The Alexander Technique is neither therapy nor treatment. It is an education, the principals of which can be practised until we die. It teaches us how to expand our awareness of the information travelling from the body to the brain, and teaches us how to stop, listen, and respond appropriately to our bodies’ needs, regardless of our condition, or the activity we may be engaged upon. The results of practising this technique can be varied and unexpected, but always, there is the expectation that our backs will become much stronger and more tolerant.
What To Expect During an Alexander Lesson
Alexander lessons involve hands on work, with the teacher gently guiding the pupil through ordinary routine activities. It is taught in such a way that the pupil gains some insight into the “ feeling” sensation of an improved, co-ordinated, efficient, and enjoyable manner of use.
The Alexander Technique During Pregnancy
The Alexander Technique has been found to be very helpful during pregnancy. A strong back is vital for a comfortable and trouble free 9 months. It will help support the extra weight of the growing baby, and the fluids surrounding it, and ensures that complications don’t arise from stresses on other parts of the body that could be caused by a weak back. It can help expectant mums to cope with the extra mobility and elasticity (stimulated by hormones) in tendons and ligaments, which can lead to all sorts of difficulties, particularly with the synthesis pubis, and sacroiliac joints. People’s experience is, generally, that they can continue to feel “light” during the whole pregnancy, and the change of shape and weight of the body is not so noticeable.
The Alexander Technique During Labour
It’s helpful to behave in such a way as encourages the baby to take up a good position in the womb, so that labour is easier. If the baby is badly placed in the womb, labour can be a bit like a battle between the baby, and mum’s body. As the back strengthens, and widens, the baby will have more chance to move around. Babies can change their position right up to the last moment. Listening and responding to information travelling from the body to the brain is crucial to controlling labour. A repertoire of movements can be learnt, any, or all, of which could feel appropriate at different stages of the birth process.
The Alexander Technique After the Birth
As it takes 9 months for the body to prepare for childbirth, it also takes 9 months to normalize afterwards. It’s so useful to take Alexander Technique lessons during this time, to ensure that the tendons and ligaments firm up in the best possible way, so that joints are strong and not compromised. These connective tissues only become malleable during pregnancy, so if they firm up in bad positions, they can cause recurring problems for a long time. It’s also useful to explore the best ways of looking after the body during breast feeding, and lifting and carrying.
Alexander Technique is taught by Barbara Harrington at Woodland Herbs in Glasgow.