Alexander Technique - Central Brighton
Kensington Place
Brighton ,
- Tel01273 687739
- E-mail
- Websitewww.alexandertechniquebrighton.com
THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
As a back pain sufferer myself, I gained a terrific amount of benefit from the Alexander Technique. It took time but I went from being on very strong prescription drugs to becoming relatively pain-free. I felt I had gained control of my body rather than being a slave to it. I knew much of the problem was related to bad posture, but was quite shocked at how I held stress and undue tension in my body, not only in the obvious places, ie. neck and back, but also in shoulders, hips and ankles, etc.
THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUEAs with all certified Alexander Technique Teachers I have completed a full time three year course at the accredited Alexander Technique College of Sussex in Hove.I am a full member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique and I teach from a studio in my house in the North Laine in central Brighton. | |
What is the Alexander Technique?AT is a unique form of health education which involves neuromuscular re-education. Ie: making the best use of yourself through a practical method of self improvement. As toddlers we had very good use of ourselves, our big heads balanced nicely on our bodies, leading our movements with our heads, bending down into a squat with our ankles, knees and hips and all supported by our straight back. | |
..As we get older we get into bad habits through imitation of others and letting gravity pull us down. The very act of living in the modern world, which is a very stressful environment, drags us down. Just think how much this environment has changed, especially in the last 100 years or so. | |
...Also it can be interesting to state what AT is not . It is not relaxation therapy although it can be relaxing and energising, in fact it is not really a therapy at all but more of a re-education. It is not posture control either; many people get the idea that it is about getting in the right position or sitting up straight. It isn't at all. However most people will enjoy improved posture. | |
....It should also be noted that we do not diagnose as we are not medically qualified; our expertise is in the use of the body as a whole. AT teaches people to become more aware of how they use themselves in everyday activities. It will help to improve your breathing, circulation, muscle tension, balance and co-ordination and mutually it can help you stay calmer and think on your feet. | |
Who can benefit?As a nation of back pain sufferers we could do with knowing more about the Alexander Technique. However it’s not just for people with back pain. Anyone can benefit as there is always room for improvement. Very few of us are blessed with perfect co-ordination unless our name is Fred Astaire! | |
.....Of course, the technique is used to help people with back, neck, shoulder and joint troubles but can also help in stress management, pregnancy, postural difficulties and many disorders from asthma to RSI and post operative rehabilitation. | |
......Actors, sportspeople and musicians also learn it as it is a way of improving their performances - among them Dame Judi Dench, John Cleese, Sebastian Coe, Roald Dahl, Julie Andrews, Sting, Jeremy Irons, Paul Newman, Maggie Smith, Robin Williams and Lindford Christie. | |
What happens in Alexander lessons?In lessons we teach people to ‘unlearn’ bad habits such as slouching and twisting and to use their bodies better. We use simple activities such as sitting, standing, walking and lying down which could seem a little absurd but if you think about it, just in the activity of standing up from a chair you use the whole co-ordination of head, neck and back and you are bending at the ankles, knees & hips | |
.......If we can improve on this co-ordination we can apply it to most other aspects of life, from driving a car, playing sports, musical instruments, our work to yoga and other such activities. | |
........You need to make very little physical effort in lessons so being old, pregnant or unfit doesn’t matter. Over time classes will make you more aware of your posture, so you’ll catch yourself when your shoulders are hunched up to your ears and learn how to lengthen out of your back instead. The teacher places their hands on you to guide and re-educate your musculature. | |
.........There is nothing physically aggressive about the work . On the contrary, it is a process of allowing the pupil to release tension and interfering habits, at a pace that suits the individual. Comfortable clothes that you are happy to lie down in are advised. You will never be asked to remove your clothing. | |