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"...many types of under-performance and even ailments, both mental and physical, can be alleviated, sometimes to a surprising extent, by teaching the body musculature to function differently." [1]
Prof. Nicholas Tinbergen, Nobel Laureate
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How the Alexander Technique helps relieve pain
The Alexander Technique is very effective in alleviating conditions where poor postural and movement habits and excessive muscular tension are a factor. For example:
- People with back problems are taught to bend, lift and sit in a manner that does not stress the back.
- The pain in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and work related upper limb disorders suffered by keyboard users and musicians is associated with excessive joint compression in the arms while working. People learn how to perform repetitive movements in a less harmful manner.
- It can help headache sufferers by relieving excessive neck tension.
Why the Alexander Technique can improve your mental state
As we function as a whole any improvement in physical conditions will consequently result in an improvement in our mental state. Thus the Alexander Technique indirectly helps psychological and emotional problems as well. For example:
- The way we hold ourselves is inextricably linked with our state of mind. A depressed person is characterised by a collapsed posture. An improvement in posture will correspondingly result in an improvement in general demeanour and outlook on life.
- It is very helpful in controlling reaction to stressful situations. When we react to a situation, we react as a whole both physically and mentally. Take someone suffering from stage fright. They react in a panicked state of mind which is associated with physical manifestations such as shallow breathing and an unduly tensed body. If these physical manifestations were not allowed to take place they would be able to react in a calmer manner.
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"You translate everything, whether physical or mental or spiritual, into muscular tension." [2]
F.M. Alexander
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How the Alexander Technique enhances your general health and well-being
Although the Alexander Technique in known for helping specific problems, and this is why most people first start lessons, many find unexpected benefits from the lessons. For example:
- The improved carriage of the body promotes enhanced breathing capacity which leads to greater overall health and vitality.
- People experience an improved efficiency and enjoyment in carrying out their daily activities. It adds a new level of interest to such supposedly mundane chores like ironing, vacuuming and washing up the dishes. The interest is your attention to how you are coordinating yourself in these activities.
- The release of excessive muscle tension throughout the body brings about a quietness within and the improved posture leads to a greater sense of self.
[1] - From Nicholas Tinbergen's oration on receiving his Nobel Prize for Medicine/Physiology in 1973
[2] - The Alexander Technique: The Essential Writings of F. Matthias Alexander by Edward Maisel - Citadel Press 2002
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