Applied Alexander Technique Blog

Hello my friends,

No wonder it feels better after Alexander lessons...

This "head forward posture" increases stress and compression on the whole spine and through it, the entire body. You can see that as the head moves forward, it more than triples the weight on the neck!

There are different ways to open up this posture and feel better. I teach the Alexander Technique. This is a way of using light tough and gentle guidance with verbal instruction to release tension from your neck. Your head floats up, your muscles release and the whole system is freed to reorganize and become better aligned. Results include feeling light, easy, and pain-free. Many students regain up to 1 1/2" in height.

Forward head posture also adds years to your appearance. Do you look old before your time due to forward head posture?

You can look younger, feel better, stand tall! Find a way that works for you! I invite you to try the Alexander Technique.

Namaste,
Dana

Hello friends!

I recently decided to try Toastmasters. The local chapter allowed me to come as a guest and test the waters. Today's theme was about life as it may be, in the future. Living in Silicon Valley, that means technology and how that changes our lives.

My Alexander thought about that is, as life as we know it, changes, how well do we adapt? If we don't, won't, or can't, what are the repercussions?

How do we change in response to technology? Given Moore’s Law and the rapidity of change, are we able to change fast enough to keep up with the times? Or do we become quicker in reply, but pay the price with our relationships, lack of free time, being overweight, out of shape, and too stressed to relax after dinner and play baseball with our kids?

Continue reading "Toastmasters, Alexander Technique and Imagination" »

Good morning, friends!

Here's an interesting look at how children with learning and developmental disabilities respond to the Alexander Technique.

Israel is progressive and the health system recognizes Alexander Technique for back pain. Here it is being used with children who have developmental issues.

Fascinating video; well worth watching:

Hello my friends,

Good posture can give you a competitive edge whether you’re looking for a job or you’re up for promotion. This Thursday is Career Day at the APICS Santa Clara Valley Chapter.

Come hear a talk about literally positioning yourself to win.

I'll give a talk about how good posture can give you a competitive edge whether you’re looking for a job, or you’re up for promotion. I’ll share results from some new studies on job hunting and posture, and I’ll give you some quick tips that you can use right away.

Other speakers will also cover topics like resumes, interviews, personal strategies, and follow-up.

12:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Questions: Call APICS at 408-727-1125

If you're interested in some posture coaching for your own job hunt, I suggest considering a short series of Alexander sessions. Give me a call!

CONTINUE READING for details on Career Day/ where to go, etc.

Continue reading "Job Hunting? Improve your Posture to Increase your Odds" »

Hello my friends!

Here is a rare find: Nikolaas Tinbergen's Nobel Prize acceptance speech from 1973, for his work in ethology and stress diseases.

Quite a bit of his speech is all about the Alexander Technique; what it is, why and how he overcame his own scientific skepticism, and the results of the lessons he, his wife and daughter all took.

Fascinating slides with before and after photographs of patients of Dr. Wilfred Barlow are about 2/3 through the speech. Dr. Barlow was a noted rheumatologist, who trained with F.M. Alexander to be a practitioner of the Technique.

Nine minutes fly by when the information transforms your life.

Namaste,

Dana

Hello my friends,

Thanks so much for stopping by again. It's always nice to take a moment to say hi. If you are on a personal quest for health and fitness, I'm glad to talk with you. I am very thankful for my own health and do not take it for granted!

Here are some quick highlights of the past year:

- SJSU Dance Dept – Guest instructor

- Journal for California Dental Hygienists Assn (CDHA) I was requested to write an article for this reviewed Journal. The issue was later picked up and republished by the American Dental Hygienists’ Assn. (ADHA.) .) Click on this link to download the article.

- East West Bookstore – a lively talk/demo of Alexander Technique

- Radio interview with Bonnie Coleen on KEST radio. I share some stories about the Technique and the essence of its power for transformation. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Do you know someone who may benefit from Alexander Technique? I am grateful for your referrals. For anyone who's curious to find out if this may help them, I'm offering a free, 20 minute telephone consultation.

with appreciation,

Dana

Greetings!

As January is well under way, health and fitness are on many of our minds. Good posture helps with whatever you do. You will instantly look more confident and more slender. It helps with body mechanics and improves your workout results.

According to the current issue of Harvard Medical School Health Beat Extra:

"Good posture trims your silhouette and projects confidence. More importantly, it lessens wear and tear on the spine and allows you to breathe deeply. Good posture helps you gain full benefits from the effort you put into exercising, too."

It's true! Proper form helps you use the muscles you are targeting when you exercise. You will get better results if you use yourself correctly rather than compensate by momentum or using some other body parts.

Learn how the Alexander Technique helps you put your mind into your body. Putting your "sole" into the gym gets you started. It takes consciousness to reap the benefits.

If you're going to put in time, you may as well reap the benefits!

Drop me a line and I will offer a free, 20 minute phone consultation.

Let's get fit and look younger in 2012!

Dana

Hello my friends,

Did you drop in because you saw the news on ABC television, about how to be free from back pain without drugs?

Or are you an old friend who visits now and again?

Charlotte Keenan, a researcher for ABC Action News was looking for a way out of back pain. She came across a report about a method that promises to be drug free and free her from pain. It's called the Alexander Technique. It is moving into the mainstream. Come find out...

She investigated with a reporter's inquisitive mind and she found that it is connected with awareness and retraining how we move.

Easy, right?

Not so simple if you've ever tried to do it on your own. Have you ever tried to change your golf swing? Or maintain good posture while you sit and text from your phone? It's not so easy to do on your own. After all, if it were that easy, we'd all be doing it. Get some input from a pro and your progress will be faster.

Here's a video from ABC Action News
Ali Gorman, R. N., reports that a method is becoming mainstream and appears to be effective:

I am an Alexander Teacher. I help people out of pain. Are you a little bit curious?

Give me a call! I'll give you a free, 20 minute telephone consultation.

Here's to a life in Joy and out of pain!

Namaste,

Dana

Hello my friends!

The American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT) Gains National Visibility

Over 600 teachers nationwide, and 3,500 teachers internationally, are reaching out to help people understand how this work helps relieve back pain by 85%, help balance, reduce tension and help people relieve stress, both mind and body. This is the 8th annual International Alexander Awareness Week!

Find an event near you!

I will be speaking at Jenny Craig in Mountain View. The way you carry yourself impacts how you feel inside. Walk Tall! Be Light!

Carry yourself well and feel a sense of your spine in every meaning of the word. When you are centered in yourself, it is easier to make better choices.

Come look 5-10 pounds thinner instantly by improving your posture.

See you at Jenny Craig!

Dana

Hello my friends!

I’ve been working on a program to help women feel better – and look better - walking in heels.

The way you walk, sit and stand delivers an instant message about who you are.
What does YOUR image say?

Now there is a program for women to feel empowered, confident, elegant and sexy in heels. It is designed to work for any level; the principles are applicable to heels of any height. You can start small and grow tall!

Class will be limited to 10 people to allow personal attention, so I encourage ladies to RSVP early. See below for dates and times.

In heels :)

Dana

Continue reading "Be Confident in Heels!" »

Hello my friends!

This Saturday at the Pacific Grand Ball was wonderful. I had the opportunity to work amongst many good people and see a bit of the most beautiful dancing in the world.

A number of people tried Alexander hands-on. Everyone who tried it, liked it! A short time on the table was enough to feel a change; freer, lighter, easier in the joints and taller, to boot!

More people were curious; what the heck is this Alexander, anyway?

"It's like dancing; try a few steps, try a little gentle hands-on and see."

For those of you who were brave souls, thank you for your trust. Maybe next time, if you weren't one of those people, come for a few minutes and try it!

Imagine releasing your joints into movement rather than muscle through, with effort. And...it feels good. This is a skill that can be learned, and like dancing, it works best when your teacher dances with you so you feel it. This is similar; it works best with gentle hands-on, so you feel it.

Hope to see you soon! Call me and mention the PGB; I'll give you a free 20 minute telephone consultation.

Dana

Hello friends and dancers!

The Pacific Grand Ball is coming up on September 24th!

While you're there, you are invited to try some gentle touch, Alexander hands-on and release tension from your neck and back. Restore your energy and renew yourself!
$1/minute, special event pricing.

This is a special offer; sign up at the event or contact me in advance to reserve time.
Most people say that they feel better right away. It's a long day...try it and see!

In health,

Dana

p.s. follow the PGB on Facebook for the latest updates!