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Alleviating Physical Problems
Many people turn to the Alexander Technique because they have specific
problems for which they can find no lasting relief. Typical conditions
helped by the technique include musculoskeletal problems such as back, neck
and joint pain, sciatica, headaches,
arthritis, occupational overuse syndrome (OOS), hypertension, breathing and stress-related
disorders, voice strain, and neuromotor dysfunction.
Rehabilitation from Injury
The technique aids rehabilitation from injury. If you are recovering from
illness or physical trauma, you need to reassess everything you do in the
quest for a more efficient and balanced use of yourself. Rehabilitation
exercises often focus only on restoring function to the injured part of the
body. This narrow
focus creates a risk of compensatory stresses occurring elsewhere. The
Alexander Technique emphasises doing what is right for the whole
person.
Prevention
Rather than treating symptoms, the technique teaches us to change the
underlying thought and movement patterns that cause symptoms. In some cases,
the technique facilitates the efficacy of standard medical treatments, and in other
cases it may remove the need for such treatments altogether.
As well as relieving pain and tension, the Alexander Technique is excellent
for preventing problems from arising in the first place. For instance, it is
recommended during pregnancy in order to prevent the onset of back pain.
Anybody who works at a keyboard would do well to have lessons to prevent the
incidence of OOS.
Improving Performance
Many people learn the Alexander Technique to refine their skills in a
particular activity, such as sport and fitness, the performing arts, or
public speaking. The technique improves coordination, poise and mental
clarity, gives confidence and reduces performance anxiety. It can also help
prevent injuries, by teaching performers to be attuned to physical stress signals
from their bodies and to respond appropriately.
Reducing the Impact of Stress
The Alexander Technique helps us take charge of the multitude of demands and
stimuli that make up our daily lives. Each time we react to stressful
circumstances in the same way, maybe with frustration, anxiety or
depression, we
reinforce this negative pattern. By making us aware of how directly our
thoughts and emotions impact on our bodies, the Alexander Technique helps
us relate more harmoniously with ourselves and each other, and to our
physical surroundings. This approach can be profoundly liberating, helping
us lead more discerning and constructive lives.
How to use the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is practical
and convenient. Anybody can use it, in all kinds of circumstances. You do
not need to set aside a special time or place to practise. The fact is,
everyday situations offer infinite scope to change habits and transform
ourselves for the better.
The prevailing experience in contemporary
Western culture is that our bodies and minds are somehow distinct, so can be
treated separately. The Alexander Technique takes the opposite view,
regarding the SELF as unified body/mind/spirit. It teaches us to stay
mindful; that is, fully in the present moment. For this reason, even though
you may initially use the technique to resolve a particular problem or gain
competency in a specific activity, once you apply the technique to
all that you do, you will experience the greatest benefits.
The Alexander Technique works, literally, to
bring people to their senses. You will come to feel what is really going on,
so that you can stop doing whatever has been limiting or harming you. You
can then let go of your old, unconscious patterns and move towards a more
expansive, freer way of being.
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