What is the Alexander Technique?
The
Alexander Technique is a discipline created by F.M. Alexander
(1869-1955) at the beginning of the twentieth
century.
Alexander was one of the first to espouse the idea 
that
you cannot separate the mind from the body and influenced the work of
Moshe
Feldenkrais and Joseph Pilates.
A former
actor and orator, Alexander realized through his own experience that we
physically contract in response to pain and stress. This
creates
unwanted tension. He determined that there is a dynamic
relationship between the head, neck, and back that gets compromised by
our response to our lives. Restoring the balance in that
relationship allows the body to expand and move with more freedom and
ease. For more
information on AT, visit alexandertechnique.com.
A
recent study from the University of Southampton followed 579 back pain
sufferers for a year as they received massages, followed standard
medical care, or took lessons in the Alexander Technique.
The
results concluded that even people who had 6 (out of a recommended 24)
AT sessions during the year reported an improved quality of life and
fewer days of pain than other study members. Click here to see the complete
study in the British Journal of Medicine.
What to Expect During a Session
Alexander
teachers use the word lesson to describe their session with
you.
The usual lesson lasts an hour. Wear comfortable clothing. During the
first meeting, Diane takes a history and explains the rudiments of the
technique. Since AT is experience-based learning, the hands
on
work begins immediately and is accompanied by demonstrations of
practices you can do at home.
The number of lessons needed
depends upon the individual and his/her condition. Diane
often
suggests that you see her on a weekly basis for 8 visits since the work
builds on itself. Once your symptoms decrease, she increases
the
time between appointments.
