The Alexander Technique: realign your body
The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change movement habits in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, giving you more energy for all your activities. It is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body. It is promoted for the alleviation of back pain, rehabilitation after accidents, improving breathing, playing musical instruments and singing.
The technique dates back to the 1890s when Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955), an actor who began his career as a Shakespearean orator, developed chronic laryngitis while performing. Determined to restore the full use of his voice, he carefully watched himself while speaking, and observed that undue muscular tension accounted for his vocal problem. He sought a way to eliminate that restriction. Over time, he discovered and articulated a principle that profoundly influences health and well-being: when neck tension is reduced, the head no longer compresses the spine and the spine is free to lengthen. From this work on himself and others, he evolved this hands-on teaching method that encourages all the body processes to work more efficiently - as an integrated, dynamic whole.
The Alexander Technique is not something you can learn from a video or a book. You need a teacher to review your own personal situation and guide you, so taking lessons is very important. If you are in the New York area, I suggest you contact Mark Josefsberg who is a certified Alexander Technique teacher. You can find a lot of informative articles and videos regarding this topic, as well as his contact information on his website at www.MarkJosefsberg.com .
You can find a detailed guide about the technique at AlexanderTechnique.com. Dr. Rhonda Low from CTV explains it more in the video below:
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Related posts (generated automatically):
Posted: March 12th, 2009 under Health, Knowledge.
Tags: Alexander Technique, Back Pain, Chiropractic, Physical Exercise, Rehabilitation, Self Awareness
Comments
Comment from Aadir
Time March 16, 2009 at 11:29 AM
how many session do we need to learn so we can do it by ourself?
Aadir
Comment from Mark Josefsberg
Time March 17, 2009 at 9:41 AM
Hi Aadir,
Of course everyone is different, and it depends upon what you want to get out of the Technique. However, the idea is that you learn it and apply it to your life. You’ll probably know in only a few sessions how great an impact it will have. You will probably learn something you could use forever in the first session.
Mark
Comment from Bill
Time September 11, 2009 at 12:01 PM
I found a few lessons in the Alexander Technique made a huge difference in my posture, and the way people perceived me. Plus it got rid of my low back pain! Can’t ask for much more.
They have a great website at http://alexandertechnique.com
Comment from chiropractor gilbert az
Time March 18, 2010 at 4:03 AM
We must understand how chiropractic is done correctly and also we must know the ethic’s of it. Chiropractic treatment is very sensitive job.
Comment from calgary chiropractor
Time May 19, 2010 at 1:45 AM
I must say that Chiropractic world is indeed doing a great thing in our world… One of the best alternative medicine as for me.. 
Comment from lacombe chiropractor
Time May 25, 2010 at 11:17 PM
This makes the future look brighter. I once asked my general practitioner to compare notes with my chiropractor and he said it wouldn’t do any good as they didn’t speak the same medical language.
Pingback from Health Blog » Blog Archive » The Alexander Technique: realign your body
Time March 12, 2009 at 7:01 PM
[...] Originally posted here: The Alexander Technique: realign your body [...]