ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Practitioner
Erica Eades
Brief explanation about the therapy
The Alexander Technique is a gentle re-education of the body and mind. It helps the individual to change habits of posture built up over the years. We all have unconscious movement habits which can cause unnecessary tension. By making us aware of these, we can release tension thereby easing pain and discomfort. Changes will occur not only in the physical body but can change your entire outlook.
What can the client expect at the appointment
They will be guided through some simple movements such as sitting and standing. The session will include some work when lying down on a massage table. The principles of the Alexander Technique will be discussed and put into practice. The client should wear loose fitting clothing in which they can move freely.
What will happen in a session
Whilst performing everyday movements the client will learn how to use themselves in a different way. The teacher will explain verbally the principles of the technique, and with hands on the client, will help them to experience how to move without falling into old habits. The movements will be repeated so that the client can learn how to recognise for themselves when they are moving with tension and unlock their old habits.
How many sessions should the client need before they see a result
Many people experience a feeling of lightness and freedom of movement after the first session. Six to ten sessions are recommended in order to get a good start, and sessions should be as close together as possible at the beginning. After that sessions can be less frequent and up to 20 sessions are considered to be a good grounding. Most find that they come in for a ‘top up’ every now and again after that.
What can the therapy help
It can help back pain, stress-related illnesses, neck and shoulder pain, exhaustion, stomach and digestive problems, depression, feeling “stuck in a rut”, anxiety, RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), tennis elbow, excess tension, people who feel they are not performing at their full potential such as actors, sportspeople, singers, musicians. People who experience pain or tension when doing a certain activity such as golf or gardening or sitting at the computer.
Who would benefit from this type of therapy
Anyone who is open to new ideas and ready to change; willing to try a different approach; who feels they need to slow down: or indeed to speed up