Wednesday, 14.02.2007
Alexander Technique

If you usually get rid of the tension in your body by cracking your back or punching a stranger, then perhaps it's time to change the way you self-medicate. Why not consider the Alexander technique? This is a method of releasing unnecessary muscular tension in the body and it is designed to improve ease of movement, balance, support and coordination. So if you are feeling stressed and falling over a lot, then read on…

The Alexander technique was originally developed by F. Matthias Alexander in the 1890's, as a method of vocal training for singers and actors. He realised that all successful vocal training was linked to breathing and focussed on re-educating the respiratory mechanism. Some of Alexander's students found that his training helped them with respiratory difficulties and doctors began to refer patients to him. Spurred on by his success, Alexander developed his technique to include movement, posture, tension and breathing patterns and his students began to notice an improvement in other physical ailments that they were suffering from.

The Alexander technique works to change our bad movement habits - e.g. the way we move and sit - which contribute to back and neck pain, headaches and sciatica. According to the website www.alexandertechnique.com, these habits begin in childhood:

"By the time we've spent a year of two in school, sitting for hours on chairs and at desks chosen primarily for their economy and for the convenience of the custodial staff, we have learned tension patterns that interfere with our natural easiness, balance, support, and freedom of movement."

Those wily custodial staff, always after ways of making back-breaking labour easier - for shame, Mr. Janitor! However, the Alexander technique can combat this selfishness by helping you to learn to release all this built up-tension by "re-educating your body and mind".

The basic precept of the technique is that the neck muscles shouldn't be overworked and that the head should rest lightly on top of the spine. If you decide to learn the technique, you will learn new ways of gripping, sitting, standing and walking that will ease pressure on your joints, muscles and bones.

Alexander lessons can be taught one-on-one or in group sessions. During the first lesson, the teacher will observe your posture, movements and muscular tension as you perform everyday activities. They then use a combination of verbal instruction and a guiding touch to tell you where you are going wrong and how to correct it.

All of us are in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. However, this is a bit difficult if your chin is down somewhere around your knees. If you are as bent as a six Euro note, then perhaps its time to straighten up…

Related Articles

• Alternative Medicine
• Angel Therapy
• Aromatherapy courses
• Case Study
• Complementary Therapy
• Complementary Therapy
• Feldenkrais Method
• Homeopathy
• Massage
• Reiki
• Rolfing
• Shiatsu Massage