Alexander Technique
About this experience
Posted on: 05-Apr-02
by: terry
Current rating: 
(35 votes)
More about the author
| Name : | Terry |
|---|---|
| Gender : | Male |
| Age group : | 55+ |
| Country : | Italy |
terry says:
In my mid-thirties I developed a painful lower back condition called 'spondilolysthesis'. If it sounds nasty, it is. Basically, it's a vertebra
out of place (in my case due to weak tissue at childbirth),which causes intense pain along and up from the lower back when standing, walking, running, or doing almost anything!
Orthodox medicine offered me a major spinal fusion operation, with no guarantee of success. With days to go before the operation I decided to cancel and instead to pursue virtually every form of alternative treatment and medicine there is, from acupuncture to faith healing.
Early among these was the Alexander Technique, a postural therapy originally designed by an actor called Alexander to help with breathing difficulties. Many singers and actors still turn to this technique for this reason. The central tenets are based on an increased awareness of how we use our bodies, in particular how we misuse our bodies, creating unnecessary tension, conflict and pain. This may range from the way we sit, stand, get up, sit
down, walk or run to how we use a toothbrush , tie a shoelace or answer the phone.
I was lucky enough to be referred initially to Wilfred Barlow, a pupil of
Alexander himself and at that time the number one expert in the UK. Barlow passed me on to his best teacher, Inge Henderson.
It's important to understand that the Alexander Technique is not a therapy. It does not of itself purport to 'cure' anything. That is why you see not a 'therapist' but a teacher. The teacher's role during the sessions (which in my case lasted no more than 20 minutes each) is to help you become aware of how you use your body, and how to alter your posture, so you can practise these techniques at home in between sessions.
Initially, the 'lessons' are rather disconcerting as you re-learn basic movements you have taken for granted from childhood: re-learning such simple things as how to walk or sit down may sound childishly simple, but it's actually very difficult and indeed somewhat humiliating. There is virtually no physical contact between teacher and pupil, other than very light adjustments to the posture, and all treatments take place fully clothed. There is no massage involved.
I pursued Alexander lessons over the course of almost two years. The best moments were immediately after a treatment when, walking down the street, I would feel as if I were walking on air. The sensation of being completely without pain frequently brought tears to my eyes. I understood the meaning of bliss. Unfortunately, this freedom from pain rarely lasted more than half an hour.
I learnt a lot from my Alexander teacher. The Alexander Technique did not change my life - though I met many people who said it had changed theirs. Over 20 years later I still suffer from acute lower back pain, which is spreading to the legs and hips. I am still trying alternative treatments.
Terry
