atech

The Alexander Technique: How does it work?
The Alexander Technique is a skill which provides you with the means to choose a more efficient and integrated way of moving in response to the demands of your life. It restores your ability to move well - with both poise and an economy of effort. During the early years of childhood we learn to move efficiently in gravity by using an inherent vocabulary of reflexes which help coordinate movement throughout our system. These reflexes form the basis for the way we respond to our environment. Through this process we gradually develop an integrated and poised musculo-skeletal system capable of executing more complex movements and interactions.
As adults most of us have discovered that in the rush to 'survive' the various demands of our lives, we can temporarily ignore the requirement for our structure to be well integrated. This forms a new basis for movement and response. The urgency to 'get it done' (at whatever cost) can seem to be the only thing that matters. We can come to rely on a range of largely unconscious and habitual movement procedures which do not actually maintain integration and poise in our musculo-skeletal system. This is a way of moving which is actually working against us. The irony is that we can become so used to this that it even "feels" right! In the long term this process can bring about structural changes in our body which interfere with our ability to move efficiently. In turn this can predispose us to injury and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The Alexander Technique emphasises an appropriate degree of self management through learning how to choose between the unthinking haste of an habitual reaction or the possibility of a new pattern of response - one which is more economical in effort and appropriate to the task at hand. Teachers of the Alexander Technique aim to help you reorganise your total pattern of body movement. They use their hands and verbal instruction to gently encourage you into new possibilities of movement and response. This does not involve manipulation, massage or a radical change in lifestyle. (Individual Lessons) The Technique is essentially an educational process. Your conscious involvement is required from the first lesson and develops over time. You learn to examine the whole subtle, dynamic relationship of your head, neck and back. It is this relationship which those early reflexes were largely involved with - and the subsequent development of co-ordinated limb movement. You discover that you can consciously choose to affect this relationship and that this is a way out of chronic pain. It also is the basis for integrated, skilful movement.
In learning to apply the Alexander Technique in your life you develop: an appreciation of the practical implications of thought and its effect on muscle activity. the ability to respond without incurring inappropriate levels of muscular tension, allowing the body to resume better alignment and balance. an appropriate level of conscious control over the way you initiate movement and respond to life.
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