"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and
expecting different results" -Albert Einstein
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Heading in the direction of wellness and health for your back/neck
You may be one of millions annually suffering from back pain or neck pain. Probability is high that all of
us will experience neck or back pain. Depending what you read, you have a 60-80% chance that you will
experience neck or back pain in your life. Back pain and neck pain may be one of the most significant
health care problems our society has. So the topic of back or neck pain may interests you.
"But I have "degenerative disc disease...stenosis...bulging disc...scoliosis."
Ok, your doctor has examined you, ran tests, and validated your pain. Your diagnosis is important to
note.
"Do I have to live with it?”…“is this part of normal aging?...."how can this method help? "
Is it time to throw in the towel? Is there hope? When I listen to the above comments from people I hear
limitations, and lack of hope. But possibilities do exist. I know you may want to get down on the floor
and play with grandchildren, play golf, or get in the car easier. What ever your motives, dreams, and
hopes are, possibilities of improvement still exist.
Gaining knowledge in these methods and seeing people change beyond my wildest dreams can change
and shift viewpoints. It did mine. My viewpoint on aging, back and neck pain changed significantly. I
have randomly found a method that can significantly reverse deteriorating function in people. And
improve quality of life. And most people have never heard of it.
By enrolling in this method, you learn to move. This is learning method, not a medical treatment.
Treating pain is not the focus. Back pain and neck pain sufferers usually know pain very well. But most
back/neck pain sufferers lack awareness of the internal sensations of comfortable, easy movement, with
breathing. The best explanation for this method is to give this method a trial.
"I want a strong, healthy, powerful back"
I like your motives and intent. You want to improve your back and neck by strengthening. So let's come
up with a definition for a strong healthy back and neck. Let us start with a "strong back" as an
example.
Many people define a strong, powerful back as one who can handle many sit-ups, or can go to the health
club and perform many exercises. Athletes believe that a strong back can squat or lift much weight. I
like the motives of well intended people committed to health and wellness.
But if your back is strong, how come well conditioned athletes can bend over to pick up a pencil off the
floor and experience severe back pain?
A myth may be that someone who has power to lift tremendous weight, or do many weight machines had
a strong back.
I define a strong back as some who can move their back in all directions, at various speeds, at a given
moment. To be able to arch your back with twisting is a strong powerful back in my book. Look at great
golfers, skaters, dancers, and home run hitters. They all can arch their back and twist powerfully.
This is what enrolling in this method has to offer. This method can teach you how to experience, sense,
and feel movement. This method can teach you how to have healthy and efficient movement options.
Having healthy movement options allow you to overcome limitations you may have experienced for days,
months, or even years.
An image of power, strength, and speed all built into one package.
I really like the image of a cheetah running through the African brush. The image of a cheetah is a great
metaphor for power, strength, and speed. What actually gives the cheetah speed, power, and jumping
ability? I have 3 theories.
A cheetah has a flexible backbone like a giant spring, built to twist in any direction for energy bursts of
speed and power. If you come to my group class, I will talk about the other 2 theories.
I know you may be thinking, you are kidding. I am going to have a back like that. No, but the image of a
cheetah is a excellent metaphor of possibilities and potential for power, speed, and strength for a healthy
spine.
A great image to leave with. I hope you give the method a try.
The Anat Baniel Method(sm) and the Anat Baniel Method for Children(sm) are service marks of Anat
Baniel.
Feldenkrais®, and Feldenkrais® Practitioner are registered service marks of the FELDENKRAIS
GUILD® of North America.
This method is considered a learning approach, not medical treatment. If you are seeking medical
advice, consult with your physician.