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"I have benefitted greatly from Alexander Technique lessons. As Lori showed me ways to move and function more efficiently, I have had more energy and less pain. She is a thorough, patient, and encouraging teacher and she personalized my lessons by addressing my specific needs and concerns. Through the Alexander Technique, Lori has taught me to be aware of physical habits and has given me tools to improve my health."
-- Sheri H.

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Alexander Technique History

F. Matthias Alexander was a Shakespearean orator who developed problems which resulted in losing his voice. After doctors informed him they could find no physical cause, he carefully observed himself in multiple mirrors. His use of the empirical scientific method of reasoning revealed that he was needlessly stiffening his whole body in preparation to recite or speak. Further, Alexander observed that many individuals experiencing breathing and voice problems commonly tightened the musculature of the upper torso, especially the neck, prior to phonation in anticipation of the act of voicing. He suggested that this habitual pattern of dropping the head backwards and downwards in relationship to the spine, needlessly disrupted efficient overall body alignment. This was later termed the reaction of a "startle pattern." After innovating new substitution strategies that included sharpening his ability to choose that new response, he found that his old pattern of voice loss ceased entirely. His new process also allowed the discovery of additional improvements towards his original intention to become a better orator.

Alexander came to believe that his work could be applied to improve longevity and human evolution in general. He developed the quality of his "work" (termed Alexander Technique after his death,) so as to make his process of experimentation and self-training repeatable. He recorded his experiences in four books. He also trained educators of his Technique while living in London from 1931 until his death in 1955. Teacher training classes were interrupted during the wartime period between 1941 to 1943, which Alexander spent teaching pupils with his brother Albert Redden Alexander (1874–1947) in Massachusetts, USA.

More on The Alexander Technique
History
Basic Premises
Alexander Technique Benefits
Scientific Evidence
Research & Medical Testimonials

source: wikipedia

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