The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a complete re-education of posture, which improves co-ordination, circulation and reduces stress. It teaches the client to notice and rectify movement dysfunction

how long...
The initial consultation together with body alignement analysis takes one hour. After this 20 regular half-hourly sessions are recommended.
the history...
The Alexander Technique was developed in the 1890s by an Australian actor. Frederick Matthias Alexander, who realised that the function of his voice depended on correct balance of tension in his neuromuscular system. He became famous for this tecnique and opened a practice in Melbourne before moving to London in 1904, where he helped actors, musicians, sportsment and clients who needed rehabilitation after illness or injury.
the theory...
The technique aims to teach users to identify and redress habitual misuse of the body and identify movement habits that feel normal but can cause back pain, neck and shoulder tension, breathing disorders, stress-related illnesses and general fatigue. The teacher's gentle and non-manipulative guidance helps to focus on individual parts of the body as well as the breathing techniques.
the setting...
My one-hour treatment took place at the Hale Clinic at Park Crescent, London, where the terapies offered combine and integrate the principles of both complementary and conventional medicine. the experience...
The treatment began with a consultation during which Marguerite enquired about my lifestyle, medical and injury history and asked what I wanted to gain from the session. She also explained the background behind the treatment and how re-educating my body in breathing and posture would benefit other areas of my life such as insomnia, stress at work and improved bodily function during exercise. She asked me to lie on my back on the massage table with my head on a firm book. I was fully clothed but took off my shoes. She stood at my feet and asked me to visualise the isolation of each part of my body, concentrating on how it connected with the bed. Once I relaxed, I was able to focus while she gently re-aligned my body weight, isolated my arms and legs and encouraged me to allow her to take the full weight of my limbs. This allowed me to focus and visualise the link between my limbs and spine, which she encouraged me to lengthen. She talked me through this relaxation and re-alignment, while gently easing and lenghtening my spine from the base of my head. I began to understand the natural link between breathing and movement and she taught me simple movement techniques, which would put less stress on my body, while lying, sitting and standing.
the benefits...
The technique is educational in nature, but learning and applying it has therapeutic benefits and preventative consequences for people who suffer from backache, high blood pressure, asthma, osteo-arthritis, tension headaches, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. It is also recommended for rehabilitation after a stroke, injury or operations.
the results...
I found the session very informative. I identified bad breathing habits, due to being an asthma sufferer and will work on re-educating myself in both breathing and better posture. However, I would need to reaffirm and extend these new-found techniques to get the maximum benefit.
the training...
Alexander Technique teachers complete a three-year full time training course and have to reach a standard approved by the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. This includes 60 hours of private lessons by a qualified teacher.
the cost...

The initial hourly session cost £60, while half-hour subsequent sessions are priced at £40. Details: The Hale Clinic, 7 park crescent, London W1B 1P. Tel:+44 (0)870 1676667 or www.thehaleclinic.com back
by Karen Maxwell
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