Katrien Vanderbeke originally trained as a dancer with the Academy for Experimental Dance in Copenhagen. In her quest to increase body awareness, precision and lightness in her dance, she came across the Alexander Technique - which revolutionised her whole approach to body movement. 

She was so inspired that, in 1999, she decided to train as an Alexander Technique teacher herself. As well as having a private practice in Ostend, she also teaches musicians and drama students at the School of Arts, Gent, Belgium. 

The Alexander Technique is a practical method, developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955), for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. It teaches how to reduce all unnecessary tension in the body, to ‘unlearn’ harmful habitual patterns which can lead to physical problems (such as back, neck or shoulder pain, RSI, stress or breathing problems) and to learn new mindful ways of moving with fluidity.

Taught for more than a century now, it helps with all our everyday activities and is particularly valued by sportsmen and women, musicians and performers - who want to improve the quality of their singing, playing, acting or dancing. Actress Juliette Binoche has described it as ‘a way to transform stress to joy.’

Links and Resources:

AEFMAT - Alexander Technique Belgium - Technique Alexander Belgique - Alexandertechniek België

Alexandertechniek België - AEFMAT - YouTube

A moment with the Alexander Technique AEFMAT - YouTube

Constructive Rest:

Constructive Rest is a way of lying down in a semi-supine position that promotes good spinal alignment. Moreover, it releases excess body tension built up during our day-to-day life and of which we are not aware. Constructive Rest is also known as “Active Rest,” “Semi-Supine” or simply an “Alexander Lie Down.”

Lie on your back on a mat with a few books under your head so that it does not tip backwards. Bent your knees and put your feet flat on the floor.

Place your hands on your abdomen with your elbows bent or at your sides. Constructive rest is most effective with as little outside distraction as possible. Focus on yourself and the space around you. Avoid playing music, talking on the phone, watching television. or reading.

You can stay in this position for 10 a 20 minutes and then get back up calmly and as relaxed as possible. 

Benefits:

Releases back and neck pain.

It helps us improve our posture naturally and without strain.

We get a much-needed “time out” from today’s multi-tasking, ultra-stimulating life-style.

We give our muscles the chance to release unwanted tension.

Our breathing becomes naturally calmer and deeper.

Our spine gets the chance to decompress.

It’s calming to the nervous system.

Mind and the body have time to quieten down allowing us to think more clearly.

Our digestive system is given the space to release and do its work more efficiently.

Our energy and productivity improves during the rest of the day.

Pahlavāni or Persian Yoga is recognized by the UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage and as the world’s oldest running form of strength condition training. In its country of origin, Iran, Persian Yoga is practiced at ‘houses of strength’ called Zurkhanei. 

In this conversation we will learn more about Pahlavani and is connection to the rich history and culture of the Persians. Also, how it has been refined over millennia, from the training practice of the warrior knights of Iran, to the present as Persian Yoga that attracts people from all over the world, who are in search for health, strength and well-being.

Dr. Kashi Azad’s mission is to break down barriers to this ancient, yet sophisticated and advanced physical art form. Using the system developed by the ancient Persians, he offers athletes and everyone that wants to improve his or her health the unique opportunity to learn Persian Yoga through a clear, succinct, and progression-based curriculum.

 
For more information please go to www.persianyoga.com

This podcast will offer you a deep dive into the world of bodywork through conversations with a range of experts in the field.

I will be talking with colleagues, practitioners and teachers from a wide variety of different bodywork and manual therapy disciplines.

The idea is to explore and learn from different perspectives and different disciplines that treat the body-mind using the natural healing power of touch.

Together with these expert-practitioners I will be exploring both Western and Eastern forms of holistic manual therapy.

From Fascia therapy, Chi Nei Tsang, Alexander technique, Cranio-sacral therapy, Shiatsu, Rolfing and more.

These conversations are for professional bodywork practitioners, students - or anyone who is interested in bodywork therapies. 

Or for anyone who wants to learn more about the intricate workings of the body and how therapeutic touch can relieve pain and blockages to restore health and well-being.  

New episodes will be released on a regular basis, starting on February 7th 2022

Please visit the Bodywork-Conversations website for more information.