Alexander Technique in York
Alexander Technique in York: Reduce tension, enhance vitality
The Alexander Technique teaches people in practical ways to do
any activity with less effort, enhancing awareness and changing
poor postural habits that cause tension and pain. This can restore
poise, freedom of movement, and a balance of mind and body. You can
use the Alexander Technique to ensure you do any activity with
least tension, for example working at a computer, teaching, playing
sports, running, walking, cycling, digging the garden, lifting and
carrying children etc. Individual lessons ensure that your
particular needs are addressed. Lessons last for 45 minutes.
Initial consultation lasts for 1 hour.
What happens in a lesson? The teacher uses
gentle hands-on guidance and verbal explanation to help you to
recognise and release unnecessary tension, finding ease and balance
within yourself in simple movements, (e.g. sitting, standing,
walking or bending), and in specific activities (e.g. playing an
instrument, teaching, working at a computer etc.) Part of a lesson
may include lying on a table. This allows for maximum support and
relief for the back, while the teacher uses gentle manipulation to
help release tight connective tissue and joints. No special
equipment is required. Just wear loose, comfortable, everyday
clothes.
How many lessons are required? After an
initial introductory lesson, I recommend about six lessons at close
intervals e.g. one per week, to become familiar with habits and
understand how the Alexander Technique can be successfully applied
in daily life. After this, l may recommend more lessons, depending
on individual needs.
Clinical Research. In August 2008 clinical
research was published in the British Medical Journal, titled,
"Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons,
exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain".
The researchers concluded that "One to one lessons in the Alexander
technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for
patients with chronic back pain". For the full article, which is
open access, click
here.
To find out more about the Alexander Technique, see www.stat.org.uk.
Mary Greene practices Alexander Technique in York and Yorkshire and is our resident practitioner. Call us on 01904 709688 to make an appointment or use our contact form and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.