Secrets of Alexander Technique

by Robert MacDonald

2000

Description

This is a practical programme for health, poise and fitness. Modern life is hard on our bodies. Stress and tension lead to backaches, headaches, stiff necks and other common ailments, and all too often we accept them as being part of the normal wear and tear of life. The Alexander Technique shows it need not be that way. By using conscious control we can change old patterns of misuse and give our minds and bodies a chance to work more freely. This guide includes: the history and evolution of the Alexander Technique; practical prodedures involving mind and body; real case studies showing the range of applications of the Alexander Technique. The Alexander Technique can change the vitality of the body and mind - this book offers expert guidance to those both familiar and unfamiliar with the technique.… (more)

Library's review

Pioneered by Frederick Matthias Alexander at the turnof the 20th centrry., the Alexander Technique helps you to understand how bad postural habits can harm your health. It aims to promote better posture, freedom of movement, and easy breathing by a process of awareness and self-mastery. This

easy-too-follow guide, illustrated with color photographs and clear diagrams, explains the history of the technique and shows you how to apply it to your everyday activities-from reading a book to breathing more efficiently. Discover how the Alexander Techinque can rid you of negative behavioral patterns and bring you better health.

Robert MacDonald has given workshops in the Alexander Technique, Voice, and Performance in theaters and corporations worldwide. He has written one book, The Use of the Voice.

Caro Ness has worked successfully as an author's agent, rights director, commissioning editor, and author.

Established in 1971 and read by more than a million health conscious readers each issue, Natual Health is the leading periodical in the field of natural health and self care. Published by Weider Publications, Inc., its editorial advisory board includes such esteemed authorities as Dean Ornish, Carolyn dean, and Andrew Weil. visit us at www.naturalhealthtmag.com.

Learn how to improve your posutre and create change in the qulity of your life.

Secrets of Alexander Technique offers a unique juxtaposition of theory and practice, providing clear, full explanations that demystify the subject and show you the best way to apply it. This book:

Identifies bad postural habits and demonstrates how the technique can counteract them.
Applies the technique to everyday life.
Achieves a jargon-free approach that makes Alexander Techique easy to understand for the newcomer.

Contents

How to use this book
Introduction
F.M. Alexander
First steps
Teachers in action
Self-mastery
Glossary
Further reading (bibliography)
Useful addresses
Institutions using the Alexander Techniques
Index
Acknowledgments

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User reviews

LibraryThing member sasyas

This is an easy-to-read introduction to the Alexander technique. Don't expect a scientific or overly thorough examination – this little book tells you about how F.M. Alexander first developed the technique of body awareness in order to help himself and introduces the most important principles.

The strength of the book are the illustrations showing how anyone, regardless of age or existing health problems, can integrate the Alexander technique into their everyday activities. It's all about being conscious of how you move and where you might follow bad habits which take too much effort. The German edition I have at hand was apparently proofread rather sloppily since there are a number of typos, and the translation could also be improved. But it provides a nice overview and inspiration about how to (re)gain freedom of movement.

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