"Although
no one would claim that the Alexander Technique
treatment
is a cure-all in every case, there can be no doubt
that it often does have
profound and beneficial effects, and I
repeat once more, both in the 'mental'
and 'somatic' spheres".
Nicolaas
Tinbergen,
Nobel
Prizewinner for Medicine and Physiology
The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique teaches us to use ourselves more effectively in all activities of living and how fundamental a contribution to health and well-being it can make.
Why we need it
In young childeren we often see an alertness and poise that allows them to sit, stand and move gracefully without strain. Yet we rarely do see that same poise continuing into adult life. Most of us have developed habits which interfere with our natural co-ordination and functioning we become disconnected and find ourselves reacting automatically in ways which are frequently harmful to our well-being and reduce our effectiveness in whatever we do.
The integration of our system as a whole is primarily determined by the co-ordination of our head, neck, and back. When we interfere with this subtle relationship we create distortion and strain throughout the organism and we can be said to be mis-using ourselves.
The result of this misuse may be experienced as specific symptoms such as headache, backache, stiff neck and shoulders, RSI or more generally as a lack of poise, lack of vitality or as a sense of being "out of touch" with our body. Since the body and mind are part of one system, lack of physical poise can effect our state of mind and our ability to cope with life.
People learning the Technique come from all walks of life and backgrounds: doctors, therapists, musicans, actors, managers, secretaries, writers and sportsmen and women.
The
Alexander Technique is usually taught on a one-to-one basis.
Along with verbal instruction, Alexander-teachers
will use their hands to
help to bring about a better co-ordination in their student. As students become
more aware of what constitutes a better use of themselves, they are taught to
consciously refrain from habitual patterns of interference and to allow a better
functioning to take place. Students develop their ability to attend to the way
they react to the various stimuli of life and to change so as to have more choice
in how they respond - both physically and mentally.
Benifits of the Technique
The benefits can include relief from aches and pains associated with misuse, improved physical and mental health, enhanced performance and improved apprearence.
The lesson format
The
lesson is usually taught on a one-to-one basis. Lessons last between the thirty
and the forty-five minutes. No special clothing is required provided that movement
is not restricted.
Working with simple activities such as walking, getting
in and out of a chair or lying down, the teacher will use his or her hands to
guide the student while simultaneously giving verbal instructions. Students will
become more aware of unnecessary habitual tension, and to learn conciously to
co-operate with a more natural and co-ordinated use of themselves. Once the student
has sufficient mastery of the principles, teachers may also look at particular
relevant activities such as working at a desk, doing housework or playing a musical
instrument.
In lessons we are confronted by the force of
our habits.
It may help at the beginning to have one or two lessons a week.
As the student becomes more at home with the principles, the frequency can
be
reduced. In general, students need 20-30 lessons to be able to
apply
the principles effectively in their daily lives.
It
is possible for companies or institutions to create an 'Alexander package'
suited to their needs with one or more teachers from the centre.
Lessons per 1 January 2006 cost 50 euro,
(incl BTW). In some cases insurance companies like Zwolsche Algemene and Roermondse
reimburse, partly or wholy the cost of lessons.
Ask for information
about costs of special projects.
By appointment, private lessons are given
Monday to Friday between 14:00 - 18:30.
Lessons are 45 mins.
No special
clothing is required.
Lessons are given at the Alexander Technique Centre which is located on the top floor of a classic 'grachten' house overlooking the canal, in the old part of Amsterdam. It is close to Central Station and easily accessible by tram nr. 1, 2 or 5 three stops to Spui.
Tessa Marwick & Paul Versteeg
340 Herengracht
1016 CG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 6238260
Fax: +31 (0)20 4212178
email: marwvers@wxs.nltop
Copyright Versteeg/Marwick 2000. All rights reserved.