| Alexander teachers believe that ill health comes | | | | This opening of the body reduces pressure on the |
| from poor use of self. Proper use, what | | | | heart, lungs, stomach, intestines and other organs. |
| Alexander called primary control, comes from | | | | This technique is good for stress related |
| being aware of how you sit, stand and move. | | | | conditions such as anxiety and hypertension. Most |
| Most people slump when they stand up, with | | | | people do something as fast as possible without |
| rounded shoulders, a caved in chest, a smack | | | | giving it a thought. Alexander called this the end |
| stomach and knees that are slightly bent. The | | | | gain. They sit and stand up quickly, so several |
| pelvis may jut out in front of the body. | | | | things at one time, bolt down food and in all sorts |
| Asked to stand straight, they thrust out the | | | | of ways use an unnecessary amount of energy |
| chest, curve the back and stiffen the neck and | | | | doing daily tasks. |
| legs. Good posture, or primary control as taught | | | | Lie down on the floor with a couple of books |
| by Alexander teachers, involves lengthening the | | | | under your head and the knees bent upwards for |
| spine and pulling it up, as if you have a thread | | | | about twenty minutes. Make sure your spine is |
| through your skull that pulls you towards the sky. | | | | flat and think your lower lumbar region into the |
| Your shoulders and neck should be relaxed, your | | | | floor. Keep your chin in and breathe naturally. This |
| head pulled slightly back, your torso should widen | | | | exercise will correct any exaggerated curve of |
| out and your spine should be straight, but never | | | | the neck and will straighten the spine. |
| arched. | | | | |