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Your Health in Good Hands
How does the Alexander Technique work? Towards a scientific model.
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The Alexander Technique Science
About me
Originally I started taking Alexander Technique lessons to alleviate back pain. As a teenager I was diagnosed with idiopathic Scoliosis and had to wear a back brace for six years. In my early twenties I struggled with back pain and ended up in hospital with severe back spasms. Luckily my GP recommended Alexander Technique lessons, which alleviated the pain and enabled me to maintain a demanding job and busy family life.
While taking lessons with my first teacher Caroline Dale, I experienced so many positive physical and mental changes, that I decided to leave my career in the fashion industry and train as an Alexander Technique Teacher under Anthony Kingsley at the Alexander Teacher Training School in London.
I am a member of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique which is the largest society of Alexander Teachers worldwide (STAT). I work just outside Tunbridge Wells, in Bells Yew Green and I hope to bring my clients the same benefits as I have experienced myself.
Valerie Symes
About me
About the Technique
What is the Alexander Technique?
The stress we experience in our daily lives leaves an impression on our hearts and minds and results in habitual tension in our bodies. This tension can build up over the years without us even realising it. Our unhelpful postural habits can cause muscle or joint pain, impaired breathing, headaches, digestive upset and a variety of other conditions. The Alexander Technique is an extremely effective way of releasing these habits and retraining the mind and body to handle stress in a much healthier way. This mind-body integration brings the stresses and strains throughout our bodies into consciousness and it is these which are often the very cause of our poor health conditions.
What happens in a lesson?
One-to-one lessons with a qualified teacher are the ideal way to learn. At an initial introductory session, we can discuss what course of lessons is needed. Everybody is different, so each session will be tailored to your individual needs. Lessons are usually taken weekly as we are undoing and re-educating a lifetime of habits. This is a "hands-on" technique and all work is done fully clothed. I will guide you with voice and a light touch. You will start by observing your habits and we work on simple movements such as sitting, standing and walking, the basis of all movements. There is also table work where you lie on a table and we explore passive movement. We will discuss your on-going observations and discoveries at home, at work and for any hobbies or sports activities you participate in, so that you are applying the technique to your life immediately.
About the Technique
Lying Down in Semi-Supine
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The Active Rest Position
Scoliosis
History
The Alexander technique was developed in the 1890s by Australian actor Frederik Matthias Alexander. On discovering that his hoarse voice was brought on not only when he pulled his head back while reciting, but even when he was just thinking about reciting, he started to observe how he was using his mind and body. By doing so, he found ways to reduce muscular and mental tension and gradually developed the Alexander Technique. FM Alexander went on to teach his technique to influential members of society such as Aldous Huxley, the renowned writer, and intellectual, Sir Charles Sherrington (neurophysiologist, and Nobel Laureate) and Nikolaas Tinbergen (Nobel Prize for Medicine). More recently, the Alexander Technique has also been studied by celebrities, including Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Dame Judi Dench, Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves and many others.
Scoliosis
Scientific Research
Many studies have examined the effects of the Alexander Technique, including its beneficial effect on chronic pain, back pain, neck pain and balance. For more in-depth information on research into the amazing benefits of the Alexander Technique, click here. The Alexander Technique is also recommended by NHS Choices and featured in the Telegraph and was described as 'most effective at reducing back pain'.
Having lived with the effects of Scoliosis, it is a matter close to my heart. The Alexander Technique can be very effective in managing the physical and emotional symptoms of scoliosis. The Scoliosis Association UK recommend the Alexander Technique as a complementary therapy to work alongside treatment you are getting from your specialist. If you would like more information about scoliosis you can contact The Scoliosis Association (UK) for advice, support, and information.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss how the Alexander Technique could help you and your scoliosis.
Contact
Call me on 07760 164161 or email me below and l will get back to you as soon as possible.
In addition please contact me to hear about the current offers on booking a course.
Tunbridge Wells
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