Alexander Technique Week is here!
We’re big advocates of complementary therapies here at Wahanda and have tried more than our fair share of fandangled therapies. But it’s not all about us - we like to encourage our Wahanda warriors to try something different too, and what better excuse than as part of ‘International Alexander Awareness Week’, running from 6th to 12th October. Actually the Alexander Technique is not at all new - just fairly unknown. However we foresee a change in the air, as the Technique is given an international platform this week to get the good word out there.
Loved by musicians and actors alike, the Alexander Technique has long been used as a tool to improve posture, movement and breathing technique in the Dramatic Arts. Created in the late 19th century by an obscure Tasmanian actor F.M Alexander, to cure himself of an inexplicable complaint (he lost his voice every time he went on stage) its use has been prolific in stage and ballet schools around the world, including The Julliard School of Performing Arts in New York and RADA in London.
The end of August 2008 saw a study released in The British Medical Journal, suggesting the Alexander Technique is a more effective treatment for long-term back pain than painkillers, physiotherapy or exercise alone. So if your back is acting up, why not try out a little complementary magic. You’ll be following in the esteemed footsteps of a host of celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney, Kevin Kline, Jeremy Irons, Dame Julie Andrews and the King and Queen of suppleness and all things holisitc and yogatastic themselves, Sting and our ‘Lady’ Madonna.
For such a little known therapy there are a surprising number of teachers in the UK, a whooping 900 in fact! You can source out one of these therapeutic maestros by looking online, alternatively, selected branches of Neal’s Yard Therapy Rooms offer workshops in the Technique as do all of Champneys destination spa’s. For other listed spas in London that offer this posture correcting therapy check out Wahanda’s ever growing list.
And remember, the better your posture the taller you look, and aren’t we all looking for a little elevation in life?
Tags: Alexander Technique, Alexander Technique Week, Champneys, Neals Yard, Wahanda
October 7th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I would definitely suggest anyone interested in better posture, or alleviating backpain nd the like, to check out the Alexander Technique. It made a huge difference for the better in my life. They have a great site where you can learn more at http://alexandertechnique.com