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| phone 503.493.2755 | 415.272.4811 | email janet@janetlott.com |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)What is the Alexander Technique? The Alexander Technique (also Alexander Method) is a process of movement re-education developed by F.M. Alexander at the beginning of the 20th century. (Alexander was a Shakespearean actor who cured himself of voice loss and shortness of breath which had plagued him during performance.) The technique is a dialogue between teacher and student rather than therapist and patient. Students learn the process whereby they develop the ability to choose balanced, easy and appropriate responses to stimuli rather than habitual, tense, unbalanced and effortful responses. Not massage or a system of exercises, the Alexander Technique is a method to increase our awareness of how we inhabit ourselves, an awareness that restores the easy relationship to gravity that we had as children. Thinking becomes clearer, perceptions more acute. In a typical lesson we work with everyday full body movements such as sitting, standing, walking, and more particular activities of the student’s choice. We use these activities to notice inefficient habits of “use” and, with our thinking and the gentle guidance of the teacher’s hands, to allow more balanced, flexible, powerful and efficient coordination. Who can benefit from this work? Anyone wishing increased physical (and mental) comfort, flexibility, awareness and performance. The Alexander Technique is widely used by musicians, actors and athletes, including dancers, equestrians, runners and golfers. It has been studied and enthusiastically endorsed by John Dewey, educator, Nicholaus Tinbergen, Nobel Prize for Medicine, Aldous Huxley, philosopher and author, Paul McCartney, Robin Williams, the Israeli Air Force and Special Forces, among others. What scientific research supports the Alexander Technique?
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