. Haller admits rehabilitation took her a great deal of moment by moment tenacity. But after Britton suggested Feldenkrais principles might help Haller reformulate speech - along with a deep understanding of posture and balance - she said Feldenkrais became a light in the tunnel. Feldenkrais' attention to detail and brain connection may also aid arthritis, chronic pain and even nervous system disorders like stroke, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Patients with Parkinson's Disease could also see relief [see sidebar, ndr]. “We're all working with what brain cells we have now”, says Haller. When the brain is engaged, Haller explains, the idea is to begin with periphery extremities and move in towards the central nervous system, core and spine. Ideally, Feldenkrais can help forge new pathways around dead cells and unused channels. Lastly, artists, musicians and athletes can enhance ability and amplify creativity. Again, two themes emerge: efficiency and the brain. Take a violinist with sore hands. Through small, aware movements - take the head forward, or reposition the feet - Feldenkrais can integrate and rebalance. In other words, Haller explains, efficiency and functionality engage the entire body to carry the violin's weight.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDUzNDc=