Body Awareness as Healing Therapy: The Case of Nora

by Moshé Feldenkrais

Body Awareness as Healing The Case of Nora is Moshe Feldenkrais' classic study of his work with Nora, a woman who has suffered a severe stroke and lost her neuromuscular coordination, including the ability to read and write. Feldenkrais uses rational and intuitive approaches to help his student relearn basic motor skills. One can observe here the groundwork of Feldenkrais' extraordinary insights which became known as the Feldenkrais Method. We follow his detailed descriptions of the trial and error process which led him to see the ingredients that were needed to help Nora reshape her attention, perception, imagination and cognition.

Genres: Health

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Emily Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feldenkrais is a freakin' genius. Let me just say that. I'm not sure this book reveals all the ways he's a genius - but it does open a window into his thinking process as a genius and that's very cool. If you knew nothing about his work and have never witnessed this sort of stuff happening, I have no idea if reading this book would give you a sense of it. It's not nearly so compelling as some of the transcriptions of interviews and speeches that he's given. It's still pretty compelling, though. It's just that through the written word, it's hard to get a sense of the leaps he's making. You can read about how he got a woman who couldn't read, write or even walk through a room without bumping into walls, to read, write and put her shoes on again - but it's hard to really get the sense of being there and witnessing those changes. What this book DOES do, is illuminate how he THOUGHT about this case, which is really interesting. This however, makes me feel all the more daunted about ever learning how to help people this way, because I cannot imagine my brain making the connections that his does. I guess that's what learning's for, though!

[Katsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feldenkrais was extremely wise man, but same time his books are kind of hard to read. But not this one. As it's mainly a description of a case and the process to help person restore their abilities. Not too much of philosophical thoughts are included. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I disagree with his point of view, rather the opposite, but I can find it hard to read.
Definitely recommend this book and then others, with exercises!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating case by Feldenkrais on the working of body orientation, as well as the brain's ability to re-learn and adapt. How he thinks seems ordinary, but when you read his words and thoughts, it can be truly profound.
There are always things to discover, as well as train yourself, based on choice and education of such choices.
I'm very grateful for Feldenkrais' work.

[Laurie AH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound, like all his writings and his work. I liked this account particularly because he points out some flaws in his process and things he missed and then corrected. He’s not as sure of himself as he is in other writing, and that makes him seem more human and accessible.

[Guilherme Pimentel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great aacount of the process he went in with a student.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as my introduction to Feldenkrais.

[Alea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring tale! This book really demonstrates Feldenkrais thought processes as he attempts to help Nora improve the quality of her life. It's a great read, especially for those studying or looking to learn more about the Feldenkrais Method.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dont like self help books... this is a different version of them. His style bothers me a bit.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great awareness of what happened to Nora when she had her stroke!