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/
Friday, 13 November 2009
Thursday, 12 November 2009
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/
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/
Saturday, 7 November 2009
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.
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
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/
Monday, 19 October 2009
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/
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/
Thursday, 3 September 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
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/
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/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
