Alessandra and Kat recently studied ideokinesis at movement 12 with Ursula Stricker. The work inspired them to add many elements of this wonderful movement therapy to their Pilates classes.

Ideokinesis was first developed by Mabel Todd at the beginning of the century after a back injury that impaired her walking. Doctors believed that she’d never walk again but Mabel did not give up and she managed to cure herself completely.

• What is Ideokinesis?
  • Ideokinesis is a scientific and creative movement therapy that uses imagery and touch to align the body and transform postural patterns. As we grow up, we all learn to move by imitating those around us: our parents, our aunts and uncles, our grandparents. Trauma and our moods also affect alignment and movement. These movements quickly become established and a pattern develops. Unfortunately, these patterns can be unhealthy, such as slouching or walking wide-legged, for example, and can eventually lead to aches and pain. In ideokinesis we use images and touch to cue movement. This gives new impulses to the nervous system which sends new messages to the brain which in turn sends out new instructions to the muscles which re-aligns the bones. In time, this new movement pattern becomes established in the movement centre of the brain and we automatically move in a healthier and more aligned way.
• Who benefits from ideokinesis?
  • Absolutely everyone can benefit from ideokinesis! Many of our aches and pains are caused by misalignment and patterns of movement that work away from the core, recruit the wrong muscles and build tension. Ideokinesis can help to re-align the body and to release tension which can help with shoulder, knee, hip and back problems. I use imagery extensively with clients who are in pain. Using imagery or touch to cue movement can change the established pattern of movement and the body might start to recruit different muscles. Many of my clients report less pain when they use imagery when moving. In time, the new movement pattern might become the norm and people move in a healthier way.
  • Ideokinesis is also used extensively by dancers and other artists to improve their performances and art as it establishes a deep mind-body connection.
• What does ideokinesis mean in practice?
  • Alessandra and Kat incorporate elements of ideokinesis in their Pilates classes. These elements are basically verbal or tactile aids to create an image of a pattern of movement. For example, we might raise awareness of the three joints of the leg when walking, cue a movement or the resting position with imagery or we might touch the spine when rolling down or up to allow each vertebra to move and then re-align itself with the other vertebrae.
  • Pure ideokinesis workshops, such as the one taught by Ursula, might also involve movements such as running or dancing, for example. These workshops really effect change in body and mind, with movement being truly initiated from the core. They are also wonderfully creative and joyous.
  • Ursula Stricker holds workshops in Bern, Switzerland. Her book Ideokinesis, co-authored by Wolfgang Steinmuller and Andre Bernard, is a treat for anyone who wants to know more.

Kat teaches in Suffolk and Alessandra teaches in central London.
Contact them if you are interested in joining their Pilates classes or one-on-one tuition.