Alexander Technique
In AT we do not make any difference between the parts of us such as our body, our mind, our thoughts, our feelings, our conscious or our unconscious. Alexander talked in the most general way of ‘The Self’ in order to ensure no part is forgotten.
After all, we are us all the time and we live by responding to life’s challenges as our whole selves.
​
Click here to be re-directed to read published research for how AT can help with back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, Parkinsons, postural tone and posture, balance, movement coordination, and more.
What happens in a one to one lesson?
At your first appointment, I will take your personal details and a brief medical history as well as noting any areas of pain and discomfort. I will explore what you hope to gain from the lessons, provide some background information and answer any queries. Each session is tailored to your individual needs. All sessions are completely confidential and all records are kept according to data protection legislation.
During the lesson, I will use explanation and guide you with light, gentle hands to help you to learn how to restore natural balance, poise and ease of movement without using undue force or effort. There is no muscle manipulation or therapeutic treatment and I am neither trained nor qualified to make medical diagnoses. I help you learn to recognise automatic patterns of movement which can lead to pain, strain and muscular tension and show you how to stop, and rethink, so you can learn to use your body in a different way. You will discover new ways of moving, walking, sitting, standing and horse riding (if applicable!) You can start to feel lighter, your joints can feel more mobile and your movement can become more fluid.
Semi-supine (Active rest):
If it’s comfortable for you, you’ll spend some time lying on your back in semi-supine, with your knees pointing upwards and your head raised on some books, so that you can become aware of and learn to release unhelpful patterns of tension in your body without the demands of movement. Lying down in this position helps your head, neck and back to align naturally without any effort and allows your spine to lengthen and follow its natural curves. Practising semi-supine every day can transform your posture.
Breathing as an illustration of AT:
​​
Breathing is a life sustaining reflex which really works best if you leave it alone. Any interference you unconsciously do, has got the potential to promote anxiety.
AT does not show you ‘what to do’ in order to breathe properly, there are many other techniques or methods that will do that but herein lies the key difference with the AT approach - it works indirectly. This means it will help you to recognise the places where you hold tension which prevents you from breathing easily and freely. Any tension in your diaphragm renders it incapable of being free enough to move effectively allowing your ribs to expand and lungs to fill with air. The distressing experience of being ‘winded’ is caused by the diaphragm going into spasm; unable to move, you are momentarily unable to breathe. We only need to learn how to keep out of the way - good breathing does itself.
What do you wear?
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow freedom of movement. Loose or stretchy trousers are preferable.
Cost
£35 for a 45-minute lesson.
If you are interested in booking a lesson, please let me know your availability/ideal times/days as it is sometimes possible for me to offer more flexibility depending on current teaching schedule etc. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.