BASED IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
Discover your potential with mind-body movement.
Offering Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® Classes and Craniosacral Therapy.
“MOVEMENT IS LIFE; WITHOUT MOVEMENT, LIFE IS UNTHINKABLE.” - MOSHE FELDENKRAIS
“MOVEMENT IS LIFE; WITHOUT MOVEMENT, LIFE IS UNTHINKABLE.” - MOSHE FELDENKRAIS
Feldenkrais AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT® Classes
The basis of Awareness Through Movement® classes is neuroplasticity. Human brains and nervous systems are not hardwired. They change and grow throughout life. Given the proper conditions: a safe, supportive environment, curiosity, and novel movement, humans learn new ways to think, move, and be in the world regardless of age or life circumstances.
THROUGH THE MIND BODY MOVEMENT EXPLORATIONS WE LEARN HOW TO:
Release muscular tension and rediscover innate capacity for graceful, efficient full body movement.
Adjust posture statically and dynamically
Bring attention to parts of self which are out of awareness (physically and emotionally) to fully develop self-image and to stimulate full human potential
Enhance well-being by restoring alignment of the body and mind.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Classes in Awareness Through Movement® are verbally guided. They take place in many positions - on the floor lying on the back, side, stomach, sitting, and standing.
We create new neural pathways and new options for use of self by performing slow, subtle movements with different variations. We use directed attention and imagery to refine the quality of movement and promote lasting changes.
Upcoming Classes
See below for upcoming classes and themes.
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LOWER BACK AND HIPS
In this class, we explore 2 verbally guided movement lessons focusing on the lower back and hips. Both lessons build on one another and provide the benefits of increased self-awareness, decreased muscle tension, balance within the nervous system for relaxation, and increased fluidity and flexibility in movement and thought.
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PELVIS, SPINE, AND HEAD
In this class, we explore 2 verbally guided movement lessons focusing on the pelvis, spine, and head. Both lessons build on one another and provide the benefits of increased self-awareness, decreased muscle tension, balance within the nervous system for relaxation, and increased fluidity and flexibility in movement and thought.
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NECK AND SHOULDERS
In this class, we explore 2 verbally guided movement lessons focusing on the neck and shoulders. Both lessons build on one another and provide the benefits of increased self-awareness, decreased muscle tension, balance within the nervous system for relaxation, and increased fluidity and flexibility in movement and thought.
“I have been regularly attending Eleanor’s Feldenkrais classes for the past few years. Eleanor brings extensive training and experience to every group session, which focuses on select body regions while still appreciating the “overflow” that the lessons have on the entirety of the body and mind. She is a thoughtful instructor, giving gentle and responsive guidance as we engage in each movement lesson. She creates an accepting and collaborative environment that encourages participants to share their experiences and perspectives with each other. Classes are interesting, challenging and uniquely beneficial to each one of us in the room.
As a psychologist and physical therapist, I particularly appreciate how my experience working with Eleanor has increased my awareness of my posture and movement patterns. This awareness and the accompanying ease of movement is evident as I navigate my everyday life. I can also see the positive impact on my yoga practice and swim strokes, where I find it easier to mentally focus and learn new and more efficient movement patterns. I am 66 years old and hope to continue participating in, and benefitting from, Feldenkrais classes with Eleanor for years to come.”
— Kathleen K
1-HOUR INDIVIDUAL CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS.
Craniosacral
Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole body health and performance. It releases restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. It is used as a preventive health measure, for relaxation, and it is effective for facilitating the body’s natural and innate healing processes.
The basis of Craniosacral Therapy is assessment and enhancement of the movement of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) within the body. CSF transports nutrients and clears toxins to and from the brain and spinal cord, known as the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS is surrounded and protected by strong tissue known as the dural tube. The dural tube is made of fascia and connects to the base of the head (cranium) and the base of the spine (sacrum). In an ideal situation the CSF flows easily between the two points. When there is disruption of movement, there is a possibility of decreased health and well being.
BENEFITS OF THIS HANDS-ON TECHNIQUE INCLUDE:
Removal of barriers to self-healing - restoration of balance and movement to the cerebral spinal fluid, the body’s numerous energetic and fluid systems
Pain relief from a myriad of symptoms such as headaches, neck, back pain, TMJ/dental work
Deep relaxation through the balance of the central nervous system
Restored movement and function to the soft tissues and fluid that protect your brain and spinal cord, improving overall health and well-being
Kind Words
“Eleanor is a miracle worker. Working with her for both cranial sacral and Feldenkrais has been such a gift to me. I have walked into her care barely able to move, my lower back in spasms, and I’ve walked out straight and pain-free. I don’t know what to call that other than a miracle.”
“After my very first Awareness Through Movement class, I was able to lie flat on my back without any pain. That was the first time in years I was able to do that!”
“I initially visited Eleanor for cranial sacral sessions as a part of a surgery rehab. She is now a treasured go to, both for monthly craniosacral 1:1 sessions, as well as Feldenkrais classes. I find Eleanor a magical combination of deep subject knowledge, (physical therapy background, craniosacral expertise and Feldenkrais training), intuition, kindness and clarity. She has deeply helped my nervous system to relax, and afforded my entire body an opportunity to speak to me in new ways. I would highly recommend Eleanor to anyone.”
“I trust the work of Feldenrais and I am curious to see what happens (after each class). I am so lucky to have connected with you. Thank you for all you do!”
“I was referred to Eleanor by a Pain Management Physician for Feldenkrais therapy approximately 15 years ago. This was the best thing that could have happened to me! I have scoliosis with a full spinal fusion, and pain was severely limiting my daily function. I have been attending her classes on a regular basis since that time. The reason I have increased mobility and significantly less pain and tension in my back is because of Eleanor. She is a very knowledgeable and passionate instructor, and I take away something from every class that I use in my daily life. I highly recommend!”
“Since starting Feldenkrais classes with Eleanor, I feel better in several ways. I have noticed improvement in nerve function, increased range of motion, decrease in joint pain, and an improved fluidity of movement in everything from my feet to my eyes. One of her classes even improved my hearing!
Eleanor’s knowledge, experience, and dedication come through clearly. I enjoy her Feldenkrais series, and look forward to every class session.”
“Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement is just that. Through guided gentle movements, your attention turns inward and becomes focused.
Throughout my life, I pretty much took my body for granted and went about doing things until I overdid it or injured myself. Even then, I just wanted things “fixed” so I could return to my normal life.
Through the guided movement in a Feldenkrais class, I’ve begun to listen to what my body is telling me, and how a movement in one part impacts another. After a session I often find myself relaxed and centered. What is amazing to me is that, later in the week, discoveries arise. I become aware of how habitual ways I move or sit cause stiffness or pain. This awareness allows me to make changes.”
ELEANOR NOWACKI, PT, GCFP
Meet Eleanor
At a young age Eleanor understood the importance of good health.
In middle school, Eleanor was inspired by her art teacher, who returned to school to become a therapist. That set the course for Eleanor to pursue Physical Therapy school.
Early in her PT career, she realized the importance of the integration of the mind and body for healing and good health. This led her to participate in a weekend workshop on the Feldenkrais Method. After the first morning, Eleanor felt amazing changes in how she felt emotionally and physically. The next day, she registered for a 4-year Feldenkrais teacher training. The quickest and best decision she ever made! Since 2000, Eleanor has been passionately teaching Awareness Through Movement classes. Also in 2000, Eleanor took her first Craniosacral class. Feeling immediate relief from chronic neck and head pain, Eleanor knew she needed to continue her studies in Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release.
Eleanor believes Awareness Through Movement and Craniosacral Therapy are perfect complements to each other.
Education:
B.S. in Physical Therapy from Marquette University, 1991
Certification:
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Feldenkrais Guild of North America, 2000
Continuing Education:
Craniosacral Therapy, since 2000
Yearly studies with Francois Combeau, Feldenkrais Trainer, since 2001
Advanced Myofascial Release therapist, since 2003
Questions?
Do you have questions about Awareness Through Movement classes or 1:1 Craniosacral Therapy sessions? Fill out the form below or email directly at eleanornowacki@gmail.com.