How can Alexander Technique help me?
Alexander Technique is a unique form of personal neuromuscular re-education. It’s making the best use of yourself through a practical method of self improvement. As toddlers most of us had very good use, easily balancing our relatively big heads on slender necks, leading all our movements with our heads, bending down into a squat with our ankles, knees and hips and all supported by our coordinated back. As we get older we can get into bad habits in the way we do things, perhaps through imitation of others or just simply letting gravity pull us down. The very act of living in our busy stressful modern world drags us down. We rush and we rush and we rush. Hardly surprising we run into problems.
The Alexander Technique is not relaxation therapy although it is relaxing and energising, in fact it’s not really a therapy at all but more of a re-education. It is not posture control either; many people get the idea that it is about getting in the right position or sitting up straight. It isn't at all. However most people will enjoy improved posture. We do not diagnose disease as we are not medically qualified; our expertise is in the use of the body as a whole. We teach people to become more aware of how they use themselves in everyday activities. It can help to improve your breathing, circulation, muscle tension, balance and co-ordination and it can help you stay calmer and think on your feet.
As a nation of back pain sufferers we could do with knowing more about the Alexander Technique. However it’s not just for people with back pain. Anyone can benefit as there is always room for improvement. Very few of us are blessed with perfect co-ordination.
Of course, the technique is used to help people with back, neck, shoulder and joint troubles but can also help in stress management, pregnancy, postural difficulties and many disorders from asthma to RSI and post operative rehabilitation.
Your Alexander lesson with me
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I was trained by Walter and Dilys Carrington to teach the F. M. Alexander technique at the Constructive Teaching Centre in London. In addition to my private practice I run a teacher training course in Brighton (see teacher training course) and I teach postgraduate studies all over the world (see my personal details). I have been teaching all sorts of people for nearly 25 years; people with back pain, horse riders, and teenagers with scoliosis, musicians, computer users and singers. In lessons I teach people to ‘unlearn’ bad habits such as unconsciously gripping neck and jaw muscles and so tugging their heads downwards into their body. This often results in slouching and twisting and consequent pain and problems. Alexander discovered that ‘Use affects function’, meaning that if you are using tour body badly, squashing yourself with tension, its hardly surprising that you’ll be interfering with your breathing and digestion.
I use simple activities such as sitting, standing, walking and lying down which although seem simple demand co-ordination of your head, neck and back. If you can improve this co-ordination you can apply it to other aspects of your life, from driving a car, playing sports, musical instruments, or yoga and other such activities. Learning to use your body and mind as a harmonious whole will give you management tools for whatever ails you. It is a wonderful self-help technique that puts you back in control of your own body. |
Over time your lessons will make you more aware of your tension, so you’ll notice yourself when your neck has stiffened up and your shoulders are hitched up to your ears, and you’ll learn how to let go and lengthen upwards naturally instead. I use my hands to guide your muscles into a new state of cooperation and teach you skills to learn yourself.
Lessons are gentle and not painful, there are no sudden clicks or manipulations. Instead it is a process of allowing you to release tension and interfering habits, at a pace that suits you. Come wearing comfortable clothes that you are happy to lie down in. You will be asked to remove your shows and maybe any glasses you wear but nothing else!
How long are lessons and how many do I need?
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Lessons usually take 30-40 minutes. The number of lessons will depend on your needs; are you coming for postoperative recovery or do you get minor back ache when sitting at a computer all day? people come for different reasons, from a musician wanting to improve their performance to deep rooted postural difficulties. A course of 6-10 lessons will give you a good idea of how you can use the AT to help yourself. You are learning a new skill of poise and balance, how far do you want to go? |
Will I be given exercises to do?
It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it! No exercise, no matter how wonderful, will do you much good if you set about it with unconscious tension and effort. I will encourage you to be aware of what is happening in your lessons and ask you to take 10-20 minutes each day to lie down in semi-supine. This procedure will be explained during your lesson. I have a CD 'Back in Balance' to guide you through this process. It is included in the price of your first lesson.
Cost
Contact me by email (carolyn.nicholls@alexander-technique-college.com) or phone (Tel: 01273 562595) to ask about lessons and what is suitable for you. I am a very experienced teacher and I charge £35 per session. That is £350 for 10 lessons, which will last you a lot longer than a holiday and be of great personal benefit. Money well spent. |
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