6th March 2018

6th March 2018 - The Alexander Technique

Chrissy Pritchard

The President welcomed members to the meeting on Tuesday 6 March and introduced our guest speaker Chrissy Pritchard who is a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. Its founder, F M Alexander, was born in Tasmania in 1869 and had an early and successful career in acting. His difficulties when acting and losing his voice encouraged him to identify his harmful habits, essentially that of poor posture, establishing the link between the head, neck and back. Developing his technique improved his vocal use, breathing and stage presence to such an extent other people started coming to him for help. By the early 1900's teaching his technique became his main occupation and he moved to London where he was hugely successful. With so much of modern life having us hunched over our computers, smartphones and elsewhere in the workplace the Alexander Technique offers a constructive approach to improved breathing, posture and overall wellbeing. Properly controlled and conducted trials recorded significant improvements in those suffering from Parkinsons and it thus carries a recommendation from NICE. By the end of this excellent presentation it was clear that the Alexander Technique can be effectively applied to all activities and benefits everyone. Bill Allen gave the vote of thanks to Chrissy for her most interesting talk. The next meeting is on 20 March, stating at 10.30 am when we meet to hear Eric Melvin who will talk on George 1V's visit to Edinburgh in 1822.

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