Alexander Technique

Body: 

Dear Christine,

I recently discovered the Whole Woman web site, and I'm so relieved that I did. About a month ago, I was diagnosed with mild prolapse. Since then, I've done the Kegel exercises recommended by my doctor, but my symptoms did not change, and the Kegels made me feel tense and clumsy. So, it was a great comfort to read the information presented at WW. I have ordered your video and book, and I'm very optimistic!

I am very interested in Alexander Technique, having taken lessons as a conservatory student long ago. Please tell me: Does the Whole Woman "posture" follow directly from Alexander's teachings? Do you differ from him on the subject of female balance and movement?

Regarding sitting: Alexander teaches us to sit on the "sit bones", not on the legs. I find that when I curve my spine as in the WW posture, my weight shifts toward the legs. Am I getting it wrong? Am I curving too far -- or in the wrong area of the spine? (Will everything become crystal clear after I see the WW video?)

I look forward to your reply. In the meantime, I will join the chorus of women who thank you for sharing your unique insights with us. Your example motivates and inspires!

Sincerely,
Naomi

Welcome, Naomi

Hi Christine,

Thank you for your explanation. It does change my thinking about sitting. One resource I have read suggests that the back should be straight when sitting. I am referring to "The Alexander Technique Manual" by Richard Brennan. On page 34, it illustrates a child sitting on the floor. The caption reads, "In all activities the child's posture is kept beautifully upright and the spine has a natural straightness that is unnecessarily lost as we grow older..." In recent months I have been applying this concept at the piano, as I found it improved coordination and independence in my upper body. Maybe this exacerbated my prolapse.

I wonder whether it's a mistake to use the child as an example for adult movement. Yes, there are analogies, but there are also differences.

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I knew of an Alexander resource about female-specific balance and movement. I meant only to ask whether you differed from Alexander on that topic. His recommendations (or those of his proponents) always seem to be presented as generic principles that can be applied similarly to both male and female (with the exception of suggestions for pregnancy, of course).

Naomi