21 October 2008
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Alexander Technique is a discipline that teaches an individual to tune into and develop an awareness of their body and its relationship to the environment. This discipline is a set of tools to help individuals move through life with increased efficiency, eliminating common pain and discomfort caused by chronic issues.
The history of Alexander Technique
F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was an actor in Shakespeare's time and due to extreme hoarseness he lost his ability to vocalize his lines. No medical professionals helped him. Alexander turned to himself and for years studied his body and its connective pathways. Eventually he developed a deep and beautiful voice along with an innovative approach to improving human behavior that in turn improves overall health.
Who can receive benefits from Alexander technique?
Anyone. The young, middle aged and the elderly, performers, receptionist, athletes, computer scientist, doctors the list is endless. The real question is how can Alexander Technique help? Alexander technique as stated earlier is a discipline that increases efficiency that will eliminate pain and discomfort. Many people suffer with head and neck aches, upper, middle and lower back pain, hip discomfort and knee problems. Due to posture, stress inefficient chairs everyday movement is contributing to discomfort caused. Alexander technique fuels one with the knowledge to use and carry their body in ways that reduce skeletal compression and muscular tension.
How is Alexander Technique different?
Unlike other therapies or practices Alexander Technique is not a treatment rather it is a tool to enhance self maintenance. A Chiropractor might treat an individual's chronic pain and Alexander Technique provides tools to manage health which in turn support the chiropractors work. Just as gaining knowledge of nutrition will benefit life in a long perspective the benefits of Alexander Technique are life long.
It is not a sequence of sports or rehabilitation exercises. Alexander Technique provides tools that increase the body's ability to perform all exercises in the best possible way reducing pressure on the joints while strengthening the muscles and expanding the breath capacity.
The benefits
First and foremost self care. Alexander technique provides individuals will the tools to take unneeded pressure off the joints that over time can cause chronic pain. The principles of Alexander empower people with knowledge to change their present uncomfortable state and transform themselves.
Alexander Technique enhances ones ability to perform all skill, whether it be working inn an office or running.
What to expect from a session?
The sessions are generally one-on-one with a certified instructor. The instructor will guide the student using words and touch to approach mundane movement with a new perspective. A mirror will be used to help the student see themselves and imagine the connective pathways that govern their body. The instructor will encourage their student to analyze their body and see how their pain is related to patterns of tension held in their body is causing joints to compress.
Alexander Technique attempts to re-pattern developed habits. It will take several sessions of repetition to see progress. Eventually the principles and ideals that Alexander Technique emphasizes soon will become apart of the students daily movement vocabulary. They will use the principles to elevate themselves from pain to enjoy comfortable health.
A study carried out by the British Medical Journal show intriguing results. People that were involved in Alexander technique classes showed an 85% decrease in days of pain. After 24 sessions people only experienced 3 days of pain in an entire month.
Alexander Technique teaches principles and provides tools that have a lifelong value that can always improve ones health.
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