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