The Art and Science of Somatics: Theory, History and Scientific Foundations
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Alexander Technique Principles & 21St Century Research
Science Catches Up – Alexander Technique Principles & 21st Century Research © 2019, Rajal G. Cohen, Ph.D. I have spent the last 18 years trying to understand Alexander technique from a scientific perspective, using insights from AT to inspire testable hypotheses, and testing those hypotheses. It is now over 100 years since FM Alexander published his first book, and scientists are finally asking questions where insights from Alexander technique can make a difference. Before examining some relevant modern research, let’s review a few key aspects of how science works. Peer Review and Replication No matter how careful and objective scientists try to be, we all need outside perspectives on our work. Peer review and replication are two of the most important parts of the scientific process. Here’s how it works: After I write an article, I submit it to a peer-reviewed journal for consideration. The editor glances at it and decides whether to reject it immediately or send it out for review. It often takes months to gather reviews from willing volunteers with suitable expertise. A paper could be accepted or rejected at this stage; more typically, reviewers will request specific changes, which might include things like ‘run another study’ or ‘re-analyze the data.’ Multiple rounds of review are common. Most published researchers also serve as reviewers, and most of us try to provide constructive feedback that will lead to a better final published paper. Any paper not published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal has not passed this essential test.1–3 Even with peer review, a single study is never enough. -
Changing Perspectives Through Somatically Informed Dance Praxis Reflections of One to One Dance and Parkinson’S Practice As Home Performance
DOCTORAL THESIS Changing perspectives through somatically informed dance praxis reflections of one to one dance and Parkinson’s practice as home performance Brierley, Melanie Award date: 2021 General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 02. Oct. 2021 1 Changing perspectives through somatically informed dance praxis: Reflections of one to one Dance and Parkinson’s practice as ‘Home Performance’. By Melanie Brierley: MA, RSME/T, BA, PGCE. A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of PhD Department of Dance University of Roehampton 2020 2 The research for this project was submitted for ethics consideration under the reference DAN 13/008 in the Department of Dance and was approved under the procedures of the University of Roehampton Ethics Committee on 22/07/13. 3 Acknowledgements I would especially like to thank my Director of Studies, Professor Emilyn Claid, and my PhD Supervisor Dr Sara Houston for their advice during the research and writing of my thesis. -
Rudolf Laban in the 21St Century: a Brazilian Perspective
DOCTORAL THESIS Rudolf Laban in the 21st Century: A Brazilian Perspective Scialom, Melina Award date: 2015 General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 30. Sep. 2021 Rudolf Laban in the 21st Century: A Brazilian Perspective By Melina Scialom BA, MRes Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of PhD Department of Dance University of Roehampton 2015 Abstract This thesis is a practitioner’s perspective on the field of movement studies initiated by the European artist-researcher Rudolf Laban (1879-1958) and its particular context in Brazil. Not only does it examine the field of knowledge that Laban proposed alongside his collaborators, but it considers the voices of Laban practitioners in Brazil as evidence of the contemporary practices developed in the field. As a modernist artist and researcher Rudolf Laban initiated a heritage of movement studies focussed on investigating the artistic expression of human beings, which still reverberates in the work of artists and scholars around the world. -
Aikido: a Martial Art with Mindfulness, Somatic, Relational, and Spiritual Benefits for Veterans
Spirituality in Clinical Practice © 2017 American Psychological Association 2017, Vol. 4, No. 2, 81–91 2326-4500/17/$12.00 http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/scp0000134 Aikido: A Martial Art With Mindfulness, Somatic, Relational, and Spiritual Benefits for Veterans David Lukoff Richard Strozzi-Heckler Sofia University, Palo Alto, California Strozzi Institute, Oakland, California Aikido is a martial art that originated in Japan and incorporates meditation and breathing techniques from Zen Buddhism. Like all martial arts, it requires mindful concentration and physical exertion. In addition, it is a compassion practice that also provides a spiritual perspective and includes social touch. These components make Aikido a unique form of mindfulness that has the potential to be particularly appealing to veterans coming from a Warrior Ethos tradition who are used to rigorous somatic training. Mindfulness practices have shown efficacy with veterans, and the self- compassion, spiritual, and social touch dimensions of Aikido also offer benefits for this population, many of whom are struggling with these issues. Several pilot Aikido programs with veterans that show promise are described. Keywords: mindfulness, veterans, PTSD, spirituality, martial arts Aikido, like all martial arts, requires mindful spiritual dimensions in his martial art and de- concentration and physical exertion. In addi- scribed it as “The Way of Harmony.” tion, it is a compassion practice that provides a Aikido emphasizes working with a partner, spiritual perspective and social human touch. rather than sparring, grappling, or fighting Aikido emerged in twentieth-century Japan fol- against an opponent in competitive tourna- lowing an evolution of martial arts over hun- ments. Aikido techniques neutralize and control dreds of years from a system of fighting arts attackers instead of violently defeating them. -
Rolfing: Structural Integration As American Metaphysical Religiosity
Rolfing: Structural Integration as American Metaphysical Religiosity by Sarahbelle Alyson Marsh B.A., Bates College, 2005 A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Colorado in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts Department of Religious Studies 2011 This thesis entitled: Rolfing: Structural Integration as American Metaphysical Religiosity written by Sarahbelle Alyson Marsh has been approved for the Department of Religious Studies ________________________________________ Dr. Deborah Whitehead And ____________________________________ Dr. Lynn Ross‐Bryant ______________________________________ Professor Nada Diachenko Date The final copy of this thesis has been examined by the signatories, and we Find that both the content and the form meet acceptable presentation standards Of scholarly work in the above mentioned discipline Marsh, Sarahbelle Alyson (M.A., Religious Studies) Rolfing: Structural Integration as American Metaphysical Religiosity Thesis directed by Assistant Professor Deborah Whitehead Dr. Ida P. Rolf and her life’s work of Structural Integration or Rolfing is a product of early twentieth century American metaphysical thought. Rolfing is an American form of somatic bodywork that strives to overcome the Cartesian mind/body split. Through structural work via manual manipulation, Rolfing attempts to achieve physical health and emotional intelligence. This paper explores four major aspects of Rolfing as American Metaphysical religiosity, as defined by Catherine L. Albanese in Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American Metaphysical Religion. The project also explores the origins of somatic bodywork and the metaphysical idea of spiritual transformation through physical change. The Esalen Institute is examined for its part in developing a secular American metaphysical religiosity that fostered and promoted Rolfing. -
Files/2014 Women and the Big Picture Report.Pdf>, Accessed 6 September 2018
The neuroscientific uncanny: a filmic investigation of twenty-first century hauntology GENT, Susannah <http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0091-2555> Available from the Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive (SHURA) at: http://shura.shu.ac.uk/26099/ A Sheffield Hallam University thesis This thesis is protected by copyright which belongs to the author. The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author. When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given. Please visit http://shura.shu.ac.uk/26099/ and http://shura.shu.ac.uk/information.html for further details about copyright and re-use permissions. THE NEUROSCIENTIFIC UNCANNY: A FILMIC INVESTIGATION OF TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY HAUNTOLOGY Susannah Gent A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Sheffield Hallam University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy October 2019 Candidate Declaration I hereby declare that: 1. I have not been enrolled for another award of the University, or other academic or professional organisation, whilst undertaking my research degree. 2. None of the material contained in the thesis has been used in any other submission for an academic award. 3. I am aware of and understand the University’s policy on plagiarism and certify that this thesis is my own work. The use of all published or other sources of material consulted have been properly and fully acknowledged. 4. The work undertaken towards the thesis has been conducted in accordance with the SHU Principles of Integrity in Research and the SHU Research Ethics Policy. -
Reducing Performance Anxiety in Woodwind Playing Through the Application of the Alexander Technique Principles
i REDUCING PERFORMANCE ANXIETY IN WOODWIND PLAYING THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE PRINCIPLES By ANNELIE HOBERG Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music In the Department of Music Of the Faculty of Humanities University of Pretoria Supervisor: Prof. J. de C. Hinch Pretoria April 2008 © University of Pretoria ii Abstract Many musicians are forced to scale down or even abandon their profession due to injuries caused by playing and practicing their instruments for long hours in unnatural body positions; also, the competition and the high standard expected of performers in the industry causes anxiety and tension in their lives. Increasingly, music schools, conservatories and colleges attempt to cater for these problems by including classes in the Alexander Technique. But young learners can also fall prey to these problems. Performance anxiety is potentially a threat to any musician’s career and can be experienced at all levels of expertise. In the light of this the following research question was tested: Is it possible to substantially reduce performance anxiety (stage fright) in instrumental playing by implementing Alexander Technique principles? The study included a group of twelve school- going children who had been identified as being prone to performance anxiety. They were divided into two groups of six each, one being the experimental group and the other the control group. The experimental group consisted of six flute students who were exposed to selected Alexander Technique principles in their lessons, while the control group consisted of six flute students that were taught by different teachers, who provided no exposure. -
Master Thesis Document Schwartz
Copyright by Ray Eliot Schwartz 2006 Exploring the Space Between: The Effect of Somatic Education on Agency and Ownership Within a Collaborative Dance-Making Process by Ray Eliot Schwartz, B.F.A., C.B.M.C.P. Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts University of Texas at Austin May 2006 Exploring the Space Between: The Effect of Somatic Education on Agency and Ownership Within a Collaborative Dance-Making Process Approved by Supervising Committee: _____________________________ Kent DeSpain _____________________________ Jill Dolan _____________________________ David Justin ______________________________ Kristen Neff Acknowledgements I would like to thank my many dance colleagues and teachers. In particular: the faculty and students of the North Carolina School of the Arts 1984-1987, the faculty and students of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Dance and Choreography 1987-1992, the faculty and students of The University of Texas at Austin 2003-2006, Martha Myers, Nancy Stark Smith, Mike Vargas, Donna Faye Burchfield, Laura Faure, Phillip Grosser, Rob Petres, Sardono Kusumo, Ramli Ibrahim, Liz Lerman, Lucas Hoving, Steve Paxton, Chris Aiken, Andrew Harwood, K.J. Holmes, Kathleen Hermesdorff, Sandy and Denny Sorenson, Deborah Thorpe, Sarah Gamblin, the members of Steve’s House Dance Collective, the Zen Monkey Project, them, and Sheep Army/Elsewhere Dance Theater. Their collective wisdom, as it -
Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Evidence Table
Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Evidence Table The approaches below show evidence of promising or potential benefit and can be used as adjuncts or alternative non- pharmacological approaches. They should be delivered as part of a personalized health plan, connecting with the patient’s health and well-being goals and focusing on self-care strategies. For questions, contact the VHA OPCC&CT Integrative Health Coordinating Center: [email protected] For more information on national VA CIH efforts visit: https://vaww.infoshare.va.gov/sites/OPCC/sitePages/IHCC-home.aspx DIAGNOSIS COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE HEALTH APPROACHES (listed alphabetically) Anxiety •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy •Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction •Meditation •Music Therapy •Yoga Cardiovascular Disease •Meditation •Relaxation Therapies Depression •Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) •Acupuncture- potentially effective •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy •Massage Therapy - in oncologic patients •Meditation •Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction •Yoga Fall prevention •Tai Chi Fibromyalgia •Acupuncture •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy •Exercise •Hydrotherapy •Mindfulness Meditation •Tai Chi •Myofascial Release Hypertension •Biofeedback •Meditation •Tai Chi •Yoga Insomnia •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Insomnia •Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Irritable Bowel •Clinical Hypnosis •Cognitive Behavior Therapy •Relaxation Exercises Syndrome Low Back Pain •Acupuncture •Exercise •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy •Massage Therapy -
Somatics Studies and Dance GLENNA BATSON DSC, PT, MA with the IADMS DANCE EDUCATORS’ COMMITTEE, 2009
RESOURCE PAPER FOR DANCERS AND TEACHERS Somatics Studies and Dance GLENNA BATSON DSC, PT, MA WITH THE IADMS DANCE EDUCATORS’ COMMITTEE, 2009. INTRODUCTION 2 HISTORY 2 KEY CONCEPTS 3 NOVEL LEARNING CONTEXTS 4 SENSORY ATTUNEMENT 4 AUGMENTED REST 5 SOMATIC PRACTICES IN DANCE TECHNIQUE 6 IDEOKINESIS 6 THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD® 7 ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE 8 BODY-MIND CENTERING 9 FURTHER SUBSTANTIATION 10 STUDY AND CERTIFICATION 10 FURTHER THOUGHTS 10 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 11 REFERENCES 11 1. INTRODUCTION “I think, therefore I move” Thomas Hanna Since the 1970s, a growing number of dancers have sought additional training in mind- body techniques loosely called “somatic studies,” or simply, “somatics.”1 Once considered esoteric and far removed from daily technique class, somatics is now a household word in a dancer’s training. University dance programs worldwide now offer substantive somatic studies2 and degree programs,3 and community studios offer extensive study and certification in various practices.4,5 2. HISTORY Somatic studies also have been referred to as body therapies, bodywork, body-mind integration, body-mind disciplines, movement awareness, and movement (re) education.6 The origins of western somatic education are rooted in a philosophical revolt against Cartesian dualism.7,8 In the European Gymnastik movement of the late 19th century, for example, somatic pioneers Francois Delsarte, Emile JaquesDalcroze, and Bess Mensendieck sought to replace the reigning ideology of rigor in physical training with a more “natural” approach based on listening -
Prime Somatics Think • Move • Feel • Live
SOMATIC SYSTEMS INSTITUTE S 1 Prime Somatics think • move • feel • live CLINICAL SOMATIC EDUCATION TM PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM PROGRAM PROSPECTUS FULL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM CONTENTS CONTENTS Greetings from the Director . 3 About Prime Somatics . 4 Greetings from the Director . 3 ThomasAbout HannaPrime Somatics. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 . 5 ProfessionalThomas Hanna Praise .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 . 5 SSIProfessional History & MissionPraise . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 . 6 PraiseSSI Historyfor Prime & SomaticsMission .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 . 6 StudentPraise Testimonialsfor Prime Somatics . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 . 7 CurriculumStudent Testimonials . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7. 9 StudentCurriculum Support . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9. 9 Student Support . 9 Certification . 10 Certification . 10 Society Membership . 10 Society Membership . 10 SocietySociety Benefits Benefits . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10. 10 StudentStudent Benefits Benefits . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 . 10 FacultyFaculty & &Director Director . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11. 11 Campus/HousingCampus/Housing . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12. 12 CONTACT INFORMATION Somatic Systems Institute 32 Masonic Street Northampton, MA 01060-3038 (877) 586.2555 or (413) 586.2555 for more information, including schedules & tuition — or to apply to the training program — visit us today at somatics.org/training S 1 Prime Somatics think • move • feel • live Dear Prospective Student, On behalf of the entire faculty at the Somatic Systems -
Alexander Technique
April 2014 MEDELLA, April 2014 VolumePage 1, 5Issue 3 MEDELLA CURE , HEALING POWER , H EALTH GW Center for Integrative Medicine 908 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20037 Metro: Foggy Bottom Website: www.gwcim.com E-mail address: [email protected] Phone: 202-833-5055 Hours: 9 am to 5 pm Doctor of the future: INSIDE THIS ISSUE What do patients want? Doctor of the Future 1 A quote widely used on integrative medicine Alexander Technique 1 websites, with slight variations in wording, states: "The Relaxation for Insomnia 2 doctor of the future will give little medicine but will interest his patients in care of the human frame, diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." Most websites attribute this saying to Thomas Edison, but some claim Albert Einstein said it. While it looks like doctors who understand that health and disease involve the true provenance isn't clear, it neatly sums up the the mind, body, and spirit and that health is philosophy of integrative medicine. determined in part by the context of patients’ lives. Patients value the relationship with their physician Consideration of this saying leads to the question: above all else, including service. What do patients really want from their medical providers? Are they seeking knowledge and compassion; treatment of their disease and symptoms; or an ongoing prevention, education, and health optimization program? Here is a look at several studies that have tried to answer this question. The Future of Family Medicine project, initiated in 2002 by the leadership of seven national family medicine organizations, defined family physicians as Please see Doctor on page 2 Alexander Technique: Better living through better posture As part of its monthly guest speaker series, in April the in turn helps them project their voices more GW Center for Integrative Medicine hosted Mary Naden, a powerfully.