Franklin Methode®
The Franklin Method® uses a unique combination of modern science, imagery and basic movement patterns. Currently this method is seen as the cutting edge in fitness and exercise education and is sought by professional athletes, dancers, Pilates and yoga instructors, and occupational and physical therapists around the world.
When the body moves with its natural mechanics there is an immediate release of muscular tension. This tension, chronic stress and joint degeneration are symptoms of repetitive misalignment or poor movement patterns. The Franklin Method® offers the tools to restore the natural mechanical patterns of the body. Recipients are always surprised by the sudden release and instant results after practicing the bone rhythms, muscle imagery and organ rhythms which are the foundations of the Franklin Method®. Each body is as unique as a finger print, and people can incorporate the principles of the Franklin Method® into an individualized understanding of their bodies. With this knowledge, people can perfect their daily movement patterns and exercise techniques alleviating pain and tension – feeling good doing what they love to do!
Swiss born, founder Eric Franklin studied sports science in Switzerland. He then continued his education in dance and the influence of imagery on human thinking in New York. During his training Franklin became confused as to why movement that was joyous and supposedly healthy actually led to injuries. Utilizing his knowledge and traveling the world Eric Franklin stumbled upon a truth drawn from Western and Eastern science; there is a pure connection between mind and body. This connection is called physical embodiment, and it is not dependent upon any one technique or movement form.
Not all techniques or physical training incorporate natural movement. Weaving together aspects of anatomy, evolution, ideokinesis, kinesiology, motor imagery, neuroscience, physiology, etc., the Franklin Method® creates a holistic mind/body experience for the individual. Franklin’s genius lies in offering people the ability to discern for themselves patterns that lead to health and those that do not.
The culminating effect of his work is to empower people to make choices leading to health and happiness.
The Franklin Method (in German Franklin-Methode) was founded in 1994, and was originally for dancers. It was inspired by Mabel Elsworth Todd’sideokinesis, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen’s Body-Mind Centering® [10] and Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga. Extended from dance field to every kind of human movement, this method combines dynamic science-based imagery, touch, anatomical embodiment and educational skills to create lasting positive change in body and mind, using a range of simple tools, like balls, Theraband®, and other daily life objects.
The Franklin Method activates body and mind function through the use of imagery, experiential anatomy and reconditioning movement to improve function . It maximizes neuroplasticity to relearn body posture and movements by practicing movement with activation of unused musculature. The principal goals are how to obtain dynamic body alignment and how to move the body with maximum efficiency . In every moment, the ideal combination of limbs, joints, gravity, moving parts, connective tissue, and muscles must be found and directed by the brain and nervous system by help of appropriate imagery.
Imagery promotes a neurogenic changement of muscular condition which allows immediate results, before any myogenic (muscle tissue) one. Connective tissue and inner organs are also directly stimulated, with touch and visualization, in order to change posture and to obtain an inner and outer balance.The exercises have a considerable impact on lowering structural stress, too.
The method is taught all over the world, including the Universities of Vienna, Cologne, Karlsruhe and the Juilliard School in New York. It is recognized by the health providers in Switzerland and courses are regularly offered at Dance, Pilates, Yoga and Physiotherapy conferences.
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Eric Franklin is author of 18 books, mainly in the mind/body field, which have been written in German and English and translated into French, Italian, Spanish, Czech, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
Here are mentioned the publications in English: