The Lying Down Work in Alexander Sessions (‘Constructive Rest’) - Part II

by Natalie Gibellini - Alexander Technique Teacher

When I work with someone who is lying on the table, usually I put my hands on the back of their neck and the base of the skull.

In an Alexander session, we take particular interest in the relationship between the head, neck and back and how this affects the way each person coordinates their whole body.

Gently handling this region gives both myself and my client insight into their pattern of muscle use in this important area.

This measured and considered touch can also suggest the muscles ease any tendencies towards tightening.

Having my hands here also gives me insight into whether the height of the books might need adjusting to allow an improved relationship between the head, neck and back to emerge.

I usually work around other areas of their body and might move the arms or legs slowly and carefully to help the person explore their habitual reactions.

Working hands-on helps to bring about a greater sense of the limbs knitting and feeding into the torso whilst also suggesting a release of unneeded contraction. People often report feeling relaxed but in addition to this new and improved coordination skills are developing.

Lying down might look straightforward, but it is possible to lie as stiff as a plank, which isn’t so beneficial.

Lying down to rest is a something we can get better at. There is much more to this practice than just having a lie down!

It is also possible to help people develop a Constructive Rest practice with verbal instruction and visual feedback and this can be done virtually.

I recently hosted some online Constructive Rest classes which received positive feedback from the participants with symptomatic hypermobility.

Would you like to get better at resting?

Feel free to contact me via SEDS Connective.

I am available to work with members (and non-members) both in-person in Seaford and online.

Natalie Gibellini, MSTAT