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› The Norris
Technique
› About Patricia
Norris
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People Say
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Pat Demonstrates ....
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What
is the Technique?
'The Norris Technique of
Body Alignment' is not a catchy title! The name was originated not for
promotional purposes but as an accurate if brief description. Patricia Norris
created a technique (i.e. structured, repeatable, logical, precise in
explanation) by which the body can be aligned to function better and for
longer. Concern with alignment of the body (for load-bearing or stress and
for the stimulation of cartilage and flow of blood around the joints, or
just for looks) is far from new. The Norris Technique is the crucial point
at which admonition ('Stand up straight!'), advice ('If you weren't so
round-shouldered...') and imagery ('Think of the crown of your head as
being held upright by a string from the ceiling') give way to specific
detailed instruction. And it was important to the originator that it:
Can be learned quickly
Needs no manipulation by others
Requires no special clothes or equipment
Can be maintained with minimal daily effort
And can be taught to groups as well as individually, so that costs can be brought down
How does it work?
This is not simply an exercise
programme. It is a pre-conditioning through which all physical activity
becomes body-benefiting exercise. Because some rewards are obvious
immediately (neck and back pains are relieved, breathing becomes deeper
and easier, release from stress is self-managed) there is from the
beginning a strong incentive to whole-hearted commitment. People want to
continue to use the technique by habit and reflex once it has been
learned.
The Benefits
And further benefits come with
use:
- better circulation
- better digestion
- increased energy
- minimises 'wear and tear'
- helps in the avoidance of injury (and provides
the most 'natural' way to recover from much of the damage done by the many
'unnatural' physical demands we make on ourselves in the drive for
achievement).
- stomach is flattened
- hunched shoulders disappear
- lifts morale and so performance
- inner health is aided too
- Stress is dangerous when it has a controlling upper hand and we are not 'in charge'.
Stress relief is an integral part of the technique.
- And because we have brought about all of
the improvements ourselves and are not being manipulated by others, we
acquire true self-confidence.
The extent of a personalised maintenance programme
depends on an individual's needs and inclinations. The basic
3-minutes-twice-a-day hands-on alignment is the minimum 'survival kit'
and will work effectively over a period of time. (The 'time' depends on
the individual's own physical state and degree of adherence to the
programme.) However, if the participants' physical condition, or the
demands of their occupations, are more extreme, or quicker results are
required, the programme lends itself to limitless permutations. ("Nothing
to take over your life, just enough application of the 'right' to balance
out the 'wrong'.")
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