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Therapies Alexander Technique
What is The Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is a simple and practical method of self-improvement and self-help.
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 re-education of the mind and body. The Alexander Technique is a method which helps a person discover a new balance in the body by releasing unnecessary tension. It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities.
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How can The Alexander Technique help me?
The Alexander Technique can help you to be:
- Alert
- Balanced
- Relaxed
- Focused
- Effective
- Confident
Learning the Technique can relieve:
- Back pain and neck ache
- RSI and frozen shoulder
- Breathing difficulties
- Postural problems
- Recurring headaches
- Stress and anxiety
- Pregnancy related discomfort
- Osteoporosis
- Sciatica
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How do you learn the Alexander Technique?
You learn the Alexander Technique through one-to-one lessons with a qualified teacher. This setting provides the best opportunity for your individual needs to be addressed. The best person to help you with advice and guidance is your local teacher.
The number of lessons you take will depend on your particular needs and goals, and these can be discussed with your teacher. Learning the Alexander Technique involves changing long-standing habits, so improvement relies in part on your active participation. A course of 20 to 30 regular lessons can provide a good foundation for on-going self-help for most people.
Please note that Alexander teachers, although highly trained, are not medical advisors and do not make medical diagnoses.
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What happens in a lesson?
Your teacher will use explanation and a guiding touch to help you rediscover balance and ease within yourself. You start by working with simple movements and positions - such as sitting, walking, or bending the knees - which are basic to all activity. Through experience and observation, you learn how your coordination works - how you create tension and how you can prevent or release it.
This awareness enables you to change long-standing habits and function more efficiently. In time and with practice you will be able to use your new understanding and skill in more complex and demanding activities and situations in your daily life. You can bring awareness and poise to anything that you do.
Alexander lessons involve some movement, so you may be asked to wear non-restrictive clothing and remove your shoes.
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Source: - The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
Source: - The Alexander Technique
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