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Alexander Technique
What Is It?
How Does It Work?
What Happens During Treatment?
What Is It Used For?
Side Effects/Cautions
Recommended Books
What Is It?
The Alexander Technique is a method of retraining our bodies to
move in a more coordinated and efficient way. It aims to correct
harmful habitual patterns such as slouching and tensing of muscles
which can cause pain and other health problems.
The Alexander Technique was developed in the late
19th century by F.M. Alexander, an Australian Shakespearean
actor who often lost his voice on stage. Using three-way
mirrors he found that his habit of tightening his neck
muscles and jutting his jaw forward while speaking
restricted his vocal cords. By working to correct his
posture he found his voice was restored. Alexander
then began developing a system to teach simple, efficient
movements that would help other people improve their
balance, posture and co-ordination, while relieving
pain.
How Does It Work?
The Alexander technique is essentially a re-education process which
concentrates on removing stress and bad posture. It focuses on
the relationship between the head, neck and spine, which teachers
call “primary control”. When these three are properly
aligned through correct posture, improvements in muscular function
allow more efficient breathing and movement of the whole body.
The technique is based on a series of gentle exercises
and movements that teach you how to sit, stand and
move in a natural and more efficient way.
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What Happens During
Treatment?
Alexander technique lessons can be conducted one-on-one with a
teacher, or in group classes. The teacher begins by observing how
you use your body when sitting, standing and walking. S/he notes
any inappropriate muscle tension caused be incorrect alignment
of the head, neck and spine, that throws the rest of the body off
balance. Poor habitual posture is changed by instruction and gentle
touch, the teacher placing his or her hands on or near the head
or spine to remind you of correct alignment. Some sessions will
have the student lying down to learn how to release excess muscle
tension, while others involve mostly sitting, standing and walking.
The sessions are not strenuous or physically painful.
The teacher allows the student to release tension and
harmful habits at their own pace. Improvement is gradual,
as long held bad habits take time to adjust. But with
time and patience the posture and movement of the body
will improve. A lesson usually lasts between 30 and
45 minutes and students generally take a series of
10-40 lessons.
Sessions can be tailored to meet the specific needs
of individuals such as dancers, athletes or actors.
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What Is It Used
For?
By correcting habitual bad posture and taking stress off the body,
the Alexander Technique alleviates tensions that can cause many
health problems. It can help ease neck pains, backaches, headaches,
repetitive strain injuries and postural problems during pregnancy.
Correct posture improves breathing, making the technique of benefit
to asthma sufferers. People with sciatica, osteoporosis and arthritis
may also benefit, with an improvement in strength and mobility.
The technique leads to a better awareness of the body
and the way it moves. It can help to release habits
that are tied to poor self-image and emotions (research
suggests a connection between posture and state of
mind) so the technique can bring psychological as well
as physical benefits.
Side Effects/Cautions
The Alexander Technique is generally considered safe for everyone,
including pregnant women, with no known side effects.
References
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Recommended Books
Prices are in US Dollars
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How to Learn the Alexander
Technique: A Manual for Students
Barbara Conable
A primer for students of the Alexander Technique,
a well-known method for improving freedom and
ease of movement and physical coordination.
This book provides the first authoritative
account of William Conable's concept, Body
Mapping, the study of how our ideas about our
bodies affect our experience and movement.
This concept is integrated with a lucid explanation
of the Alexander Technique that clarifies and
simplifies the task of teaching and learning
the Technique.
Learn
more...
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Body Learning : An Introduction to
the Alexander Technique
Michael J. Gelb
This new, fully revised and updated edition
confirms Body Learning's status as the classic
work on the Alexander Technique for maintaining
the health and efficiency of the body.
"The approach to learning and the techniques
outlined in Body Learning transformed my life.
Read and practice, and Michael Gelb's profound
message will transform yours. "-Tony Buzan,
author of The Mind Map Book
Learn
more...
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Indirect Procedures: A Musician's
Guide to the Alexander Technique (Clarendon
Paperbacks)
Written by an experienced professional musician
and teacher of the Alexander Technique, this
volume is the first to deal specifically with
the application of the Technique to music-
making. Introducing the musician to the principles
and procedures evolved by F. M. Alexander (1869-1955),
the book contains practical advice related
to all areas of musical activity, from technique,
sound production, and interpretation, to daily
practice, rehearsal routines, and the mitigating
of stage fright and health problems.
Learn
more...
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Alexander Technique Books
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