Input on Buteyko and/or Alexander Techniques?

[starbelly]

Following a recent very serious lung infection, my doctor recommended the Buteyko Technique to rehab my lungs. Has anyone every heard of it or used it? Some reviewers on Amazon claim that it has cured their asthma.

She also thinks that there may be some postural element to my problems. I have seen a Restorative Exercise specialist and a MELT trainer and feel that my posture has improved and my pain levels decreased dramatically. I don't want to throw too many things into the mix, but there is an Alexander Technique therapist close by and would definitely take advantage of that if it would be beneficial for breathing issues.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[FitBoop]

Hi! I studied Alexander Technique for many years. It is wonderful for the body and mind. You have to work with a very experienced and educated teacher. I started studying the Alexander Technique in order to help with my breathing for singing. I discovered that it had many additional benefits. It helps with postural alignment, freedom of body tension, and relearning of poor body usage and habits. As a result of the improved postural alignment and freedom from body tension, mood is greatly improved. A good AT teacher will work on breathing with you. A good book about AT is Body Learning by Michael Gelb.

[starbelly]

Thank you for your response. The woman who teaches in my area has been an AT instructor for nearly 30 years and is affiliated with a local music school so she has adequate experience. Classes can be purchased individually or in blocks of 3 (each session is 45 minutes). Of course each person responds differently, but do you have an idea of how many sessions it would take for someone with a good anatomy background (I was a yoga teacher and have practiced for 30 years. I have also been doing restorative exercise for 2 years so I am fairly body-aware) to be able to benefit from this? I don't expect overnight results, but would like to feel some effects after a few sessions.

[snapfish45]

I have not taken Alexander Technique classes, but my nephew has been helped greatly by them. He was hurt in a Broadway Play (he was the giant woodsman in Cinderella and the stilts collapsed under him). He is so passionate about it that he is currently taking classes in NYC to be able to teach. Prior to his Broadway acting, he graduated collage with a degree in Neuroscience.

He is so passionate about the method that my sister and her husband (his parents) are taking classes in Utah where they live. I am interested enough that I purchased a book to learn a little about it and located a teacher in New Jersey in case I decide to take the plunge.

As a side note, Fitboop, I am not surprised at all you studied Alexander Technique. One of the first things I noticed when I met you was your posture. I almost asked you if you studied Alexander Technique, but I thought that would be a very strange question upon meeting someone for the first time!

[videofit]

I knew a soap opera star years ago who raved about the Alexander Technique and was always trying to get me to go. I seem to recall it being somewhat expensive. At that time, all my money went to buy fitness DVDs, weights and other equipment. However, I'd be more open to trying it now.

Keep us posted as to your impressions and progress.

[MsThistlebottom]

When my daughters were younger, they studied with a wonderful violin teacher who was also trained in Alexander Technique. She incorporated a lot of that training into her string instruction, and it was very effective. If you try it, I hope it's helpful to you!