'Miracle method straightens out Victoria Beckham' Daily Mail today

See the full page article 'So that's how to fix my POSHTURE' in Daily mail today. Not sure about the play on words!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1234900/So-thats-fix-Poshture-Miracle-method-straightens-Victoria-Beckham.html

want to know more about how The technique can help you here in Brighton:
http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

Liz's Story - Headaches thing of the past.

Liz is a young lady in her early twenties, she came to me due to tension headaches which she had been suffering 3 to 4 a week for the last three years and they tended to last all afternoon. It is no coincidence that she also complained of shoulder and neck pain most of the time. Liz also reported that she found standing for long periods difficult. After just 3 lessons the headaches reduced and by lesson 6 she was no longer getting the headaches at all. As she has learned to support herself the tension has gone from her neck and back. How did this happen? Well Liz was standing completely out of support with her feet turned out with more of the weight on the insides of her feet. This created undue tension in her legs, narrowing her back and even creating excessive holding in the shoulders and neck all of which contributed to the headaches.
If you would like to find out how this could help you go to:http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

Pupil survey

If you have had some lessons in the Alexander Technique please take a few minutes to complete the Society of Alexander Technique's survey online: www.stat.org.uk/pupilsurvey/2009
This we enable the Society to get an insight on the effects of lessons on pupils lives.
Many Thanks
Mark Claireaux
For lessons in Brighton go to :
http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

Kate's story......Hips.

Kate has had Alexander Lessons for many years and has been coming to me over the past year. Kate has a very challenging job and has to give many presentations. She has noticed that she feels much more grounded when giving presentations which impacts on her delivery.
Recently we have been spending more time on getting Kate in centred support. ( A position which frees up the whole body and joints). It has been quite a revelation and for the first time Kate's hips are freeing up. This feels really quite different to Kate and in the beginning can feel quite wrong. She felt as if she was leaning over but when she looked in the mirror this was not the case. Her hips really were freer and were ready to go into movement.
Sometimes we do concentrate on parts of our body that we feel we need to work on or fix in some way especially if we have pain. If we can learn to operate more out of centred support these problems can dissipate.

If you would like me to show you this go to:
http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/ to book an appointment.

Alexander Technique for Performers

"Light up for the right notes" was a recent article in the Irish Times about the role of Alexander Technique in reducing pain for the performing arts. See full article:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/1013/1224256493953.html

As an Alexander teacher when I can get the person in centered support in standing or sitting this has a huge impact on their voice and/or playing. To find out more go to:

http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

Sit up straight! It'll keep you smiling.

This is an extract from an article by Claire Coleman in todays Daily Mail:

Brita Forsstrom, chair of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (stat.org.uk), agrees that our physical demeanour is very much bound up with our mental state.
'When you think about phrases we use in everyday life and the connotations that they have, it's understandable that there should be a link between the way we stand or sit, and our mood.
'We talk about someone being "level-headed" or being able to "keep a clear head", and conversely about someone being "spineless" or "lacking backbone" or "being down".'
Brita explains that Alexander Technique is less about consciously good posture and more about encouraging the body to regain natural, easy poise.
'This physical poise gives coordination, balance and support. It allows the back to lengthen, lets the head sit comfortably and move freely, and broadens the chest so we can breathe more easily. This projects the appearance of someone who is alert and relaxed.'
It's all very well talking about poise, and about effortless posture, but what can we do practically to help ourselves?
'When sitting down, rather than sitting back on your buttocks or the base of the spine, try to sit on your sitting bones, the bones right at the bottom of the pelvis,' Brita says.
'If you're standing for any length of time, try to ensure that your weight is evenly balanced between both feet and evenly distributed between the heel and ball of the foot.
'When walking, don't walk with your shoulders. You want to think about your head being freely positioned over the spine - that way you'll be poised, both physically and mentally.'Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/beauty/article-1221310/Sit-straight-How-good-posture-boost-physical-AND-mental-wellbeing.html#ixzz0UOFkRmPC
To find out how the Alexander Technique can help you in Brighton go to:
http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

Daily Express - Bluffer's guide to Alexander Technique

This is an extract from a recent article in The Daily Express:

THE hottest tips to improve posture and general well-being

WHAT IS IT?
The technique teaches us to identify and eventually lose bad habits in posture that have been built up over the years.
It considers how individuals move and breathe and teaches students how to move more freely, ridding the body of tension.
It involves no specific exercises, requires no special equipment and can be practised wherever you are. It is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness.
WHAT DOES IT PROMISE?
You will learn how to release tension and rediscover balance of mind and body.
With increased awareness you can be poised without stiffness, move gracefully and powerfully with less effort, be alert and focused with less strain, breathe and speak more easily and freely as well as being calm and confident.
It can also solve ailments including carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury, stiff neck and shoulders as well as back injuries. The technique is often used to enhance the performance of singers, actors and athletes.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Mastering the Alexander Technique is the same as learning any complex skill and is often compared to studying a musical instrument.
The teacher should be skilled in the technique and use demonstration, explanation and examination. Light physical contact between the student and teacher is used to detect the student’s physical and emotional stresses.

Explanations of how to improve everyday actions such as standing, walking, bending and talking are offered. Students can also specify a focus such as helping with sports, music or drama.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Individual lessons with a qualified teacher are the best way to learn and these will also cater for individual needs. The technique is usually taught in a series of 20 to 40 sessions. Each lasts about 45 minutes.
COST
Fees are typically £30-£40 per session.

Daily Express - Bluffer's guide to Alexander Technique

The Daily Express published a Bluffer's guide to The Alexander:
www.express.co.uk/features/view/117145/Bluffer-s-guide-The-Alexander-Technique
The photo is quite unusual i would say, and don't worry I will not get you to balance any books on your head.....
See my Brighton website for more details:
http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

NHS back pain shake up.

"Will NHS back pain shake up do you any good?" is the question asked in the Mail on Sunday 16th June.
Got a bad back? There's been a radical shake-up in the way the NHS will treat you. Injections and surgery are out - exercise classes and counselling are in. But will they do you any good?
The Alexander Technique is explored.
Read more:
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/health/article-1193248/As-NHS-shake-ditches-spine-surgery-exercise-counselling-actually-good.html

To find out more about Alexander Technique in Brighton go to :
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Hazel's headaches

Hazel came to the Alexander Technique for neck and upper back pain. After only a few sessions the daily headaches started to reduce. This week she came for her lesson and I asked her how were the headaches. " I can't remember the last time I had a headache which is amazing because i've been having them for 15 years or more, also I feel I have so much more energy" she said. Hazel has really changed, you can see that in the way she moves around.
To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton go to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Jo's story

Jo was sent to the Alexander Technique by her company coach, and the company paid for a course of lessons. The company felt that the way she came across in presentations was letting her down due to poor posture. Jo also suffered 3 or 4 headaches a week. After only a few sessions the headaches significantly reduced and this week she came to her lesson very excited. " I was so excited this week I nearly phoned you" she said. " Everything has clicked into place, i feel more supported and upright and can sit upright with little effort and best of all my coach at work was really impressed. Also I feel more confident when doing presentations"
Jo certainly looks different, much more aligned and comfortable in her body,but the most important thing is how she is feeling about herself.
To find out more about Alexander Technique in Brighton go to:
http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

Val's Sciatica relieved

"I suffered from debilitating recurrent sciatica for over two years before a friend recommended I try the Alexander Technique.

Over six months of patient tutoring, Mark has shown me many ways to improve my physical and emotional stance, and I look forward to and gain real benefit from each weekly lesson.

My sciatica is largely a thing of the past : it really only returns when I am “too busy” to perform the Alexander semi-supine floor exercise, which proves its efficacy and shows me the path I need to follow. Thank you, Mark" Val B
To find out more about Alexander Technique in Brighton go to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

'Quality of life increased enormously' - Daily Mail article

In today's Daily Mail there was an article on how choosing the right exercise can cure your health problems which included the Alexander Technique for back pain. Here is an extract:

BACK PAIN
THE CURE: Alexander Technique.
HOW OFTEN: A course of 24 lessons, then daily.
HOW IT WORKS: Regular activity has long been known to ease chronic back pain, but a study published in the British Medical Journal last year suggested the popular postural awareness therapy Alexander Technique could provide the greatest benefit.
Devised by Frederick Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor who suffered stressinduced breathing problems, this method re- educates the body to achieve postural harmony.
A teacher will assess your posture and how you move about. Then he or she will teach you how to sit up straight, walk without hunching over and other techniques to improve balance and co-ordination and relieve pressure on the spine.
Professor Paul Little, a primary care specialist who specialises in back problems, found that one year after the trial started, the average number of activities limited by back pain had fallen by 42 per cent in the Alexander group, and the number of days in pain were only three a month, compared with 21 days in the control group. The Alexander group said their quality of life increased enormously as they were pain-free.
To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton go to :
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Running with the Alexander Technique

In last nights Evening Standard there was an interesting article :
'The Best Ways to Jog Yourself Fit', the Alexander Technique came out very well and gives some good tips. Here is an extract:

THE RIGHT MOVES By Jackie Annesley

On the wrong side of 45 and having abandoned the gym long ago, I knew I had to get back into exercise. I'd tried running after one of the children was born but my knees protested. So I turned to the Alexander Technique for help.
Its core principle is to bring your body into balance. Noel says: “You need to run efficiently, and for that you must lengthen' in stature as you run.”
First he showed me how to free up my neck and allow my head to “balance” on top of my spine. Another rule is to relax the shoulders, keep the arms bent, hands flexible and to lead with the knees, not the feet.
This prevents muscles over-tightening which can lead to neck and lower back damage. And never tuck your bottom in. Instead, think of your back widening as you run.

Verdict? It works. There was no more knee ache because AT improved my posture. About 4lb seems to have fallen off me, fortuitously around my thighs. Some mornings I think I could run for ever. I've even fantasised about running the London Marathon. Perhaps one day.

Singing with Alexander Technique

Read Lesley Garrett's recent article in The Guardian ' The body needs to be full of energy' where she tells of the importance of standing correctly and how the Alexander Technique has helped:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/10/lesley-garrett-warm-up-singing

Improve your singing with the Alexander Technique

The Alexander technique can help release tension in the body, allowing the voice to become fuller and freer.
The Guardian and Observer had an article at the weekend in it's joint guide to Performing.
The article 'Your very first release...' highlights the way we use ourselves has an effect on our voices. It also gives some useful tips and observation exercises.
My client Mike can testify to this ( see blog 'Mike gets his voice back').
To read the full article go to:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/10/alexander-technique-singing

RSI - Alexander Technique can help

Tina is a florist and has been suffering from RSI for sometime. She has been coming to me for a course of 8 lessons and today was a real turning point. Her back pain has reduced and her RSI in both arms is almost non-existent. Tina is so pleased as she will be able to continue working as a florist which she really loves.
"My RSI has 90% disappeared, I am so relieved" Tina
For tips on reducing the effect of RSI and how the Technique can help go to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton/RSI_Brighton.html

A video of the man himself - Frederick Alexander

Take a look at this rare video footage of FM Alexander taken from TheSTATchannel on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbeXjewVmME&feature=channel_page

To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton got to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Video explaining 'Alexander Technique and the Back pain trial'

Take a look at these two 6 minute British Medical Journal videos posted on YouTube :
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GbwzqT9piU&feature=PlayList&p=F4E86857536497E5&playnext=1&index=29


Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmimtk381U&feature=related

To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton go to :
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

The whole world is talking about the Alexander Technique

You’ve probably heard the news that the Alexander Technique is great for reducing chronic back pain (unless, of course, it’s old news to you– in which case you may already have thought about having some AT lessons yourself!) From the UK, to India, to the USA, to Canada, to New Zealand, STAT (Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique) has been busy telling the world about recent research published in the British Medical Journal, which showed Alexander Technique lessons give patients with chronic lower back pain important improvements in function, quality of life and reduce the number of days in pain. In fact, 24 Alexander Technique lessons reduce back pain by a colossal 85% - making it more effective than classical massage and normal GP care, or GP prescribed exercises alone.

STAT has always known the Alexander Technique is effective for alleviating many different conditions, but now the rest of the world has cottoned on to its clinically-proven effect on back pain. The media has been raving about the research, with hundreds of pieces of media coverage worldwide.

In the UK national papers alone there have been nine large articles.
The Daily Mail announced: “An old cure for a modern malaise: Alexander Technique can beat chronic back pain”.
The Daily Telegraph told its readers to “Sit up and take note of the best way to beat back pain”.
And The Guardian proclaimed the “Alexander Technique does ease back pain”.
So with the Alexander Technique a hot topic at the moment, what’s next for STAT? Keep yourself updated with news and events by visiting www.stat.org.uk and discover what the whole world is talking about.

How to turn back your age clock

The Independant published an article in its 'Health and Wellness' section on Tuesday 6th Jan titled - ' How to turn back your age clock' - There was a whole section on fixing your posture focusing on The Alexander Technique. Follow the link for full article:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/features/how-to-turn-back-your-age-clock-1227844.html

To find out more about Alexander Technique in Brighton go to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com