In this modern day of miracle cures, a pill for every ailment, major breakthroughs in surgery and medicine and so on, why are there no certainties for the most common ailments…back pain, arthritis, headaches, breathing problems, the list goes on and on? The Alexander Technique may just alter your thoughts on conventional treatments and your perceived 'need' for them.
A much unexplored avenue; notice the baby moving, running, climbing, sitting - effortlessly, energetically; gradually over time becomes an adult/older with myriad difficulties? How many grandparents look as chirpy as their grandchildren or parents as injury free with no nagging sore necks, posture problems or tension headaches as their young off-spring. Even children are saying “my back is sore” or “my shoulders are aching”?
Is the statement “It’s just old age” really 100% true? No! As either prevention or return to health there is a much better way of being healthy; an awareness of what patterns of movement you have, your own way of being, how you use yourself! All can make the difference between lively health and misery.
It was a fine life until my fourth pregnancy; and then my world turned upside down…..and not in a pleasant way. Just one big sneeze and I was bed bound for two weeks. Then what looked like a lifetime of pain. I exhausted all conventional treatments, osteopathic, physiotherapy, exercises, massage; I was a chronic ‘case’ without any apparent way of finding a solution: for eighteen long painful years, progressively worsening.
And so, having discovered the Alexander Technique and becoming convinced of the soundness and subtleties of its merits, I found that it was me all along that was the cause of my pain. And so my journey began back to ease and physical freedom that I had known.
You need to become your own discoverer….find the very subtle ways you go wrong. Explore how you cause your own pain, and then know how to reverse the cycle of self-harm.
Try this: stand with your back against the wall with ankles about 4cm away from the edge; notice which shoulder blade touches the surface harder or if your middle back arches away or rests against the wall. Observe if your knees are locked or easy or both hips are resting easily against the surface. This will tell you if you are not well balanced and if you have more tension on one side. Like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the more distortions, the more propping up needed!
FM Alexander had a throat problem, going hoarse while on stage. When he observed himself in mirrors, he noticed he was disturbing his head and neck when speaking; he learnt how not to do this and so the start of Alexander Technique happened.
When you get to the CAUSE of your problem: dont just ‘fix’ so it comes back worse later, you can stop doing it. The problem can go away. And you have a tool for your future health. Using all your senses, you can find this way back for yourself.
For a professional session with a qualified Alexander teacher, to find out more or take the first step to your own health discovery, contact Jann:0064 (09) 634 4155. Mob: 021 153 7774
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.alexandertechnque.co.nz
