Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Alexander Technique Helps Back Pain

http://www.viddler.com/explore/atbmj/videos/1/





This is one of the best short videos on the Alexander Technique I've seen, and it details the results of the study done on over 600 people with back pain. In about 50 more years, it may be obvious to more people that the technique is very useful, but if the spine is out of balance due to structural misalignment at the atlanto-occipital joint, you can be more successful in every area of health once you correct that.

The principle in both disciplines is the same, and rooted in vertebrate physiology - the relation between the head and the body is important and determines the workings of the rest of the organism. The link with chiropractic is that Alexander addresses the emotional and self induced trauma that causes the vertebral subluxation and can reduce (but not eliminate) the affect of the spinal subluxation on lives.

Contact 1st Step Chiropractic to begin the move away from back pain. 815-398-4500

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Tension and the Performing Artist

"What happened to you during the performance?" she asked..."your sound changed dramatically in the middle!"
I thought back to what I was doing during the violin recital and realized she was talking about a particular moment when I figured, "I'm so nervous anyway, why don't I try directing?"
In the Alexander technique, when we apply a bit of our awareness to ourselves in a constructive way, it's called directing.
So I remember doing so at that moment in the recital and noticed I felt a little better. But I didn't realize it changed the sound. "You sounded more...interesting," she admiringly admitted.
I was about one year through the teacher's training course in the Alexander Technique, back in 1980, and was playing again after losing my hands to a horrible tension problem. But does it really take that long to regain ability when it is lost? This is a review of one masterclass I led for music students at Rock Valley College. Michael Beert, cellist and head of the program, had some astute observations to share...
"In each student, it was obvious to hear and see the difference in their performing after just a couple of minor adjustments to the head and neck relationship. One student after another, it became apparent that this technique was beneficial to their sound and tone production. Another thing that was apparent was that one size did not fit all. Each student had different issues that needed addressing and Dr. Schalow was able to pinpoint each and work on the area that was most in need of attention.
The reactions from the students were most positive as they commented on other student’s performances or their own improvement. A couple of the students from the workshop have gone on to inquire about further Alexander Technique sessions with Dr. Schalow and have commented on its effectiveness in their lives, work and performance."
Wow. "Can I have some of that?" you might ask. You certainly can. Contact Rockford Alexander Technique at 1st Step Chiropractic. 815-398-4500.