Health-Quick.com

Regain Your Health Quick at Health-Quick.com

Using The “Alexander Technique” to Improve Posture

Frederick M. Alexander, pioneer of the Alexander technique, invented what has come to be known as the Alexander Technique for posture improvement. He used self-observation to develop his system of bodywork.

Frederick Alexander was born in Australia in 1869. He was an actor, and one night while performing on stage he lost his voice. Episodes of voice loss on stage happened to him several times, and he realized that this problem was a major threat to his acting career. Doctors prescribed various potions and rest, but these did not solve the problem.

Mr. Alexander began to observe himself in a mirror. He noticed that when he practiced his roles he tended to lower his head. This caused tension in the muscles in his neck, which he decided caused a strain on his vocal cords. He was able to correct the postural habit that caused the tension, and his episodes of loss of voice came to an end. This success led him to help others with their posture problems. Mr. Alexander left the acting profession, moved to London, and began a program to teach his method to others. He taught the program until his death at the age of 86 in 1955.

The techniques that Alexander developed change the way the body moves when standing, sitting, walking, speaking and other everyday activities. The intent of the Alexander technique is to correct habitual problems of posture and movement that may lead to poor posture, constant muscle strain and tension, and inefficient movement. Group classes can be held, but ideally the method is taught one-on-one. A session usually requires thirty to forty-five minutes, with the student(s) performing several different exercises.

For example, the teacher might have the student demonstrate everyday activities such as walking or sitting. As the student sits the teacher gently would use his hands to shift parts of the body that are strained or tense, to teach the student a better way to sit.

The teacher also tells the student(s) how to relax and properly align the shoulders, arms, back and other parts of the body. In some class sessions the students may lie down while the teacher demonstrates proper technique for posture improvement and muscle relaxation.

There isn't a fixed number of hours or lessons required to complete Alexander-technique posture-improvement training. That may be seen as a weakness in the system, since students may choose to study only until they think they have learned what they need to know. Obviously, some students may be anxious to quit studying and begin practicing, even if they are not well versed in the technique. A teacher, on the other hand, to become certified must complete a 1600-hour course over a 3-year period. The Alexander technique is often taught at schools of the performing arts, because it is popular with actors, dancers, and musicians.

For those in pain, the Alexander Technique can help reduce the muscular strain and tension that cause or worsen the pain. The Alexander technique attempts to correct habits of poor posture and movement that lead to muscle strain, pain, and imbalance of the body. The technique can be used by healthy people as well as by those with problems. For the healthy, it can improve body awareness and enhance movement and posture.

The goal of the Alexander Technique is to teach the correct way to move the entire body, not to work on just one part of the body. It promises to improve physical coordination and promote relaxation. Through learning how to move correctly, pain reduction is achieved.

Frederick Alexander believed that posture and movement are correct when optimal alignment of the head, neck, torso and spine has been achieved. The head should rest comfortably at the top of the spine, and the spine should be neither compressed nor curved incorrectly. Correct alignment causes the muscles to relax and be prepared for action.

Practitioners of the Alexander Technique believe that the prescribed exercises, practiced correctly, permit students to unlearn bad habits of posture and movement and to learn good ones. They believe that bad habits start in childhood and often go unnoticed until later in life.

The Alexander technique, although lacking in scientific validation, is very popular and has gained a sizeable number of teachers and students. The technique is gentle and therefore is unlikely to cause any harm. Of course, people with significant injuries or pain should consult a qualified medical expert before beginning any course of treatment.