UNDERSTANDING BACK TROUBLE: PREVENTING A RECURRENCE-THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

April 1st, 2009 by admin in Healthy bones Osteoporosis Rheumatic

The Alexander Technique is a method of postural re-education which aims to increase the pupil’s awareness of their balance and movement in everyday activity. This method was originated by F.M. Alexander over 100 years ago.

The task of the Alexander teacher is to help make pupils more aware of their physical self while enabling them to positively direct their bodies and minds in such a way that their bodies are ‘freer and more expansive’. In this process it is claimed faulty habit patterns begin to release as more balance and ease are achieved.

In practice, the Alexander Technique teacher makes small physical adjustments to the pupil’s body to decrease muscular contraction accompanied by specific verbal instructions while the pupil is sitting, standing, lying down and in movement.

The Alexander Technique is taught on an individual basis, as people’s individual habits need to be dealt with. Group introductory classes giving a general idea of the technique are often run by colleges. Individual sessions cost anywhere between $30 and $50 depending on the experience of the teacher. Generally a lesson has a duration of 30 to 45 minutes and an initial course of ten lessons is recommended in order to achieve some lasting benefit.

Alexander teachers have undergone a three-year training course under the auspices of the Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (AUSTAT) Inc. or an internationally affiliated society (STAT in UK or NASTAT in USA etc). When choosing a teacher ascertain that the teacher has been accredited by AUSTAT or one of the affiliated bodies.

You can write to AUSTAT, PO Box 716, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 or phone Melbourne 853 1356 or 008 339 571 for a list of teachers or more information.

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