In an Alexander Technique lesson I taught today, my student began by telling me her neck pain felt a little worse this week. When I inquired about it she told me that the physical therapist she'd been seeing added a new exercise for her neck, and it hurt her. Unfortunately, as an Alexander Technique teacher, I hear this story quite a lot. I told her that in my opinion she needs to subtract some things she's doing rather than adding to it...
I am an Alexander Technique teacher in New York City, and Manhattan is about as far away as you can get from the stillness, calmness, and tranquility of the woods. Once in the woods I immediately notice the sounds- that peaceful, open sound of the wind moving the branches and leaves of the trees, or the sound of rushing water. I notice those sounds, and I notice the sound of my changed breathing. I hear an open 'ah' type sound, either said or whispered on an easy exhalation. I've noticed this sound with other people as well, in response to any calming, peaceful, beautiful, or awe-inspiring stimulus. This open 'ah' sound
The Alexander Technique is useful for everyone but especially valuable for musicians. If you slump in front of you computer, you may 'just' cause yourself discomfort, pain or worse. If you slump at your instrument, whether sitting or standing, you may be causing additional difficulties. When slumping we may not be getting the best sound vocally or instrumentally. The combination of our misuse plus the demands of...
Here is a post from Psych Central. This is something Alexander Technique teachers have known for years (about 115 years) It concerns posture and it's effects on pain. While it doesn't address the how of achieving good posture, it does speak to the effects of poor posture on pain. There is also another element: poor posture can cause pain. I see it every day when giving Alexander Technique lessons. One of the big culprits for back pain and neck pain is the computer...
