Jessica Wolf <b>The Art of Breathing</b>

JESSICA WOLF:
THE ART OF BREATHING

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The Alexander Technique

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What is the Alexander Technique?

Jessica Wolf teaches Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a simple and proven method of self-care to alleviate pain, muscular tension and stress caused by everyday misuse of the body. It is unique among all the psycho-physical techniques because it is the only one that can make changes that will last a lifetime.

The signature idea of the Alexander Technique is that use affects functioning; the way we “use” ourselves as we move, think etc. affects how we function. Therefore, misuse causes malfunction. We all have unconscious movement habits. Often it is how we do something that creates the problem, not the activity itself. Many people are mystified by their own back pain, excess tension or lack of coordination. You often hear people say, “I must be getting old,” or “I never had any problems with my knees before.” These conditions don’t just happen; they develop over time; like a train coming around a bend, you can’t see it at first, but it’s coming. The symptoms of discomfort are the result of improper use of the body during a lifetime of everyday activities such as bending, standing, sitting and walking.

Another principle of the technique is that we function as a whole; behavior is the reflection of the whole integrated individual; body and mind. And a third principle states that the relationship of the head, neck and back has a fundamental influence on the whole person affecting posture and health.

When we become aware of wrong body use and learn how to eliminate interfering patterns, we can achieve better and more skilled use both mentally and physically. People are delighted to find that they can make lasting changes which improve the way they carry out their daily activities, thus eliminating their discomfort and giving them newly found freedom of mind and body. They learn how dynamic and changeable the body really is.
Jessica Wolf       1 Union Square West, #814A       New York, NY 10003       212-691-3941       jesswolf@optonline.net
©2007 Jessica Wolf