Here are the bits that don't have a page of their own
Alexander Technique
Almost all of us develop habits of tensing different muscles more than we need to, as a response to daily stresses. This tension becomes so habitual that we are completely unaware of it, only of the aches and pains it causes.
Alexander Technique is a way of relearning how to do all ordinary everyday activities in a relaxed and comfortable way. It takes time and patient study to learn. Most people find they need to gradually change their attitude to their bodies. (For it to work you have to learn to care more about how you perform an action than about the end result. In a Zen like way the results improve when you just allow them to happen.)
Alexander Technique is not a therapy and does not treat symptoms. It is better as it lets you use yourself in ways that no longer cause those symptoms. A surprising number of different aches and pains gradually go away, and movement begins to feel lighter and easier and more fun. Back pain and RSI injuries are often greatly improved.
We cannot recommend it too highly.
For more information, including how to find teachers near you Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (UK)
This American site is probably the most comprehensive on the web Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique
Also from Robert Rickover, his podcast interviews with experts on Alexander Technique topics bodylearningcast.com
Alexander Technique teachers individual websites:
Julie Parker teaches in Penrith, Cumbria
Noel Kingsley teaches in London W1 and Beaminster and has a wide ranging blog about Alexander Technique in everyday life
Susanna Scouller teaches in London W4 and SW6
Links
1 Back Pain Comprehensive site, edited by a doctor, with lots of authorititive articles about all types of back pain
Back Pain - Honest & Understandable Info on Back Pain and Treatments written by a recovered patient
Campaign for Better Seating information about choosing chairs generally
Office Chair Advice shows businesses how to successfully select office chairs for any situation.
Musicians Health Links to numerous useful sites, organisations and articles promoting better health for musicians, including specific instruments.
Complementary Healthcare Information Service UK guide to alternative and complementary medicine, self development and natural health.
Healthy Lifestyle Success Sensible down to earth help to improve your lifestyle, especially for women in midlife.
Osteopathic clinic in South London offering new theraflex manipulation
Health Cyclopedia comprehensive guide to health resources
The Cumbria Directory for visitors to Cumbria
Our Environmental Policy
We have always tried to treat the environment with respect.
We never used much non sustainable timber, and stopped using it completely in the late 1980’s, long before we designed the wave stool. The pine we use comes from Sweden, where their forests have always been replanted or allowed to regenerate. Our beech comes from Germany or Denmark and our supplier is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes). Unlike on other continents, European forests are increasing in size. We regularly try to find more local sources of timber of the right quality, to reduce mileage. We have not been able to so far but will continue try.
Our wood waste and sawdust provide most of the heating for the workshop, and we give upholstery offcuts to a local soft toy maker. Our founder heats his home entirely with wood and cycles to work on most days.
If you are using Windows XP set it to ClearType to view this and other sites at their best:
Right click on your desktop, select properties, select the appearance tab, click the effects button.
Now check the box “Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts” and select ClearType from the dropdown.
This will make text much smoother and easier to read, in browsers and some other programmes. You can leave it set.