The Alexander Technique is based on a principle in Nature shared by all vertebrates, which was uncovered by the founder of the technique, F.M. Alexander in the late 19^th century. He called this principle the ‘Primary Control’. 
It is based on the balanced relationship between the head, the neck and the back, which, according to Alexander, affects the entire co-ordination of the rest of the body. 

If you frequently suffer from aches and pains during everyday activities, it could be that you are using unnecessary tension in these activities.

It helps millions of people worldwide with the following:

·         muscle tension; back, neck and joint pain; R.S.I.

·         anxiety and stress related problems

·         breathing and vocal problems

·         poor posture

·         it is also helpful during and after pregnancy

You can use the Alexander Technique to ensure you do any activity with least tension, e.g. working at a computer, teaching, playing sports, running, walking, cycling, digging the garden, lifting and carrying children, etc.

·         improve performance and prevent injury in sport, music and drama

·         enhance business and presentation skills

·         be alert and focussed with less strain

·         develop ease and poise in movement

You can learn the Technique with a qualified teacher in the following ways:

·         one-to-one lessons (approx.45 mins.) where your individual needs will be addressed

·         group classes (these give an interesting overview of the Technique, but do not replace the one-to-one lessons).   

No special equipment is required - just wear loose comfortable everyday clothes. 

What happens in a lesson?

The teacher will use gentle hands-on guidance and verbal explanation to help you to recognise and release unnecessary tension, and to find ease and balance within yourself in simple movements and everyday activities, e.g. sitting, standing, walking or bending. Part of a lesson may include you lying down on your back on a table in a semi-supine position. This allows for maximum support and relief for the back, and will enable you to do less in your musculature while the teacher gently manipulates your head and limbs.

You, the pupil, are an active participant in the process; the teacher will ask you to attend to what is happening, to notice your habitual ways of doing things, and to use your mind to direct your body to move in more efficient ways. Lessons include simple anatomy and ‘body mapping’ which ensures an accurate picture of how your body is designed to move.

How many lessons are required?

After an initial consultation, I recommend three lessons at close intervals e.g. one per week, to become familiar with habits and understand how the Technique can be successfully applied in daily life. After this, the amount of lessons needed depends on individual requirements.

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MARY GREENE 
(MSTAT) Alexander Technique teacher
BA (Hons.) Fine Art

I studied full time for three years at Cumbria Alexander Training School in Kendal. This was a fantastic opportunity to understand how one can habitually interfere with innate natural good use of body and mind, causing problems to overall fitness and health. Through this journey, I gained many valuable insights into how the desire to succeed in achievement of goals is often at the cost of one’s good health. This recognition has deepened my work with my pupils, and attention is paid to the way we achieve goals: activities are done with more awareness of a good use of ourselves where we avoid strain and tension.  

I run a practice in Heslington, and work at York Clinic for Complementary Medicine, the Music Dept. at York University, and at Next Generation Fitness club. I run group classes at various venues in York city, and have a special interest in movement, voice and creativity. 

I am a fully qualified Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (MSTAT)

Contact me by phone on (01904) 414793 or email at mariaverdi@btopenworld.com