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Forums > Social Discussion > alexander technique
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Posted:I've had a chronic back problem for three years now, and i'm getting a bit fed up with it. i recently stumbled accross a book on alexander technique, and, upon discovering that my first task would be to lie down a lot, have decided to give it a go - lots of people say it has worked wonders with their physical issues.
i was wondering if anyone here has used AT, and how it has affected their spinning? and what other effects it has had?
i was wondering if anyone here has used AT, and how it has affected their spinning? and what other effects it has had?
Holistic Spinner (I hope)
Delete TopicBirgit
BRONZE Member since Jan 2005
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had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Total posts: 4145
BRONZE Member since Jan 2005
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Total posts: 4145
Posted:Haven't seen him round for a while but if you message Mr. 87wt.... (check the Birmingham thread), he's doing a course in that. *hugs for your back*
"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)
Owner of Dragosani's left half
Posted:Alexander technique is awesome, and will also do WONDERS for your posture. Good posture = good spinning, but you already knew that. 
I understand the principles of it (I read a book too
) but never really put it into lots of practice. now and again I'll be concious of my posture and try to fix it.
I have a friend who is a qualified teacher... he was at the Sion circus school, but I'm not sure where he is now. I should try and hang out with him and learn from him at some point...
I understand the principles of it (I read a book too
) but never really put it into lots of practice. now and again I'll be concious of my posture and try to fix it.I have a friend who is a qualified teacher... he was at the Sion circus school, but I'm not sure where he is now. I should try and hang out with him and learn from him at some point...
Empty your mind. Be formless, Shapeless, like Water.
Put Water into a cup, it becomes the cup, put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, put water into a teapot, it becomes the teapot.
Water can flow, or it can Crash.
Be Water My Friend.
Posted:More hugs for your back 
Sorry I don't know more about this but I'd be really curious to hear what you've tried that HASN'T worked and why?
Sorry I don't know more about this but I'd be really curious to hear what you've tried that HASN'T worked and why?Delete
Elanna
SILVER Member since Aug 2003
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Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.
Location: NJ or DE, USA
Total posts: 2293
SILVER Member since Aug 2003
Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.
Location: NJ or DE, USA
Total posts: 2293
Posted:I have had chronic back problems for six and a half years now and whilst visiting my sister in Berkley, I had an AT session with a professional about a month ago. Although I do not have access to lessons where I am now, the few techniques/exercises I took away from that session has helped me dramatically. I can recognize my poor posture habits much more quickly now and have noticed less stress and strain in my back - not to mention less pain.
With regards to spinning, with the proper technique and posture for moving, just about everything you do will flow more smoothly and naturally. It will require less effort and cause less strain on your body.
I hope your back feels better.
With regards to spinning, with the proper technique and posture for moving, just about everything you do will flow more smoothly and naturally. It will require less effort and cause less strain on your body.
I hope your back feels better.
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Pies Jesu Domine *whack*
Dona eis requiem *whack*
Come join us and chat - we're bored! irc.newnet.net #homeofpoi
Posted:Thanks guys, i'm sure the hugs will help 
i actually don't have any problems spinning fluidly, even when i am in a little pain doing other things - it tends to manifest itself when i try to sit/bend over/stand up - the spinning actually helps loosen the muscles, but i certainly don't so anything too strenuous when its around.
tommy; What happened was that i tore a ligament while practising backflips in a cold room after three months in australia.... the ligament itself was only a minor tear, but all the muscles nearby went into spasm, and this is what recurs. i have excellent physio exercises which clear it up in 1-3 weeks. so i wouldn't say i have tried things that don't work, more that what i'm after is to prevent it happening as frequently.
i actually don't have any problems spinning fluidly, even when i am in a little pain doing other things - it tends to manifest itself when i try to sit/bend over/stand up - the spinning actually helps loosen the muscles, but i certainly don't so anything too strenuous when its around.
tommy; What happened was that i tore a ligament while practising backflips in a cold room after three months in australia.... the ligament itself was only a minor tear, but all the muscles nearby went into spasm, and this is what recurs. i have excellent physio exercises which clear it up in 1-3 weeks. so i wouldn't say i have tried things that don't work, more that what i'm after is to prevent it happening as frequently.
Holistic Spinner (I hope)
DeleteMother_Natures_Son
SILVER Member since Aug 2007
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Rampant whirler.
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Total posts: 2418
SILVER Member since Aug 2007
Rampant whirler.
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Total posts: 2418
Posted:Tried Yoga at all, bluecat? Meditation? I know nothing about the alexander technique, but I thought i'd throw these ideas out there and then look into AT...
Travelling Australia could help, too, I think. Warmer climate and all that. Its summer here of course.
Honestly hope something works for you, nothing can be worse than the frustration of being physically inhibited, especially when object manipulation is a love.
Travelling Australia could help, too, I think. Warmer climate and all that. Its summer here of course.
Honestly hope something works for you, nothing can be worse than the frustration of being physically inhibited, especially when object manipulation is a love.
Posted:forgot to say to elanna - thats great news for you! i'm seeing a teacher this week, and i hpe i can say the same thing after only a month!
MNS: i actively dislike yoga, for no good reason - i find it really dull and not suited to my bodily needs at all. same with pilates. and i am VERY poor at meditating. i have tried for years, and the only meditation i can find is in object manipulation - its the only time i can really truly switch my mind off.
and i'll find it very hard to travel Aus again, as i'm 3 years into a refusal to fly. and, wierdly enough, i actually like cold weather. it makes me feel alive... hmmm.
thanks for the thoughts though - now go away and think something more useful
MNS: i actively dislike yoga, for no good reason - i find it really dull and not suited to my bodily needs at all. same with pilates. and i am VERY poor at meditating. i have tried for years, and the only meditation i can find is in object manipulation - its the only time i can really truly switch my mind off.
and i'll find it very hard to travel Aus again, as i'm 3 years into a refusal to fly. and, wierdly enough, i actually like cold weather. it makes me feel alive... hmmm.
thanks for the thoughts though - now go away and think something more useful
Holistic Spinner (I hope)
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Posted:I did a little research on the AT because I'd never heard of it before and I couldn't find anything negative about it.
My skeptics forum had a few posts that basically said "whatever" The benefits are questionable, but at least it's not harmful ( unlike homeopathy, which deserves to be tortured to death )
Quackwatch dot org wasn't critical and only offered an definition of the AT, and for some strange reason, I seem to have lost the link to a promising looking antiquack blog. If you want, I could probably get it for you.
An interesting blurb on Quackwatch describing the AT and it's relationship to "out sedentary lifestyle " causes me to mention back pain I was having last winter. I'd wake up early, really early and have to get out of bed because my lower back was hurting so much. After i was awake and moving about for around half an hour the pain would disappear.
Cue New Years resolution season, which had me joining a gym ( actually, hiring a personal trainer who has a gym in her house ) because, my pants were...errr. shrinking, yea, that's it, and after a few weeks, poof no back pain.
It might be that simple, just hit the weights...but don't over do it and use proper technique.
Good luck
My skeptics forum had a few posts that basically said "whatever" The benefits are questionable, but at least it's not harmful ( unlike homeopathy, which deserves to be tortured to death )
Quackwatch dot org wasn't critical and only offered an definition of the AT, and for some strange reason, I seem to have lost the link to a promising looking antiquack blog. If you want, I could probably get it for you.
An interesting blurb on Quackwatch describing the AT and it's relationship to "out sedentary lifestyle " causes me to mention back pain I was having last winter. I'd wake up early, really early and have to get out of bed because my lower back was hurting so much. After i was awake and moving about for around half an hour the pain would disappear.
Cue New Years resolution season, which had me joining a gym ( actually, hiring a personal trainer who has a gym in her house ) because, my pants were...errr. shrinking, yea, that's it, and after a few weeks, poof no back pain.
It might be that simple, just hit the weights...but don't over do it and use proper technique.
Good luck
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Posted:edit-accidental post
EDITED_BY: simta (1220135440)
EDIT_REASON: accidental post
EDITED_BY: simta (1220135440)
EDIT_REASON: accidental post
"the geeks have got you" - Gayle
DeleteElanna
SILVER Member since Aug 2003
![Elanna]()
Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.
Location: NJ or DE, USA
Total posts: 2293
SILVER Member since Aug 2003
Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.
Location: NJ or DE, USA
Total posts: 2293
Posted:I know you don't have problems spinning fluidly. 
And sitting down is pretty much the worst thing for your back aside from driving.
The moving fluidly bit was more about the mechanics of how your body moves, not your poi/staff/whatever. An example would be standing up. If you are going to be seeing a teacher, ask if you can do the sitting to standing exercise. We all know how to sit down and stand up. We can all do it smoothly/fluidly in one motion. Most of us don't do it correctly. There is a proper way to move your body using AT - one that feels more natural, effortless, and smooth. Your teacher can guide you to sit correctly, then stand up correctly and when you do, you will feel the difference. It is a subtle, yet very big difference in how your body moves and it just feels right. You don't really realize how much stress an everyday action/position causes on your body until you feel how it is to do that same thing with a fraction of the effort/stress.
And sitting down is pretty much the worst thing for your back aside from driving.The moving fluidly bit was more about the mechanics of how your body moves, not your poi/staff/whatever. An example would be standing up. If you are going to be seeing a teacher, ask if you can do the sitting to standing exercise. We all know how to sit down and stand up. We can all do it smoothly/fluidly in one motion. Most of us don't do it correctly. There is a proper way to move your body using AT - one that feels more natural, effortless, and smooth. Your teacher can guide you to sit correctly, then stand up correctly and when you do, you will feel the difference. It is a subtle, yet very big difference in how your body moves and it just feels right. You don't really realize how much stress an everyday action/position causes on your body until you feel how it is to do that same thing with a fraction of the effort/stress.
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Pies Jesu Domine *whack*
Dona eis requiem *whack*
Come join us and chat - we're bored! irc.newnet.net #homeofpoi
newgabe
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
![newgabe]()
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
Posted:What Elanna said!
I came across Alexander techique maybe 30 years ago. It is excellent. It was developed originally to help with vocal production and it has been around for years. Not a new age faddy thing, quite well established.
When I hurt my back badly in 1990 it became something that helped me through. Go for it!
HUGS to you Rob
xxx
G
I came across Alexander techique maybe 30 years ago. It is excellent. It was developed originally to help with vocal production and it has been around for years. Not a new age faddy thing, quite well established.
When I hurt my back badly in 1990 it became something that helped me through. Go for it!
HUGS to you Rob
xxx
G
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
Deleteburningoftheclavey
SILVER Member since Jul 2005
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lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
Total posts: 926
SILVER Member since Jul 2005
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
Total posts: 926
Posted:Have you tried massage Rob? Or the back doctors...Osteopaths? Let us know how you get on with the AT, I'm quite interested in it..
on spam robots - "Burn the robot! Melt him down, and then we can make lots and lots of money from his shiiiny juices!"
Owned by Brenn
newgabe
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
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what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
Posted:Originally Posted By: burningoftheclaveyHave you tried massage Rob? Or the back doctors...Osteopaths? Let us know how you get on with the AT, I'm quite interested in it..
Alexander technique is not something you just receive passively like a massage or osteopathy. It is retraining your kinaesthetic and postural senses to be able to live and move with minimal effort and eliminating the sorts of unconscious long term 'stress positions' that many of us live within... which lead to breakdown of function and eventually
'but I was only ......' injuries. It goes perfectly alongside relaxing and realigning techniques..I'd even say those things are a waste of money if our entrenched habits just pull us into bad shape again.
Cheers
G
Alexander technique is not something you just receive passively like a massage or osteopathy. It is retraining your kinaesthetic and postural senses to be able to live and move with minimal effort and eliminating the sorts of unconscious long term 'stress positions' that many of us live within... which lead to breakdown of function and eventually
'but I was only ......' injuries. It goes perfectly alongside relaxing and realigning techniques..I'd even say those things are a waste of money if our entrenched habits just pull us into bad shape again.
Cheers
G
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
Deleteburningoftheclavey
SILVER Member since Jul 2005
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lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
Total posts: 926
SILVER Member since Jul 2005
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
Total posts: 926
Posted:aaah.. i see cheers for the info gabe.
on spam robots - "Burn the robot! Melt him down, and then we can make lots and lots of money from his shiiiny juices!"
Owned by Brenn
Posted:bluecat, what book have you got?
There's a lot of books about the AT out there which say a variety of things. Unfortunately very few of them have enough detail for you to be able to do it yourself (and some are downright misleading!)
There's a lot of books about the AT out there which say a variety of things. Unfortunately very few of them have enough detail for you to be able to do it yourself (and some are downright misleading!)
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Posted:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Changing-Exploring-Alexander-Relationship/dp/1853981303
br>
any suggestions...?
back feeling much better after a week of lying in semisupine, and also of noting body habits....
br>
any suggestions...?
back feeling much better after a week of lying in semisupine, and also of noting body habits....
Holistic Spinner (I hope)
Deletenewgabe
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
![newgabe]()
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
Posted:Books are descriptive of the generality, but AT really needs to be done with a practitioner/trainer...who can see what your particular habits are. One of the key points of Alexander technique is that we can not judge what is correct /healthy in our own posture and movement as we are so habituated to the stress positions that they feel 'normal'. There are also emotional releases that can happen when we open and re align... defending against these can keep us locked in as well.
but overall, go for it, it is REALLY useful stuff.
but overall, go for it, it is REALLY useful stuff.
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
DeletePosted:Glen Park huh? I'd take quite a lot of what she has to say with a fairly generous spoonful of salt, especially in the section of the book where she starts talking about auras and chakras.
No disrespect to anyone who believes in auras and chakras, it's just that they have nothing at all to do with the Alexander Technique. The AT is based on principles of Anatomy and Physiology, at least that's how it's presented on the training course I'm studying on - I can't speak for other training courses.
Having said that, lying on your back on a carpeted floor with your knees at a right angle and your head supported, is very benificial as it gives you a chance to let go of the muscular activity you have learned to use just to stay upright. No wonder it's doing your back good!
But newgabe is right, the quickest way to learn the AT is with a qualified teacher. Come see me in a couple of years when I'll be qualified!
(alternatively I could reccommend one if you like!)
No disrespect to anyone who believes in auras and chakras, it's just that they have nothing at all to do with the Alexander Technique. The AT is based on principles of Anatomy and Physiology, at least that's how it's presented on the training course I'm studying on - I can't speak for other training courses.
Having said that, lying on your back on a carpeted floor with your knees at a right angle and your head supported, is very benificial as it gives you a chance to let go of the muscular activity you have learned to use just to stay upright. No wonder it's doing your back good!
But newgabe is right, the quickest way to learn the AT is with a qualified teacher. Come see me in a couple of years when I'll be qualified!
(alternatively I could reccommend one if you like!)
Delete
Posted:Ooh, I found out today about this recent paper in the British Medical Journal on the treatment of back pain with the Alexander Technique.
Thought I'd add it to this thread
Thought I'd add it to this thread
Delete
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