« Helen Lund

The Alexander Technique

Helen Lund teaches the Alexander Technique, a unique system of health re-education. It is a gentle mind-body system which can help with back pain, stiffness, poor mobility or posture, RSI, stress, tension headaches, breathing problems, high blood pressure and other health issues. Helen has been teaching in Ipswich since 2003 after completing a three-year full-time training course. She is a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT). She offers one-to-one lessons, introductory courses and a unique relaxation class combining meditation and AT.

The Alexander Technique is a unique system of health re-education. It works on the basis that the way we move and carry out our activities (‘use ourselves’) affects the way we function – mobility, breathing, digestion, blood pressure, circulation, etc. As small children, most of us move freely and lightly, but as we get older, we tend to lose this good co-ordination, pulling our heads back on our necks and over-tightening our muscles in response to the pressures of modern life. This ‘overdoing’ can lead to a range of physical and emotional problems.

In Alexander lessons, you learn how to become more aware of habitual patterns of tension and how to stop ‘overdoing’. The Technique is not a therapy or a treatment, but a co-operative process: the teacher’s hands work gently to restore the correct head-neck-back relationship and to encourage the release of over-tight muscles and the strengthening of underused ones; the pupil reinforces this process by a sequence of directed thought (‘sending messages from the brain’).

Taking lessons can help to prevent or alleviate a wide range of conditions that arise from excess tension and poor co-ordination. These include chronic or recurrent back pain, neck and shoulder tension, stress, RSI, voice and breathing disorders and digestive trouble. AT is also used in sport, business and the performing arts to prevent anxiety and improve skills. But anyone who wishes to improve their general health and well-being can benefit.

Learning the Technique is rather like learning to drive or to play a musical instrument: we recommend a series of regular lessons – the number needed and frequency depends on individual circumstances. Work in lessons focuses on simple everyday activities: standing, sitting, walking, bending, lying down. As time goes on, you can apply AT principles to any activity and it gives you tools you can use throughout your life.

Recent research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ 23/8/08: online at www.bmj.com) found that Alexander Technique lessons delivered significant long-term benefit for chronic or recurrent lower back pain.

The standard fee for an introductory lesson (1 hour) is £35; subsequent lessons (45-50 minutes) cost £32. Concessions may be available. Please give 24 hours’ notice if cancelling an appointment or the full fee will be charged.

For further information or to book a lesson, contact Helen on 01394 277684 or 07985 208475; e-mail: helen.lund@btinternet.com; www.alexandertechnique-ipswich.co.uk

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