Body, Breath and Being: A New Guide to the Alexander Technique [Paperback]

Carolyn Nicholls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 2008

Body, Breath and Being explores the Alexander Technique through the experiences of those who have studied it and benefited from it. These include:

 

*A keen amateur sportsman who was “reborn” after being resigned to a lifetime of pain.

*A photographer who overcame a debilitating back problem that was interfering with his professional work.

*A pregnant woman who used the technique to relieve indegestion and handle her changing posture.

*A musician who managed an asthmatic problem that was affecting her playing.

 

Body, Breath and Being:

 

            *Is ideal for both beginner and expert

*Includes over 100 full colour photographs and diagrams

            *Provides practical experiments in every chapter

*Includes a FREE CD of detailed instructions and advice.

 

The book offers a new view of the way we use our bodies and the consequences not only on our health, but also our approach to life

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fantastic, great pictures, a very informative practical book. This goes on our reading list for BA and MA students."Chris Palmer, Head of Voice and Speech at GSA School of Acting and Musical Theatre"I have had Alexander lessons throughout my career, found them invaluable and recommended them to countless other singers. Congratulations to Carolyn Nicholls, who has distilled her many years of teaching into this lucid, down to earth and entertaining book; it will work well for newcomers and devotees alike (singers and normal folk!), whether as introduction to or reminder of this marvellous technique."Dame Emma Kirkby, Soprano"The author has managed successfully to distil many yearsA ' experience teaching and practising the Alexander Technique into this highly readable and well illustrated book. I warmly recommend this accessible volume."Professor Basant K. Puri

About the Author

Carolyn Nicholls is one of the UK’s leading exponents of the Alexander Technique and has been teaching for over 25 years. She is the founder and Head of Training of The Alexander Technique College in Brighton (UK) and has taught in London, Melbourne (Australia) and Brighton. She presented the F. M. Alexander Memorial lecture in Edinburgh (Scotand), and Wellington (New Zealand).

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: D&B Publishing; 1st edition (November 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 190446842X
• ISBN-13: 978-1904468424
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Alexander Technique

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best AT books, June 8, 2010

By 

B. Margolis - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Body, Breath and Being: A New Guide to the Alexander Technique (Paperback)

I have read almost every other book on the Alexander Technique and had lessons. This book was one of the best. The author gives a good theoretical explanation of the technique as well as practical applications. The pictures are adequate. The workshops on the enclosed CD is an added bonus. Though I do not have much interest in how to sing or play an instrument, the information in these chapters can be applied to sports, computer work and everyday activities. Overall I found this book a great value. Even after reading other sources I still learned much from this book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good 1st read on Alexander Technique, August 15, 2011

By 

hi-Q - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Body, Breath and Being: A New Guide to the Alexander Technique (Paperback)

I never would have thought that improper body alignment from bad habits could have so much to do with the "normal" aches and pains most people feel as they enter middle age. This book is a great read for anyone interested in understanding how proper posture and and conscience effort to correct alignment can make a big improvement in the way you feel physically and mentally. I feel like I gained a couple inches in height just from reading.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Introduction, October 1, 2011

By 

Constance Clare-Newman (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Body, Breath and Being: A New Guide to the Alexander Technique (Paperback)

As a teacher of the Alexander Technique, this has become the book I recommend first. The attractive, accessible format makes for easier understanding of the principles, than my other long-time favorite, "Body Learning". "Body Learning" is more philosophical, and a bit more dense in writing style. Some of my college students who read "Body Learning" for a class, (Body Awareness and the Conscious Actor) find it difficult.
After these students read "Body, Breath and Being" they are much relieved--they "finally" understand. Of course, they are also getting the hands-on, kinesthetic work in private lessons and in group class.
The stories of beginning students who learned how to use the principles in their work and daily life are particularly helpful to new students.
Many books on the Alexander technique fail in conveying the principles in a way that is accurate, clear and without ego.
"Body, Breath and Being" is obviously written by an experienced teacher, who has explained the practice for many years, in many ways, to many people from many walks of life.