home   contact us   facilities & access   gift vouchers   links   location & reception hours   spotlight   practise with us Alexander Technique - what is it?     In young children we often see an alertness and poise that allows them to sit, stand and move gracefully without strain, yet rarely do we see that same poise continuing into adult life. As we lose this poise, we also lose a flexibility of mind, an eagerness to learn and a simple enjoyment of our relationships with people and our environment.     We develop set ways of doing things, habits of mind and body which we hold on to, although they actually may be preventing us from doing what we want, and in some cases cause physical pain and injury. The Alexander Technique is a unique system of awareness of your body and mind which helps to reduce inappropriate tension. By using conscious control one can change old patterns of misuse and give our minds and bodies a chance to work more freely. It teaches a new use of the “Primary Control” which is the relationship between the head, neck and back. It is summed up in the words (directions): “Let the neck be free, To let the head go forward and up, To let the back lengthen and widen.” How does it work? The Alexander Technique teaches us to recognise the habitual patterns we have built up over the years and helps us to make new constructive choices about the ways in which we think and move. You don't remove your clothes. Nor is any kind of special clothing required - though as table work often forms part of the lesson, female pupils usually feel more comfortable wearing slacks, or jeans, rather than a skirt. Alexander lessons are not painful. There is nothing physically aggressive about the work. It is a process of allowing the pupil to release tension and the harmful habits that were responsible for it - at the pace that suits you as an individual. Who can benefit from The Alexander Technique? The Alexander Technique is a safe and gentle therapy for all age group, especially children and pregnant mothers.   Children     Children have one-to-one Alexander lessons for many of the same reasons as adults. In addition, the Technique has been found useful in the management of growth-related problems such as scoliosis and Scheuermann's disease, and simply helping children to feel more comfortable during periods of rapid growth. Children who are musicians or involved with disciplines such as horse riding or dancing may also find the technique helpful in developing their skills.     In Pregnancy     The principles of The Alexander Technique can assist during pregnancy, through childbirth and into caring for her new baby.           Alexander Technique can be used to treat the following conditions:       General Conditions: Backache Carpal tunnel syndrome Improving posture Repetitive Strain Injury Stiff neck and shoulders Potential Realisation for: Athletes Actors Dancers Musicians Singers Pregnancy: Cope with the weight of the growing baby Learn movements and positions to facilitate natural labour Avoid pregnancy complaints such as backache, breathlessness and tiredness, Recover fitness and well-being after the birth.           Practitioners       Kieran Sweeney Qualifications: MSTAT Kieran has been a qualified Alexander Technique teacher for 10 years. He has found Alexander Technique to be effective for many conditions including neck and back pain, repetitive strain injury, anxiety etc. Kieran enjoys seeing pupils come to a deeper understanding of themselves, physically and spiritually.     Price list: 60 minute lessons £45     home       The Greenwich Natural Health Centre Neptune House 70 Royal Hill Greenwich London SE10 8RF Tel: 020 8691 5408 Directors: Carol Williams & Pat Truman de Reimers. Content copyright © 2005-2008 The Greenwich Natural Health Centre.