This video clearly captures a visual image of the spine in relation to the head (Primary Control) in the Alexander Technique.
The spine in relation to the head
When the head presses down on the spine, this can cause tension and pain. Whatever the head does affect the spine. To overcome this, one can release the neck cause the head to rotate forward and up
Principles of Alexander Technique:
· Observation
· Inhibition: choose not to respond habitually
· Direction
Direction involves Alexander’s four concepts of good use:
1. Neck to be free, head to be forward and up.
2. Torso to lengthen.
3. Legs to release from the hip joint.
4. Shoulders to release out from the side and float on the ribcage.
Chair work exercise is a way of observation. One can notice what they are doing while sitting on the chair and allow the neck to be free and the head to be forward and up.
Reference:
Jane Kosminsky (2008) The Alexander Technique: First Lesson. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgplXmILzoQ [Accessed 23 April 2015].