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What is The Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is not a therapy but a means of health education.
F M Alexander made certain unique discoveries and observations about health and well-being, devising a practical technique for putting these findings into effect. The Technique is generally taught on a one to one basis. Lessons involve the teacher using his/her hands together with verbal instruction to guide the pupil towards improved balance and co-ordination. By rediscovering the dynamic relationship between the head, neck, back and limbs, a new awareness and heightening of consciousness on all levels may be achieved, together with an improvement in general well-being.
Lessons do not consist of exercises, but involve exploring familiar activities such as standing walking, sitting, speaking and bending, etc. The Technique has proved beneficial for those with back, neck and pelvic problems and also as a means of alleviating the stresses and tension of modern life. Lessons usually last 30 to 40 minutes. Although some benefit may be obtained from taking just a few lessons to maintain and develop the benefits for oneself, a course of lessons spread over several months is usually recommended.
What causes the problems?
Physical, psychological and mental well-being is profoundly affected by the way the body is used or misused. The Alexander Technique is concerned with the way we use ourselves in all our activities. This may range from domestic chores, office work, writing, driving martial arts, yoga, tai chi, paying a sport or musical instrument, horse riding, dancing, golf, aerobics, pilates, swimming, the list is endless.
Bad posture and muscular tension can be the cause of many common complaints such as backache, arthritis and mental stress. Good balance, co-ordination and ease of movement seem natural in healthy individuals - particularly so in small children or a talented athlete (their chosen sport looks easy to perform). As we grow, however, and have to deal with the various demands life makes upon us, we can develop unstable patterns of movement. To compensate our coping mechanisms create tightening and stiffening throughout the organism. In turn, this results in over effort, interfering with balance, breathing and ease of movement. Ultimately, these may result in back pain, headaches, a stiff neck, painful joints, voice and throat problems or general fatigue.
The Technique is not a relaxation method, but a way in which the pupil will learn to release excess muscle tension and find a better state of balance, mentally and physically. This can be evident on many levels from coping with work and colleagues, family and friends to the manner in which we deal with more difficult periods which often cannot be avoided and are part of being human.
About Frederick Mathias Alexander
F M Alexander was born in Australia in 1869. He grew up in a small village in Tasmania and left home at sixteen. Interested in music and drama he eventually worked in Melbourne, reciting Shakespeare and other dramatic pieces - a popular form of entertainment of that time.
A persistent vocal problem led to Alexander seeking medical help and he was advised to rest.
Nevertheless, the problem persisted to such an extent that he realised that he must be doing
Something to create the trouble.
After many years of self study Alexander devised a unique method of working to avoid his own 'misuse'. It is this Technique which is today still being taught throughout the world today and from which many people benefit.
Sarah Davey is a qualified member of the Society of Teacher of the Alexander Technique.
Sarah : 01442 250712/mob 07850 142849
Email: sadalli@globalnet.co.uk
Sarah @ www.yogamemore.co.uk
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