Nervous system awareness

Movement training

Motor repatterning

The Fajardo Method of Holistic Biomechanics™, developed by Alicia Fajardo, is a way to facilitate and encourage the body’s natural ability to move itself towards optimal functionality, adaptability and vitality.

It is a pioneering method that looks at the body as a whole - an orchestra of interconnected systems, all of whose functioning is dictated by the ever-changing state of the nervous system. The state of the nervous system is determined by the unconscious brain - not our will - in spite of our many earnest attempts. This affects posture, joint functioning, movement leverage, fluid distribution, nutrient and waste processing, beliefs and behavior. EVERYTHING.

Tree and magnified neuron. Nature’s design.

The Fajardo Method™ offers movement education with nervous system awareness practices to improve the adaptability of the nervous system and overall body functioning. Classes and sessions cover a wide range of movement from simple and easy to complex and athletic depending on the class and/or client’s goals. As we move, we direct our conscious attention, using proprioception and Grid Points™ (attention on 2 or more points in the body) to allow the brain to gather more information about the body’s structure and the ever-changing NOW moment. We map body parts relative to each other as well as body parts relative to the external environment. The more ample the information exchange between the body and the brain, the more likely the brain will activate the state of the nervous system that is appropriate to the reality of the moment at hand, which is often one of safety rather than immediate threat. The more this happens, the more the body will unwind patterns of chronically held stress and strain and adopt new more refined and efficient motor-patterns. Simply put, with continued practice, the body can begin to move and function more optimally.

This is not a quick fix or a linear process.

It occurs at the body’s own pace and can be uncomfortable at times; but as we become more aware of our bodies and start to experience improvements in the ways we navigate the world physically and relationally, we can begin to trust the process. It is not necessary to understand how it works for changes to occur in the body!

Benefits of this practice can include increased proficiency in movements and specific physical or athletic skills; awareness of optimal biomechanics and moving through space with efficiency and ease; trust in one’s relationship with the body and how to care for it; avoidance of invasive surgeries or medications; freedom from the constant pursuit of ‘body-hacking’ health solutions; improvement in sense of self and safety/self-sufficiency in the world on mental and emotional levels; and overall increased vitality. It is about returning to the amazing way the body is naturally designed to function and thrive while continually learning about ourselves along the way.

For more information about The Fajardo Method of Holistic Biomechanics™, visit https://www.holisticbiomechanics.com/

Your practicioner

Ashley has always been drawn to anatomy and movement.

She graduated with a BA in Dance from the University of Washington and dance is still her first love and passion. She has spent decades teaching movement and body awareness, with certifications earned in yoga, GYROTONIC(r) and GYROKINESIS(r). She came to the Fajardo Method™ over 13 years ago displaying unhealthy emotional and mental distress, addictive coping mechanisms, food intolerances and chronic low level injuries. She credits this method with continually supporting her movement towards ever increasing agility, ease, joy and resilience on all levels - on a path that is challenging, deep, fascinating and FUN. Of all the mind/body and self-help modalities she has experienced, it has been by far the most consistent, lasting and impactful practice to date.

Ashley became a certified practitioner of the Fajardo Method™ in 2020 in order to share with individuals who are curious to bravely explore their structures and allow for change in their embodied experience. She is honored to witness and support her clients as they expand in physical health, resilience and self-awareness. Ashley is dedicated to her personal practice and is deeply grateful for this method and the wonders of physical embodiment.

Ashley currently lives in Portland, OR where she teaches private sessions and group classes in person and online.

Reach out to get started with a free 30 minute consultation ->