WHAT IS THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?

by Joan Arnold, Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique is a way to move more easily. Based on the relationship between the head and the spine, its basic idea is that, when the neck does not overwork, the head can poise lightly at the top of the spine and the whole spine can lengthen in movement.

Unconscious movement habits can engender a range of body problems. Excess tension in the neck and back compresses the spine. Spinal compression can cause pain in your back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees or ankles. Since it also reduces your torso's internal volume, that puts pressure on the organs and can constrict circulation, breathing and digestion, preventing your body from working as well as it could. Therefore, problematic posture can undermine your overall vitality.

Our neuromuscular system is designed to work in concert with gravity. In the torso, there is an anti-gravity response, an upward flow that fosters buoyancy and efficient movement. Learning the Alexander Technique can help you restore this natural buoyancy. That enables you to reduce strain on one specific body part and distribute effort throughout the body. You access more flexibility, more space in the joints, fuller breathing and more resiliency, bringing more clarity, ease and focus to everything you do.

Copyright: Joan Arnold
Joan Arnold: JoanArn@aol.com