The Eastern art of yoga has become very popular in the West during the last couple of decades. But some yoga practitioners are finding that Western somatic practices -- those which retrain habits of the body and mind through touch and movement -- enhance their yoga experience. One of these is the Alexander Technique. Around the turn of the twentieth century, an actor named F.M. Alexander began developing this system to correct the chronic misalignment of his head, neck and torso. By working with an Alexander Technique practitioner, you can correct old postural habits and improve your yoga asanas.
Locate a Practitioner
Step 1
Ask yoga teachers, massage therapists and any other alternative healers you know if they're aware of Alexander Technique practitioners in your community. Once you locate some, ask for a couple of references from current or former patients.
Step 2
Attend your first session. Bring patience and an open mind. During hour-long sessions, the practitioner will have you do constructive rest, which consists of laying on a table while she guides you through relaxation techniques. She will also observe you doing common daily activities, such as answering the phone, to see where and when the tension creeps into your body.
Step 3
Apply what you've learned from the Alexander Technique to your yoga practice. After a few sessions, you'll recognize your misalignment patterns and learn how to correct them. Now stay aware of your proper alignment as you work with your yoga teacher to express the poses in an easier, tension-free way. Maintaining your awareness of new postural habits helps keep you in the moment, just like yoga does.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember, it takes patience and dedication to change ingrained habits.
Things You'll Need
- Alexander Technique instructor
- Yoga instructor
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