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Alexander Technique is:

By learning how to realign our bodies, we can recover and maintain our innate coordination and elegant stature.  We experience increased ease and stamina in all our activities of working, moving, sitting, exercising, walking, standing.

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There is a sense of ease, grace, and elegance inside every one of us, although many of us haven't felt this since we were 3 or 4 years old (watch any baby/toddler); it lies dormant within us.  It is available to us now, with help from the Alexander Technique; a psycho-physical technique that effects the neuromuscular systems. 

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An AT lesson is an informative, non-invasive, uniquely collaborative, joyful learning experience of harmonizing and improving the quality of inhabiting the human form.  Through words and gentle touch the teacher helps re-pattern our movements in a coordinated, synchronized sequence, and helps to reorganize the way we use our skeleton and muscles in a respectful way that honors our exquisite design.

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  • refreshing the head-neck-spine alignment;

  • improving the body mechanics in any activity;

  • accomplishing all tasks with optimal efficiency;

  • achieving alignment, balance, coordination;

  • connecting to the world around us while;

  • staying deeply connected to an inner sense of peace;

  • improving our breathing;

  • developing clarity of thought and movement;

  • getting out of our own way;

  • getting rid of ineffective, damaging habits of body/mind;

  • developing new, easier habits of body/mind;

  • reclaiming your own physical integrity and dignity;

  • achieving your full stature and potential.

stock-image-human-posterior-oblique-spin

AT and Chronic Back Pain:

 

Little, P., Lewith, G., Webley, F., Evans, M., Beattie, A., Middleton, K., … Sharp, D. (2008). Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. BMJ, 337. Retrieved from https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/337/bmj.a884.full.pdf

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McClean, S. & Wye, L. (2012). Taking charge, choosing a new direction: A service evaluation of Alexander Technique lessons for pain clinic patients (SEAT): An approach to pain management. Project Report. Bristol: UWE Bristol, 2012. Retrieved from http://eprints.uwe.ac.uk/16903/

 

AT and Chronic Neck Pain:

 

Lauche, R., Schuth, M., Schwickert, M., Lüdtke, F., Michalsen, A., Dobos, G., & Choi, K. (2016). Efficacy of the Alexander Technique in treating chronic non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 30 (3), 247-258.

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MacPherson, H., Tilbrook, H., Richmond, S. Woodman, J., Ballard, K., Atkin, K, … Watt, I. (2015). Alexander Technique lessons or acupuncture sessions for persons with chronic neck pain: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 163 (9), 653-662.

 

AT and Parkinson’s Disease:

 

Stallibrass, C., Sissons P., & Chalmers, C. (2002). Randomized, controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Clinical Rehabilitation, 16, 705-718.

 

AT and Mood/Psychological Growth:

 

Armitage, J.R. (2009). Psychological change and the Alexander Technique (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:5808

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Jones, T., & Glover, L. (2014). Exploring the psychological processes underlying touch: lessons from the Alexander Technique. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 21 (2), 140-153.

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Wenham, A., Atkin, K., Woodman, J., Ballard, K., & MacPherson, H. (2018). Self-efficacy and embodiment associated with Alexander Technique lessons or with acupuncture sessions: A longitudinal qualitative sub-study within the ATLAS trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 31, 308-314.

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Woodman, J., Ballard, K., Hewitt, C, & MacPherson, H. (2018). Self-efficacy and self-care-related outcomes following Alexander Technique lessons for people with chronic neck pain in the ATLAS randomised, controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17, 64-71.

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Vahervuo, M. & Bierhorst, E. (n.d.). Alexander Technique Story Project. Retrieved from http://atstory.wixsite.com/home/project

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Yardley, L., Dennison, L., Coker, R., Webley, F. Middleton, K., Barnett, J., … Little, P. (2010). Patients’ views of receiving lessons in the Alexander Technique and an exercise prescription for managing back pain in the ATEAM trial. Family Practice, 27, 198-204.

 

AT and Performance Anxiety in Musicians:

 

Klein, S.D., Bayard, C., & Wolf, U. (2014). The Alexander Technique and musicians: A systematic review of controlled trials. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 14. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4287507/

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Valentine, E.R., Fitzgerald, D.F.P., Gorton, T.L., Hudson, J.A., & Symonds, E.R.C. (1995). The effect of lessons in the Alexander Technique on music performance in high and low stress situations. Psychology of Music, 23, 129-141.

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General Resources:

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Alcantara, P. de. (2009). The Alexander Technique: a Skill for Life. Marlborough: Crowood.

Brown, O. L. (2010). Your Innate Power: to Achieve Integration, Health, Freedom. London: Mouritz.

Carrington, W., & Sontag, J. (1999). The Act of Living: Talks on the Alexander Technique. San Francisco, CA: Mornum Time Press.

Ludovici, A. M. (2016). Health and Education Through Self-Mastery. London: Mouritz.

Rootberg, R. (2015). Living the Alexander Technique: Interviews with Nine Senior Teachers. Amherst, MA: Off the Common.

 

Breath and Voice:

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Dimon, T. (2018). Anatomy of the Voice. North Atlantic Books.

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Wolf, J. (2013). Jessica Wolfs art of breathing: collected articles. New York: Jessica Wolf.

For more information:

​© 2024 wen pickering

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