Pauline Leng
The Alexander Technique is a unique practical self-help way to acquire increased physical ease and mobility. Aches and pains, tensions and stresses often result from unconscious habits of slumping and stooping. Becoming aware of our habits can help us make choices about how we do things.
With the Alexander Technique you can be poised without stiffness, move gracefully with less effort, be alert and focused with less strain. Poise, vitality and co-ordination improve, breathing and speaking become easier, and movement becomes freer, lighter and more enjoyable.
The Technique has been established in this country for a century and is medically recognised.
Who can benefit from the Alexander Technique?
Because the Technique is concerned with the quality of movement, it can benefit anyone who is willing to learn new ways of doing things, whatever their age, occupation, or level of fitness.
Lessons are taught on a one-to-one basis. The number of lessons depends on individual goals and needs, but an introductory lesson is useful to decide whether the Technique will be appropriate for you. Eight to ten lessons give a grounding, and children learn very much more quickly than adults.
People come for lessons for many different reasons, including:
- Back, neck or other pain, sometimes following surgery or rehabilitation, and sometimes to learn coping skills for chronic illness and disabilities
- Because they are stressed and their life has become an effort
- Breathing and vocal difficulties
- Those who wish to improve their performance, including actors, singers and musicians, and sports people
- Support during pregnancy and preparation for childbirth
- To improve their general posture and co-ordination
What happens in lessons?
Learning the Technique is a process rather than a course of treatment. The principles are learned in one-to-one lessons of about forty minutes' duration and pupils are encouraged to practise between lessons. Along with verbal instruction, I use gentle hands-on guidance to help you rediscover the balance and poise you had as a small child. We work first with small movements that we all repeat continually, like sitting, bending knees, and walking. Experience and observation help you learn how your co-ordination works - how you create tension and how to prevent it. This awareness helps you to change longstanding habits and to function more efficiently.
No special clothing is required, providing that movement is not restricted. You may be asked to remove your shoes during lessons.
Pauline Leng
I live in Didsbury and was for many years a freelance subeditor. I am also a yoga teacher and massage therapist. I trained in the Alexander Technique for three years full-time at the Manchester Alexander Technique Training School (MATTS), which is linked to the Royal Northern College of Music, and am a Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT). Members are required to adhere to the Society's published Code of Conduct.
Details: -
For appointments and details of fees please ring 0161 445 8530, or e-mail pmleng@clara.co.uk
It is important to consult a properly trained teacher who has completed a three-year full-time training course and is a member of:
STAT
Linton House
39-51 Highgate Road
0845 230 7828