THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

IMPROVE POSTURE, REDUCE TENSION, COPE BETTER WITH STRESS

When life gets difficult we tend to create tension in our bodies in the misguided belief that this will help protect and armour us against the outside world. In fact this habit of tensing up only succeeds in causing us more problems.

Do you have a bad back, frozen shoulder, stiff neck, recurring headaches?

Learning to change the way you use yourself can help you avoid pain, improve posture and performance.

Stress is a fact of life. It is how we react to it that is the problem.

By making you aware of your particular habits of use the Alexander Technique can help you recognise and prevent physical and mental stress and strain, allow you to discover greater freedom of thought and movement. It can result in increased poise and effectiveness in artistic, business, sporting and social situations.

NOTES ON WHAT HAPPENS IN A LESSON

In a lesson Philippa will use a gentle touch to encourage your body to change. The Alexander Technique does not involve manipulation. You will not need to undress but it is helpful if you can wear clothes that do not restrict your movement.

Philippa will start by working with you on simple things such as sitting, standing and walking. You will gradually become more aware of how you move, and this increased body awareness will help you let go of old patterns of use.

Anatomically we do not have a waist. Do you always bend at the 'waist' to pick things up or when you clean your teeth? Relearning where your joints are, and how free they can be, will help you use yourself more effectively and with less effort.

A problem in one part of the body will not be addressed directly as Philippa is looking at the balance and coordination of the whole person. She will bring to your attention how mental, emotional and physical reactions all happen together, and how learning to stop your automatic reaction to something gives you a chance to make a choice about how you deal with it.

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE AND RIDING

Philippa teaches a lot of riders and works closely with Sue Nevill-Parker, owner of and the inspiration behind Arrow Equestrian, based near Pembridge in Herefordshire. She frequently gives one to one lessons to pupils immediately before they have a dressage lesson with Sue. Those that stay and work with Susie for several days either on their own horses or on Susie's often have several lessons, combining dismounted work with work on the saddle horse.

In addition Philippa, Sue and Sarah Merriam Pierce, a Feldenkrais practioner, run day courses combining the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais and mounted work, each based on a different topic, for example Legs and Seat, Arms and Hands.

Philippa has recently written an article for Hereford Equestrian entitled:
Do Less to Get More,
An Introduction to the Alexander Technique.

www.herefordequestrian.co.uk