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Alexander Lessons gave me my life back. My name is Becky. I have had fibromyalgia for 20 years. I was not
diagnosed with it until 15 years ago. Four years ago, my pain, fatigue, brain fog, and lack of energy were overbearing.
My doctor recommended that I take a year off work to rest and find ways to manage the syndrome. During this time I prayed and did a lot of reading. One article I read in a magazine was about how one woman found help for fibromyalgia through the Alexander Technique. I looked up Alexander Technique on the internet and found an instructor near my home – Mary Lois Misken. The first visit with Mary Lois was wonderful. All the rest of the day, I was so relaxed. It was a wonderful feeling. I met with Mary Lois once a week after that. With fibromyalgia, you have to exercise in order to feel better; however, too much exercise can make you physically sick. Finding the fine line between enough and too much has always been a major task for me. Alexander lessons are perfect for me. Alexander gives me enough movement to help me feel better and does not cross the line where I feel worse. I was able to start back to work part-time three years ago and last year I took a full-time position. Yes, my fibromyalgia flairs when I am over-stressed, or when I overdo things, but now the flair-ups last only one or two days -- not several months. Mary Lois has taught me how to use my body the way it was intended to work. Prior to seeing Mary Lois, I could not walk up or down stairs without terrible pain in my knees. I could not sit at a desk without my back muscles spasming. I decorate cakes as a hobby; it became too painful on my back to continue. I can now run up and down stairs and my back does not spasm when I sit or decorate cakes. I have learned to use my body mechanics properly. I have learned how to relax stressed areas in my muscles and am enjoying my new-found freedom. -- B G: Centennial What initially attracted me to Alexander Technique lessons was the excellent posture of a good friend of mine. But what has kept me coming for lessons is an increasing awareness of my body, not just in terms of improved posture, but also in terms of breathing, tension and relaxation, and movement -- all things that influence my life as a musician and a music teacher. Mary Lois' approach to teaching is very thorough and informative, yet very gently paced. I believe Alexander Technique lessons with Mary Lois are a must for every musician, and for all who would desire a greater insight into better use of the human body -- and the many benefits therefrom. -- N W: Highlands Ranch The Alexander Technique has been invaluable in relieving my stress symptoms. Mary Lois helped me learn how to use my body more efficiently in moving, standing, and sitting. My energy is greatly improved, and my neck and back pain are under control. She worked very patiently with me to teach my body conscious control. My Alexander Technique lessons are a very pleasant experience, with a very soft and soothing touch. -- K N: Littleton Several years ago, I fell and had a neck injury that left me with limited movement and constant pain. After a couple of years of various treatments, I came upon The Alexander Technique. My neck and upper back problems gradually improved with continued lessons. Eventually, I became pain-free, and have all my physical use again. I still like to have an Alexander Technique lesson from time to time, for its benefits not related to my injury. I can honestly say I don't know what my life would be like today without The Alexander Technique. I have complete confidence in Mary Lois as my teacher. -- D R: Denver In the 12 years that I've practiced acupuncture I have always had an interest in Alexander Technique as a modality for improving posture. I worked on my posture for 20+ years, to no avail, until I met Mary Lois Misken. The first time she worked on me I noticed immediate relaxation of my posture without forcing my muscles to hold me up. That was impressive! Since that first lesson my body movements have become less strained and much more relaxed. The lower back pain that I used to have has improved tremendously and even my skiing has improved due to better balance. I have treated hundreds of people for pain due to incorrect posture. Acupuncture is incredible for relieving pain, however, when a person continues to use their body incorrectly the pain returns. I have referred some patients to Alexander Technique to correct this and they have found relief. They are so amazed that they feel naturally balanced and relaxed while doing the very things that created pain. The patients have done this technique still come to me for regular acupuncture treatments, however, Alexander Technique had improved their body dynamics for life. With my Alexander lessons I am learning how my body moves naturally with comfort and a feeling of total balance. It has been pure pleasure to receive this incredible technique. I did not think that I would ever get to a point where my body feels so light and effortless. The technique seems so subtle and yet the way my body feels afterwards feels so profound. There aren't many things that can correct our body's natural responses the way that Alexander Technique does. There's no doubt that one day Alexander Technique will be a household name like Acupuncture is today. Mei Lie F. Bennink, Dipl. OM(NCCAOM) 3443 S. Galena St., 100 Denver, CO 80231 303-691-0664 |
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