The Alexander Technique Rachel Bernsen, M.AmSAT: December 2011

12/7/11

Alexander in The News

Alexander Technique has been in the news a lot in the last few years. The publication of a study on back pain published in the British Medical Journal in 2008 showed that "one to one lessons in the Alexander technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain."
The study has helped the Technique gain more visibility as a highly effective alternative therapy for back pain and chronic pain. Although AT has been helping people for over 100 years, it's nice to see it getting the recognition it so clearly deserves.

The latest news story is an article in the Huffington Post today:
Mix and Match Several Alternative Therapies to Ease Back Pain
"Non-invasive alternative therapies are often compatible with conventional treatments for back pain, have a relatively lower cost and can sometimes be done at home. ...the Alexander technique works through release of tension, decompression of the spine, more balanced muscle activity and improved flexibility. " Read the complete article

Testimonials From Rachel's students

It's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm not tensing up or overworking certain muscles when I work. It used to be that only regular massage and chiropractic adjustments would release the tension and now I don't feel that I need them. The work teaches me to take control of my body and it's a very powerful thing. As a result, everything I do is more comfortable, with less stress!

-Enola I. Salon Owner and Stylist

I have experienced profound relief from sciatica through the Alexander Technique. When it flares, I now have a “toolkit” of approaches that I can use to sooth the exacerbation. I never thought I would be able to experience the state of “no pain” again. My continued work with Rachel is helping me re-coordinate my body so that I can avoid sciatic pain.
-Lynn P., certified nurse and professor of nursing

I breathe differently. I move differently. I stand and sit differently and I'm so much more present in the moment. Combining my thoughts with my movements using awareness, inhibition and direction (the 3 principles of Alexander) are all a part of me now and I will never be without access to them. Learning from Rachel makes me realize I can apply the Alexander Technique to any part of my life. Using these principles I make choices every day, all day about how I move.
Seeing and working with Rachel each week keeps me open to learning and to the fact that I HAVE learned, and want to continue to do so. She is gentle with a thoughtful manner and able to clearly articulate the subtleties of this work. I am grateful.
-Debbie O., Tax assessor

I'm falling asleep faster and sleeping more deeply, and waking up with much less back pain.
-Kevin B., IT manager and singer

I learn so much from my lessons with Rachel. They have contributed greatly to the quality of my life. Each lesson provides an increased range of motion in some part of my body and the overall effect is a decrease in physical stress in my whole self. Since studying Alexander I've basically been injury free and when I do have a tweak, I have the tools to deal with it and can work through it quickly.
-Deb W., Book editor and yoga instructor

The Alexander Technique helps me relax and feel more comfortable in my body. I am more at peace in my own body.
-Bohdana S., filmmaker

I can sit much better and more easily than I used to and given how much I sit, that's not an insignificant thing. I now have strategies for when I get tired while sitting and can address that. Slouching now feels like work!
-Shannon C., professor

When I first started acting, I used a lot of tension to block out the audience and to generate emotion. With Alexander Technique I've learned to be more relaxed physically, stay present and be more aware of my body while staying true to my character and the moment to moment demands of the scene.
-Aaron S., actor

As a result of this work, I have found freedom in creative expression and in any expression, period. My art, both in performance and the visual, has blossomed. I have found comfort in my body and as a result in my entire self. I am extremely grateful to have had Rachel introduce this important work to me; it has changed my life. Rachel brings her experience, professionalism, training and compassion into this learning situation. She so obviously cares about this work and about sharing it with others, so others can move forward and improve the quality of their own lives. Throughout my experiences in Rachel's classes, I have continuously been blown away by the metaphorical resonance of this work; the Alexander Technique is life.
-Janet Z., singer and professor of English Literature

I am walking a lot faster, and with more confidence and ease, especially when walking at night to my barn where the walkway is very uneven and sloped. I am more steady and better balanced. My breathing is more even and natural and I am taking bigger strides. It feels good [to walk].
-Judy H., retiree

About the Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a proven method for solving movement problems that can cause chronic pain and stress. It's an educational process that teaches you how to use yourself with greater ease in your daily life and in the activities you are passionate about. It's not a set of procedures or a series of exercises, but simple principles you learn to apply to both your everyday activities and more specialized skills. F.M. Alexander, originally a Shakespearean actor, developed this work over 100 years ago in response to his own recurring voice problems.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of learning the Alexander Technique?
In studying the technique you begin to recognize inefficient postural habits and learn to let go of them while integrating the principles of the Technique. The results are often improved coordination and greater ease in movement; in many cases students report improvements in balance, long term or even permanent pain relief, an increase in energy, and a general feeling of lightness and ease.
What does a lesson consist of?
Using a combination of hands-on work and verbal instruction a teacher guides you through a range of everyday activities-walking, sitting, bending, reaching, breathing-Together with the teacher, you explore alternatives and learn to replace inefficient habits with improved coordination by locating and releasing unnecessary muscular tension.
Who was F. Matthias Alexander?
Born in Australia in 1869, Alexander was a Shakespearean actor who early on began having voice problems. Doctor's prescriptions of bed rest did nothing to cure him, as he would return to the stage only to lose his voice again. He realized it must be something he was doing to himself and through an extended period self-observation he became aware of his habits of tensing and straining that were causing his vocal loss. He continued to observe these habits and found a way to eliminate them. He became known for his strong voice and immense stage presence. He gained renown for teaching the Technique which he developed, mostly in the UK, until his death in 1955. In teaching he realized that the benefits of his work went well beyond the voice. Amongst his students were John Dewey, Aldous Huxley, and George Bernard Shaw.