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Alexander Technique in North London. Lessons From MSTAT TeachersHilary King - London N16 WORKSHOP 18th SEPTEMBER
Kathryn Akin - London N16
Kathryn Akin MSTAT
Stamford Hill Practice, London N16 Tel: 020 8802 5906 and Sunstone Health & Leisure Club For Women, London N16 Tel: 0844 880 2501 (No Membership Required for Complementary Health Clinic) Email: kathrynakin2004@yahoo.co.uk
WHAT IS THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?
It is a unique form of re-education which seeks to restore the freedom of movement and poise that we had as children.
Alexander Technique is over one hundred years old and must be taught by a qualified teacher. It is taught all over the world.
It is a practical way of changing the patterns of behaviour that can get in the way of daily life and often lead to undesirable stress levels or quite painful conditions.
WHY?
Modern life is not simple for either our minds or bodies, and harmful habits can easily develop through the years. Whether slumped in front of a computer, commuting in rush hour, negotiating challenging workplaces or dealing with busy families, it’s no wonder that tension, fatigue and pain can build up and seem inescapable.
Alexander Technique is a proven tool in addressing the fundamental causes of our difficulties. The techniques used have enabled many people to make significant improvements in their lives. Others have found it useful in reducing stress and elevating their general level of performance and communication.
Although working out can be great for our bodies in many ways, it often doesn’t address the systems that actually sustain us through life once we leave the gym door. We can learn to streamline our daily activity, whatever it may be, so that we don’t over expend, misuse and ultimately tire ourselves out!
WHO TEACHES IT?
Kathryn Akin is a fully qualified member of the Society of Teachers of Alexander Technique (STAT), the worldwide body monitoring the training and certification of teachers, and adheres to their code of conduct.
Originally from Canada, she trained for three years in London at the Constructive Teaching Centre with Walter Carrington. Walter was one of a small group of teachers trained by F M Alexander himself. He then worked alongside his teacher for twenty years until his death in 1955 and continued training generations of teachers thereafter.
Kathryn has taught Alexander Technique at drama schools both in the U.K. and America and enjoys teaching individuals from many walks of life, both at her private practice based in Stamford Hill as well as at Sunstone Health and Leisure Club.
HOW DO I DO IT?
Private lessons usually last 45 minutes and are beneficial when taken regularly over a couple of months. The number of lessons required depends on many factors and will be discussed at the first lesson.
The teacher’s hands and verbal instructions work together with the student to investigate habitual patterns of tension in balance, posture and daily movement; ultimately working for lasting changes in poise, co-ordination and general self-awareness.
The format of a one-to-one, hands on lesson allows for closer attention to individual requirements and tends to have greater benefit than a group class. Lessons can be booked individually or in blocks for a discounted price.
If you are interested in learning the Alexander Technique please contact Kathryn directly either by email kathrynakin2004@yahoo.co.uk or by phone on 020 8802 5906 to make an appointment or even just to have an informal chat.
Hilary King BA (Hons) PGDip Psychol Dip Couns MSTAT
Stoke Newington/Newington Green London N16 Practice Tel: 020 7254 9206 E-mail: alextech@hilaryking.net Website: hilaryking.net
Discover how, by learning the Alexander Technique, you can begin to undo habitual patterns of pain, tension and general 'mis-use', improve your poise and performance, plus increase your sense of wellbeing.
'As soon as people come with the idea of unlearning instead of learning, you have them in the frame of mind you want' (F M Alexander)
Hilary offers workshops and individual lessons. These take place in Newington Green, London N16. She is an experienced teacher, having qualified in 1987. Whilst she offers 'pure' Alexander Technique lessons, her background in Ballet, Psychology and Stress Management informs her work. Hilary also has a Diploma in Counselling. As a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, she adheres to the Society's Code of Professional Conduct.
Hilary was also involved in alexander technique research. It was designed by the University of Southampton, funded by the Medical Research Council and run through GP Surgeries. It is called 'The Alexander Technique, Exercise and Massage Trial for Back Pain - basically comparing the three different treatments for back pain patients. The results were published in 2008 and proved highly positive for alexander technique in resolving back pain.
Next Workshop Takes Place 18th September, 2010
Please go to hilaryking.net for full details of workshops or of individual private lessons.
Further Information About The Alexander Technique
Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was an Australian actor who developed this technique to overcome his throat hoarseness. He discovered the problem was his poor postural habits. After curing these he went on to benefit others and eventually set up a practice to educate clients in the proper use of their body. In 1939, a group of doctors suggested it be incorporated into medical students’ training but this never happened. The 1973 Nobel Prize Winner for Medicine praised the Technique which is taught in many schools of music and acting to reduce repetitive strain injuries and be more relaxed during performances.
The Technique does not claim to treat or diagnose any specific problem. People are made aware of how their body moves and to relearn the posture and freedom of movement they had in their childhood. In particular to restore the correct relationship between the head, neck and spine; to lengthen neck muscles and straighten the spinal column. This allows for better breathing, can give more freedom of movement, improved co-ordination and balance, increased energy, better relaxation, and improved mental outlook. Lessens with a practitioner are normally one-to-one but can be in groups. These can last up to an hour and two sessions a week for 3 months is often recommended.
It is a preventitive technique which can help people move and carry themselves with less strain and effort, correcting poor posture and musculoskeletal problems. But it can also help with a number of conditions as follows.
Conditions that may respond to alexander technique: addictions, angina, anxiety, asthma, back problems, depression, eating disorders, headache, menstrual problems, migraine, postural problems in pregnancy, peptic ulcer, repetitive strain injury, sciatica, stress.
To find out more information please visit The Society of Teacher of the Alexander Technique www.stat.org.uk
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