SERVICES
What is the Alexander Technique?
There is no easy way to explain the Alexander Technique. There are many ideas that try to encapsulate the essence of the technique as we continue to explore its development and many applications.
Chris Fawcett explains:-
I recommend anyone wishing to work on posture to look at the Alexander Technique. You can’t learn it from books, so find a good teacher.(They come in all flavours: so take the time to find one that suits you.) It is correspondingly difficult to describe, so I’ll begin with what it is not.
It is not a therapy, like Chiropractic, but an education.
You do not go back for the same treatment.
You learn progressively how your body works, and you build on it.
It is not an exercise regime, such as Pilates.
What you learn, you apply to whatever it is that you do every day.
It has no spiritual Dimension.
The logic behind the technique
Paul Cooke and Mathew Wasley explain the logic behind the Technique:-
Our process of thinking and movement can begin to interfere with natural body systems over time as everything we do involves contraction. The effort used is automatic, and only bought to our attention when tensions have built causing symptoms of conflict in daily life, e.g. RSI, back pain, headaches, learning dificulties and stress.
Because our habits of movement and posture feel normal, it is very difficult to learn to do things diferently because we have become used to our condition and “feel normal” in an unconscious way.
What can we learn from the technique?
With the help of an Alexander Teacher the technique can
• teach us to become aware of our movement habits that may cause pain and long term discomfort
• teach us how to use our body habits rather than let them control us.
• help us learn to control the way we (our bodies) react when doing things – to make us aware of how we interfer with our bodily movement and functions
• teach us how our body works.
The link between movement and the mind
Donald L. Weed, DC takes the idea further:-
The Alexander Technique is an as yet unfinished and constantly evolving investigation of the relationship between thought and movement behavour, and how the retraining of the conscious mind can be used by individuals to bring about continuous and constructive changes in the quality and efficiency of their general standard level of performance in all of their activities.
In this regard the Alexander Technique is a unique approach to the study of the relationship between movement and the mind.
Movement and pain
Everything we do in life involves movement and bodily action. Whether it be driving, shopping, changing nappies, working at the computer, playing golf, swimming, playing an instrument, etc.
It is often the way we hold ourselves, the way we sit and unconsciously tensing our body that can give rise to pain, or how we ‘do’ the activity that creates the problem and not the activity itself.
The Alexander Technique can make living more fun and pleasurable with less discomfort and pain.
It can help with injuries you may have suffered as a result of some sporting or recreational activity.
These injuries (or any injury) can not only be a source of pain but can create bad habits that can lead to more pain. Pain can cause you to compensate in some way that perpetuates the habit. Eg. Relying more on one leg to compensate for a knee injury.
In order to learn how the Alexander Technique can help you it is really something to be experienced; it cannot be learnt from a book, or taught with out the guidance of an Alexander teacher.
Improve your skills
For it to be of a particular interest to you, we can look at applying its benefits to a particulr activity you enjoy:-
golf, swimming, playing a musical instrument, running, horse riding, singing, yoga, etc.
In this way you can not only improve your game or skill but also improve your well being (health)
It is not a treatment, it is not a therapy and an Alexander Teacher does not diagnose.
It will empower you to be able to look after your self.
Many people from a variety of backgrounds have benefited from the Alexander Technique.
It has long been used by Actors and performers (e.g Jeremy Irons, John Cleese, Paul McCartney, Sting) and is now invariably incorporated in performers training to enhance their craft. Musicians, sportsman in many fields including horse riders have lessons to enhance their skill.
My Experience
I teach the Alexander Technique to people of a variety of backgrounds and experiences, especially its relevance to horse riding, where the wellbeing of the horse and rider is bought together for their mutual benefit.
The Alexander Technique is part of my everyday life and has created wellbeing for myself, my partner and our horses. Twenty years ago, as a serious horse riding competitor I damaged my upper back falling on a cross country fence. I suffered chronic debilitating pain for many years – attending physios, chiropractors etc.
Medical prognosis was that the damaged caused would continue to deteriorate and I would need a spinal fusion.
Now, nearly 60 years old, fit, well and pain free, I am working four horses, working our Bed and Breakfast facility, managing my Alexander Technique teaching practice that includes yoga classes and horse riding lessons utilising the Alexander Technique for horse and rider as well as maintaining five acres of garden property.
You can get more information on how the Alexander Technique has:-
• helped improve my horse riding experience
• benefited my horses
by refering to our web site from the link at the top of this page.
You can also refer to a very good video on the Alexander Technique at the following:-
www.silverfoxstudio.net/index.htm (but you will need broadband)
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Teaching member of AUSTAT
Workplace Certificate IV in Assessment and Training
Registered Riding Coach with the Equestrian Federation of Australia
First Aid Certificate
Service Categories
Alexander Technique, Animal Therapy, Yoga
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