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LEARN MORE ABOUT
THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
INTERNET SITES
These sites have good information on the Alexander
Technique and links to interesting articles
Wellness resources
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RECOMMENDED READING
The following books are available
from AmSAT Books. Some books may also be available from
amazon.com
or your local library. Visit AmSAT Books at
www.amsat.ws or call
toll free (800) 473-0620.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
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Body Learning by Michael Gelb
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Besides being a thorough introduction to the seven operational ideas
(principles) of the Technique, this is also a personal account of the
changes that can take place as a result of practicing the Technique. The
author relates how the Technique can be applied to activities like aikido,
writing, running, swimming, juggling, and giving speeches. It also contains
a brief history of how the Technique has been applied in schools and of the
author’s work in the classroom. The 34 additional pages in the new edition
cover the semi-supine procedure, answers to commonly asked questions, and
the relevance of the Technique to organizational change.
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The Alexander Technique Manual: Take Control of Your Posture and Your
Life by Richard Brennan
- This book has chapters on inhibition, directions, semi-supine, sports (riding, cycling, running, tennis, pool, golf, and soccer), pregnancy and childbirth, what to expect from lessons, case histories, etc. The book is illustrated throughout, often with nice large color photos demonstrating right and wrong ways of performing a variety of activities (walking, riding, playing an instrument, as well as the subjects mentioned above).
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- How You Stand, How You Move, How You Live by Missy Vineyard
- Through numerous case studies and a handful of exercises, Vineyard
teaches self-awareness and the primary Alexander Technique skills: conscious
inhibition and direction. Vineyard puts forth her own original thesis
bridging the working principles of the Alexander Technique with current
knowledge in neuroscience, human behavior, performance and medical
rehabilitation. She also has tips for troubleshooting common problems like
pain and weakness. Those already familiar with the Alexander Technique or
other mind-body methods will get the most out of this book.
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- The Use of the Self by F. Matthias Alexander
- First published in 1932, this is F.M. Alexander’s shortest and most accessible book. It contains Alexander’s own thorough account of how he developed the Technique and examples of application of the Technique to students.
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- Freedom to Change: The Development and Science of the Alexander
Technique by Frank Pierce Jones
- F.P. Jones trained with
Alexander from 1941-1944. Drawing on his long association with F.M. and A.R.
Alexander, Jones introduces the Alexander Technique by relating Alexander’s
story in biographical form. Jones presents the most important results from
25 years of research into the Alexander Technique. He describes how the
conscious mind activates anti-gravity reflexes. In “Notes on Teaching” Jones
summarizes his teaching experiences and sets out principles for good
teaching practice. Throughout the book he emphasizes the importance of an
“expanded field of attention.” First published as “Body Awareness in Action”
in 1976, the new edition contains a new foreword by Ted Dimon, four color
plates, and a new appendix which contains Jones’ outline for a 15th
chapter plus sketches and observations from his notebook.
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The Alexander Technique: How to Use Your Body Without Stress by Wilfred
Barlow, MD
- Dr. Barlow trained with Alexander from1938-45 and subsequently worked with Alexander until 1949. He utilizes his experiences as both a teacher of the Alexander Technique and a consultant rheumatologist, to introduce the Alexander Technique from a medical viewpoint: how use affects our health. The many illustrations of people’s posture and X-rays of heads and necks show examples of misuse. Originally published in 1973 in Great Britain as “The Alexander Principle”, the new edition has been revised, updated and reset, and contains a new foreword
THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE AND
SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
- Voice and the Alexander Technique by Jane Ruby Heirich
- In this book, designed for both teachers and students of the speaking
and singing voice, Jane Heirich addresses some common problem areas of the
voice-teaching world: breath management, voice projection, resonance
building, breaks in the vocal range, and the relevance of overall poise to
vocal output. This step-by-step approach, which integrates the centuries-old
Italian bel canto singing tradition and the FM Alexander Technique, allows
new skills to develop for both beginning and experienced
students/performers. With a foreword by Joan Morris. Includes instructional
CD.
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Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery Based on the
Alexander Technique by Deborah Caplan
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Deborah Caplan was both a teacher of the Alexander
Technique and a physical therapist who specialized in using the Alexander
Technique to help people with back problems. The Technique is introduced,
and such conditions as spinal disc problems, arthritis, muscle pain,
scoliosis, pinched nerves, and sciatica are discussed. Many photographs and
drawings illustrate the preventative positions and gentle exercises which
are recommended for people with pain or discomfort in any part of their
spine.
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The Art of Swimming by Steven Shaw and Armand d'Angour
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This book shows how the Alexander Technique can be applied
to swimming. The benefits of swimming are discussed in relation to fitness
(current conceptions of which are questioned). The principles of
orientation, balance, buoyancy, and breathing in swimming are explained and
illustrated. Much advice, including some practical exercises, is given on
how to deal with fears and other restricting attitudes towards swimming.
Breast stroke, front and back crawl are discussed and stroke guides are
given.
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