the Theory
Introduction
Alexander observed that the relationship between the head, neck, and
torso is primary in controlling movement and function. Compressive
movement habits interfere with the body's ingenious design. Having
mastery over this primary control restores the innate postural reflex - a
natural, dynamic force that counters gravity and easily guides the torso
upward. Learning to use your body more effectively can alleviate a
variety of posture and movement related problems, while continuing to
move your body incorrectly can be at the root of chronic muscle pain,
under-performance and respiratory difficulties.
The misuse of the body is a learned process that starts at an early age.
The body moves into a state of misalignment as it tries to adapt to such
stresses as being handled improperly in infancy and early childhood.
Stress, emotional and physical trauma, and being forced to sit in
uncomfortable chairs in school often create powerful startle patterns.
Through conditioning, distorted movement patterns become habitual
and automatic. As adults, we continue these compensations for the
misalignment that developed in the early years of life. This throws the
entire body out of alignment. Through the unrelenting misuse of our
bodies, we cause ourselves to suffer from chronic physical problems,
stress, and tension.
The body moves into a state of misalignment as it tries to adapt to such
stresses as being handled improperly in infancy and early childhood.
Stress, emotional and physical trauma, and being forced to sit in
uncomfortable chairs in school often create powerful startle patterns.
Through conditioning, distorted movement patterns become habitual
and automatic. As adults, we continue these compensations for the
misalignment that developed in the early years of life. This throws the
entire body out of alignment. Through the unrelenting misuse of our
bodies, we cause ourselves to suffer from chronic physical problems,
stress, and tension.Consequences of misuse
The continual misuse of your body creates and maintains a variety of physical problems that can become chronic and interfere with accomplishing the tasks of everyday life. Moving inefficiently and incorrectly strains the muscles and is an energy drain. Some recurring physical problems associated with incorrect posture and movement patterns can include: • Chronic back pain • Chronic neck and shoulder pain. • Constant low energy and exhaustion
•
Loss of voice while speaking or singing
•
Poor vocal projection
•
Restricted breathing patterns
•
Unexplained limitations in performing a task or sport.
The misuse of the body can contribute to internal problems as well. If
your posture is slumped or otherwise distorted, your overall musculature
will become compressed and contracted. In addition to causing you
physical pain, the poor postural habits put excess pressure on internal
organs and restrict the space around them, thereby making them work
harder and less efficiently. Such systems as respiration, digestion, and
elimination are adversely affected by poor posture and muscle strain.
These vital functions are supported through an improvement in overall
posture.
Alexander theorized and demonstrated that alleviating such problems
requires correcting the misalignment and distorted movement habits.
The Alexander Technique focuses on promoting optimal alignment of the
head, neck, spine, and torso by examining and correcting the
relationships between these critical parts of the body. In a state of
optimal alignment, the head releases up and the neck and spine
lengthen. The alignment of the head, neck, and spine manifests as good
posture.
Misusing your body
Alexander Technique
with Joseph R. Lee
