Life-changing! Empowering! Glowing! I can't say enough about the online course I just completed with Esther Gokhale and Julie Johnson. I had read Esther's book, 8 Steps to a Pain Free Back, and the online course coached me through the steps with specific feedback that helped me make corrections which have made a huge difference in my mental, emotional, and physical health. I feel comfortable in my body, more vitality, and availability.
Prior to acquaintance with Esther's work I dismissed posture as unimportant. I held negative messages about being told to sit up straight which resulted in tensing my body and then compensating by slumping. Now I see how vitally important posture is for overall health. Posture is not an extra, but a foundation. I wish her course was taught in schools and workplaces. Everyone needs this! It's not just about the back, but includes feet, knees, hips, shoulders, head, and functioning of internal organs for overall health.
The teachers were supportive with their nonjudgmental attitudes and heartfelt compassion. Their specific feedback was invaluable. They are models of excellent teaching.
A huge bonus from taking the course is access to the Online University with video lessons, live zoom sessions for exercise, dance, yoga, meditation, and much more to continue my posture journey. I appreciate the awareness I am developing about ways to support the back so it can support my life of service. Best of all, the Gokhale Method does not require going to a gym. It's about developing muscles in daily life - sitting, standing, walking, lying down - so that the back is supported.
I highly recommend her courses. I wish the Gokhale Method was common knowledge. Five stars for the course. Standing ovation!
Christine Owen, Woodside, CA
With the adoption of even a few of Esther’s precepts, a life of bad habits can change to a life of healthy sitting and moving, and therefore a life of less pain and more freedom.”
Jessica Davidson, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
Back problems are not only pervasive, but also intractable and expensive, frequently disabling, commonly resulting in over-medication and unnecessary surgery… [This method is a] great asset to all of us who deal with back pain daily in our practices.
Helen Barkan, M.D., Ph.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
The Gokhale Method opens up a new level of health even to those of us who spend most of our week at a desk. It takes no time to implement, yet it works for you 24/7.
Susan Wojcicki, CEO of Youtube, Mountain View, CA
I’ve used the Gokhale Method before personally and I refer patients to it, too. It involves improving your posture with various stretches and techniques. I like it because the goal is to have your spine in ideal alignment as much as possible — while sitting, standing, walking and so on.
- D.J. Kennedy, President American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
“The Gokhale Method opens up a new level of health even to those of us who spend most of our week at a desk. It takes no time to implement, yet it works for you 24/7.”
Susan Wojcicki, CEO of Youtube, Mountain View, CA
“I used to have a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. Since doing the posture work, I can't remember the last time I've had any discomfort at all.”
Kathy Uros, Vice-President, Charles Schwab & Co., San Francisco, CA
“I was initially skeptical that I could change my walking gait or that it would make a difference but with Maya's guidance, I found that I could indeed change it and that it felt great. I am amazed at how tall and strong I feel.”
Jackie Naclerio, Homemaker, Menlo Park, CA
“I love this natural way of being in the world. The fact that I can improve my health with every step is very compelling.”
Cristi Bishop, Portland, Oregon
“I have not stopped receiving comments regarding my new posture, how tall I look and the new confidence I have assumed. In addition, my persistent leg pain has practically disappeared.”
Kayla Neumeyer, Palo Alto, CA
“I am 85 years old and was pleasantly surprised to learn from the Gokhale Method that back pain is not inevitable. I now do my household chores without any pain at all, got rid of my knee pain and walk faster.”
Gertrude Bock, Palo Alto, CA
“Studying this method has enabled me to avoid what would have been my fifth foot surgery. I can now walk again without pain. It has given me a new lease on life.”
Honor Rautmann, business owner, Sun River, OR
“I rarely have back pain now, and I feel more healthy and energetic overall. I am very pleased to testify to the positive effects of this work.”
John Hamilton, Geologist (USGS) and Musician, Menlo Park, CA
“Changing my posture changed my life. I am now free of the debilitating back pain that had plagued me since my adolescence.”
Suzanne Hecker, Geologist (USGS), Menlo Park, CA
“The training I received from Esther has greatly reduced the frequency of my headaches.”
Charles R. Bacon, Senior Research Geologist, USGS, Menlo Park, CA
“I had been suffering from sciatica, degenerating discs and spinal stenosis for almost four months. Esther began doing posture work with me and the results were quite dramatic. I recommend her with great enthusiasm.”
Andrea Lunsford, Professor of English, Stanford University, CA
“In the free class, the instructor started us out stretchsitting which was very comfortable for my back and leg. I was amazed that I could sit pain-free for 45 minutes! The entire method has been a true revelation and I shall be using it for the rest of my life. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to take that free class!”
Jeri Bessat, Palo Alto, CA
"It works! What I have learned here has helped me teach and play without pain. I no longer need the prescription medicine I was using daily."
Darrick Yun, San Francisco, CA
"The integrated approach and deep skill helped my wrist and shoulder issues immensely. In just six weeks with Esther, I was pain free for the first time in a year. Working with her was one of the only things that helped my wrist and shoulder to be pain-free. I think she is the best in the region for the work she does."
Laura Noss, Chief Taskmaster, Social Planets, Menlo Park, CA
From Physicians
“The patients I have referred to Esther have, without exception, found her work to be life changing.”
Salwan Abi Ezzi, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
“With the adoption of even a few of Esther’s precepts, a life of bad habits can change to a life of healthy sitting and moving, and therefore a life of less pain and more freedom.”
Jessica Davidson, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
“Back problems are not only pervasive, but also intractable and expensive, frequently disabling, commonly resulting in over-medication and unnecessary surgery… [This method is a] great asset to all of us who deal with back pain daily in our practices ”
Helen Barkan, M.D., Ph.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
"The approach is stunningly simple and confers immediate results. I wholeheartedly endorse this program.”
Deirdre Stegman, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
“The fresh and thoughtful approach to preventing and treating back pain presented by Esther Gokhale… deserves the attention of the medical profession… [Her method] holds the promise of significant relief.”
Harvey J. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D, Professor of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
From Athletes
“Esther’s technique for treating chronic back pain is totally unique and her research… really backs it up. This is a great tool for all of us.”
Billie Jean King, winner of 20 Wimbledon titles and activist
“Esther Gokhale helped me resolve a five-year injury after nothing else has worked. Her work is unique and thorough.”
Patti Sue Plumer, three-time olympian, 1992 world record holder for 1500M and 500M run
“This method is a great asset to anyone who plays or coaches a sport.”
Roger Craig, Marathoner, Ex 49er, 1988 NFL MVP