AboutStephen Cooper Expertise Alexander Technique - what it is, whether will it help you, how to find a teacher, how to train as a practitioner. The principles and theory of the technique, and how it works in practice. What happens in lessons. Origins of the Alexander Technique.
Experience I am a teacher with 20 years teaching experience, and a teaching member of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT). and I run a school training teachers of the Technique.I am a Director of the Bloomsbury Alexander Centre in central London, UK and Director of the Headington Alexander Training School in Oxford, UK (reconized by STAT).
Organizations Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
Education/Credentials MSTAT (Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique GRSM (Graduate of the Royal Schools of Music, London)
I am a freelance writer and I am currently writing an article on swallowing problems relating to Parkinson's disease. I am aware that the Alexander technique corrects posture and posture is a very important part of how easily one swallows. Do you think the Alexander technique would have any beneficial effect on one's ability to swallow? Are there any other benefits of the Alexander technique for those with PD?
Many thanks
Answer The Alexander Technique has some success with PD patients, and there has also been some research to substantiate its effectiveness. Go to the website of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique at www.stat.org.uk . Follow the links to "About the Technique" then "Research". The teacher most involved in this has been Chloe Stallibrass. She seems currently not to have a website but her contact details are on the STAT site - follow the "Find a Teacher" links.
Although postural improvement will help the patient, and postural deterioration definitely interferes with the mechanisms of swallowing, the main benefit of the technique is an ability to inhibit immediate reactions. If anyone sensing a need to swallow reacts by creating unnecessary tensions then these very tensions make the act of swallowing impossible.
I am sure Chloe would welcome any enquiries you might wish to make of her.
