Eutony
Eutonia (from ancient Greek eu , defining word for “good”, “well”; tonos “pressure” - hence “normal / good / balanced / harmonious tension”, “well-being tension”) is a body-oriented method developed by Gerda Alexander that increases awareness of should increase your own body. So far, no scientifically supported studies on the effectiveness of eutonia are available.
Basics
According to his own presentation, the method is based on reform pedagogy , which is why it does not see itself as a therapeutic procedure, but as an educational concept. Therefore, the costs are not covered by health insurance companies. In addition, the eutony refers to the human image of humanism , according to which all principles are based on the value and dignity of the individual.
According to its self-portrayal, eutonia primarily pursues the goal of sensitizing people through a learning process to be mindful of their own bodies . This sensitization for one's own body should then open up the possibility of a responsible handling of interpersonal relationships and the environment.
The method is also used for working with children and artists. It is advertised for both prevention and rehabilitation.
Methods
By stimulating the skin, the body should be able to be experienced in its outer shape and boundaries , which according to our own presentation should stimulate the circulation, metabolism and lymphatic system. It is also intended to reduce stress. With passive pressure, similar to a massage , the tissue structures within the body should be perceived and muscle tension or tissue hardening should be released.
Through conscious movements that use the resistance of the ground and the force of gravity, the erection of the body should be achieved in an economical way (with minimal expenditure of muscle power), with which one wants to avoid postural damage and postural weaknesses and teach movements that are gentle on the joints.
By perceiving the external shape and volume of individual body parts, these should become spatially imaginable. Their mental connection should lead to a total body image. This should reduce circulatory disorders and the tendency to cramps, tension headaches and asthma.
By consciously making contact with objects (for example bamboo sticks or tennis balls), the use of tools, sports equipment or instruments should become more economical. Social contact skills should also be improved in this way.
Assessment from a scientific point of view
There are partial attempts to use new and interdisciplinary branches of research to understand eutonic methods and to make them fruitful. In general, there are no scientifically supported studies on the effectiveness of eutonia available.
literature
- Gerda Alexander: Eutonia - A way of physical self-awareness. Edited and supplemented by Karin Schaefer. Huber, Bern 2011
- W. Steinmüller, K. Schaefer, M. Fortwängler (eds.): Health - learning - creativity. Alexander Technique, Eutony Gerda Alexander and Feldenkrais as methods for shaping somato-psychic learning processes. Huber, Bern 2001, 2nd edition 2008
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Ludwig August Kraus: Kritisch-Etymologisches medicinisches Lexikon , 3rd edition, Verlag der Deuerlich- und Dieterichschen Buchhandlung, Göttingen 1844, p. 388: “Eutonia = 'the proper strength or strength'; ευτονος = 'of proper strength, strength and tension' ”.
- ^ H. Milz: Eutonia - An exciting legacy. Lecture on the 30th anniversary of the Vlamse Eutonie Stichting, Lierse, October 3, 2004, p. 3
- ↑ Milz, 2001 and lecture ( Memento of the original from July 31, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 241 kB) for the 30th anniversary of the Vlamse Eutonie Stichting
