Gosh – I’d like to go to this – the Manhattan Beach Project, Los Angeles. It’s the conference I wanted to go to when I went to Convergence08 last November: because this on is focused specifically on longevity.

The field of longevity research is getting very exciting now. Aubrey de Grey is quoted as thinking there is a 50/50 chance of his living forever.  Now, if a conservative scientist says that, you have to take note.

Unfortunately, I cannot go – I have things booked for November and can’t get away. But it’s in the diary for next year.

Apparently there will be recordings of the speakers which can be watched for free.

“You’ll get to see all of the twenty minute presentations by world-leading researchers. Each one of the fifteen presenters will also answer up to ten minutes of questions.”

Sorry to miss it. The usual suspects – Aubrey de Grey and Ray Kurzweil – will be there (albeit Kurweil will be beamed in). The whole thing is hosted by David A Kekich and Greta Blackburn of Maximum Life Foundation, and sponsored by Life Extension Foundation. Should be very good.

Follow Maximum Life Foundation on Twitter @maxlifeorg .

Longevity Conference, November 2009 is a post from: Living To 150

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But one bright light on the horizon is the development of new methods of generating stem cells. These will not be taken from embryos.

The prime method is the use of so called ‘IPS’ cells – or induced pluripotent stem cells.

These were first produced in Japan in 2007. The ‘magical’ thing about them is that they are made by taking cells which are already specialized and turning back the clock – turning them into an embyonic state. This is done by adding some chemicals – such as genes – to them.

For many of the religious this is completely acceptable to their faith; and scientists are happy too – because they can always use a person’s own cells to make their new organ or whatever – and there will therefore be no immune system rejection of the new tissues.

Research into IPS cells is still at an early stage, compared to embryonic stem cells; so embryonic stem cell work will continue for now. But once IPS cells are better understood, their use will surely predominate if not take over.

New Stem Cell Methods is a post from: Living To 150

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Moderate weight training – such as on machines at the gym – has been shown to help maintain muscle bulk as we age – an important factor, as many falls by old people are due to weakened muscles.

The latest research shows an additional benefit of weight training: it reduces cancer.

In this study, scientists led from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, tracked 8,677 men aged between 20 and 82 for more than two decades, and studied their weight training habits.

The results were that men who regularly worked out with weights and had the greatest  muscle strength were 30 to 40 per cent less likely to die from a cancerous tumour.

Exercise Regime

It seems clear that exercise needs to be of two kinds:

1. Aerobic exercise – such as fast walking, swimming, running – any exercise where there is no rest. This should be for 20 minutes or more twice a week.

2. Weight training of the major muscle groups, also twice a week, and perhaps for 45 minutes a time. However, previously, it was thought that this just prevented muscle degeneration with aging.  This study seems to show a protective benefit against cancer too.

Although the study was of men, women should benefit too. Weight training does not have to result in big muscles – your trainer will advise if you don’t want to ‘get chunky’!

Report

Weight Train To Avoid Cancer is a post from: Living To 150

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Pigs are often used in heart research because their heart valves resemble those of humans. The new technique accurately simulates blood flow in the heart by connecting it to equipment on a laboratory bench.

Thus the heart is attached to equipment outside the pig. The results of any experiments carried out can be obtained much, much more quickly and easily.

The new technique will mean that a piece of research might only cost cost $25 instead of around $2500 if it was carried out on a live pig – a massive saving.

Obviously, this means that many more pieces of research will be possible and medical advanced will be multiplied.

Finally, the trauma for the poor animals will be much less.

Article

Technorati Profile

New Technique Boosts Heart Research is a post from: Living To 150

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The treatment has a good chance of being as successful and common place as cataract surgery by around 2015.

In the UK about 25% of the population over 65 are affected by AMD, so this treatment will benefit many people. About half a million suffer from AMD at the moment in the UK.

Stem Cell Ethics Question

The treatment is controversial because it used embryonic stem cells – raising the questions of stem cell ethics. However, the huge benefits may convince all but the strongest opponents of embryonic stem cell research that the benefits are worth it.

Furthermore, as research methods become more sophisticated, it will be possible to carry out research like this using types of stem cells other than embryonic ones.

Story: Daily Express offline edition

Blindness – Stem Cells Speed Cure is a post from: Living To 150

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Britain is a leading nation in stem cell research, mainly because America was held back until recently by ex-President Bush’s funding restrictions, since reversed by President Obama.

New UK research now plans to have infection-free blood available for infusions within 3 years – synthesised from embryonic stem cells.

Blood Transfusion Safety

Blood from donors has the disadvantage of occasional contamination. The worst case of this was probably the large number of haemophiliacs – who need regular transfusions – being infected with HIV before it’s transmission through blood was fully identified.

In addition, it is possible to transmit hepatitis through the blood, as well as variant CJD the human form of BSE or "mad cow disease".

Blood Transfusion Safety Shortage

The blood produced would be from the group O-Rhesus negative – the one blood type, which is accepted by everyone. It would be  a huge advantage to have large quantities of this type of blood available.

This would make it much easier to deal with emergencies – not least in battlefield situations, when blood supplies easily run out.

Joint funding

The research will be funded by the NHS, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and the Wellcome Trust - the medical research charity.

Now the ban on federal funding for research has been overturned in America it is expected that the Americans will resume their own research in this area.

Ethics Issue

Ethically there will be objections to the use of embryonic stem cells. Hopefully these will be overcome. The massive benefit of having unlimited, safe blood for transfusions must outweigh moral considerations of using spare embryos left over from IVF treatment, for example.

It’s not as if huge numbers of cells will be needed; theoretically, at least, only one cell will fulfil all our needs.

Safe Blood

If we can get beyond the ethics issue, this will be a great relief to know that blood received from transfusion scan be 100% guaranteed to be free of infection – and available in sufficient quantity.

Read more

Stem Cell Ethics Issue – Blood Transfusions is a post from: Living To 150

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The new DNA is structured in a double helix, as DNA usually is.

The result of this genetic biotechnology is a mixture of oil and water in a beaker in a laboratory containing a new, artificial organism. The beaker has to be fed nutrients and alternately warmed and cooled to make the whole thing work.

Within two years, Dr Steven Benner at the American Association for the Advancement of Science hopes to make a self-sustaining version.

The two applications Dr Benner saw for his system were in medicine, and in researching possible alien life. The latter would be helped because it would be useful to study how an alternative system to our own developed.

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They intend to recruit 8 patients and follow them for a year.

This has great implications for anyone with spinal damage as well as anyone who wants to promote longevity – healthy aging.

Geron has been at the vanguard of stem cell research, but has been held back tremendously by President Bush’s ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

Embryonic Stem Cells

The benefit of embryonic stem cells, as opposed to adult stem cells, is that the former can differentiate into any cell in the body. This gives embryonic stem cells much more restorative power than their less flexible cousins, adult stem cells.

Gernon’s CEO said:

This goes beyond pills and scalpels to achieve a new level of healing.

Through the use of embryonic stem cells – or stem cells mimicking these – growth of replacement organs and tissues will become commonplace treatments. The benefits for long life are obvious.

Backward Thinking Bush

During Bush’s administration, biotech companies often decided to divert money from embryonic stem cell research into the much less promising adult stem cell research. This has dramatically slowed down the progress which would have been possible.

Although some caution is necessary, the benefits of embryonic stem cell research will be staggering.

Again, Gernon’s CEO says:

…if we can turn a quadriplegic into someone who can walk with a cane, this will go fast-track like lightning."

I am sure that is true.

Superman Vindicated

This is the sort of research that Christopher Reeve – ex Superman actor – spend much of his life fighting for after his horse-riding accident. It is sad that his life was not long enough to experience the benefits of this research.

President Obama opposed Bush’s ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research; so we can expect to see his ban reversed soon.

Once this happens, increased benefits will start to flow in a few short years. Everyone interested in longevity should welcome this change in American policy.

Longevity Company Tackles Spinal Damage with Stem Cells is a post from: Living To 150

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Better medical treatment of Alzheimers Disease or cancer, for example would be most welcome – especially if it was needed for ourselves or a close relative. And most of us would like to live a longer, healthier life. Some advances in these conditions do depend, sadly, on animal research.

New Techniques

Happily, modern techniques have reduced the use of animals in research markedly. The use of rats and mice has reduced in some facilities by 80%.

At the same time, the results of testing have actually improved – largely because human cells can be used for much research.

Many experiments are being carried out on cells in test tubes. This is possible because skills have improved; and because of another controversial approach: the use of stem cells.

Stem Cells Are Vital – For Testing and Longevity

Most cells can divide and produce only copies of themselves. Stem cells, however, can differentiate into various body cells; hence their value. This means, for example, that a stem cell might be persuaded to divide and produce a heart cell or a muscle cell. This cluster of cells can then be used for accurate testing

Or, to further longevity, the cells can be grown into tissue for transplant. A recent story describes a case where longer life was certainly achieved by growing a person’s stem cells into part of a windpipe to replace their diseased one.

Stem Cell Controversy

From a longevity point of view, stem cells are the way in which organ replication will be enabled not far in the future.

The controversy over stem cells mainly centres around ‘embryonic stem cells’. However, stem cells are available from other sources in adult bodies, such as bone marrow. Use of these cells in less controversial – though knee-jerk reactions against their use are in evidence. We mustn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Stem cells are so valuable to promote healthy aging and a longer life – because the tissue match can be perfect. Rejection by the body’s immune system is thus avoided.

Difficult Choices for Healthy Aging

The use of techniques such as using stem cells will mean fewer and fewer animals used in research as well as better results in many cases.

Until then, we face the difficult choice of balancing the amount of animal research with the reduction in human suffering such research – even at a reduced level – can bring.

Animal Research Dramatically Reduced is a post from: Living To 150

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Many, if not most, people die eventually of an infection which gets hold because we are weakened for some reason. Pneumonia is common. It is important for longevity that we can deal with such infections effectively as well as other immune system challenges such as autoimmune diseases.

Most drug companies have cut back on antibiotic research because it is not cost effective for them. They spend fortunes to develop an antibiotic, then the microbes jolly well adapt to it! Conventional drug companies also have little idea how to deal effectively with autoimmune diseases.

Some smaller biotech companies, however, are quickly developing very effective approaches to dealing with immune system problems.

The "Therapeutic Antibody" Approach

Simon Moroney, CEO of MorphoSys, has a library of 12 billion human antibodies, which provides the company with valuable data to help them to use simple building blocks to fight disease.

Antibodies are the weapons our defensive white blood cells use to fight infection and disease. Sometimes, however, the white cells do not produce enough of the right type of antibodies to cure us. Morphosys has worked out how to create antibodies in a Lego-like fashion as well as how to deliver them to specific targets: such as to pathogenic cells (bacteria or viruses); or to deal with auto-immune diseases, such as many cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, some thyroid diseases and lupus.

This therapeutic antibody approach is currently hot medicine.

It holds tremendous promise for longevity as it will be:

• Effective
• Quick to construct a closely targeted agent, and
• Will have few side effects

It will be interesting to see whether existing drug companies can take over companies like MorphoSys and keep up their ‘business as usual’; or whether the smaller companies’ size is a big advantage to them in this rapidly growing field of biotechnology. Either way, this is great medicine on the horizon for those interested in longevity.

“Therapeutic Antibodies” Target Bacteria & Cancer Cells is a post from: Living To 150

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Stem cells hold such promise for longevity because they can replicate many body tissues – not just one, as is the case with ordinary cells. In other words, you can use stem cells potentially to grow an organ, such as a liver; or part of a lost limb. Early research has shown great promise in this respect.

Argument Abounds

The use of stem cells is contentious, however, because the ones which can differentiate into the most different types of tissue – and so the most useful stem cells – are found in embryos. The idea of ‘harvesting’ these cells from, for example, aborted foetus’s which are otherwise discarded or destroyed, is like a red rag to a bull for many people.

However, less powerful stem cells are available from other sources, for example our own bone marrow. They are not quite as useful, because they will not differentiate into as many different types of tissue. These can still be valuable for longevity purposes.

A Good Solution

To calm the naysayers, and benefit those who want to, a new approach to stem cells has emerged: collect and freeze the stem-cell-rich umbilical cord blood when a baby is born, and save it for when they need it.

This is a longevity approach which is freely available and relatively cheap to store. And it could make the difference between life and death.

A number of companies in the UK will take the umbilical cord blood and store it for you, including Future Health Technologies. 

Branson Get In On The Act

Richard Branson, the man behind the Virgin brand has got into this situation from a charitable perspective, through Virgin Health Bank.

The theory is that it is more likely at the present time that you will need stem cells similar to your own rather than exactly the same as your own. This would be if, for example, you wanted to be treated for leukaemia, when your own cells contain the defect which created it. In the future, the cells will be more likely to be used for regenerating organs and lost or damaged body parts.

For this reason, the longevity approach Branson is backing involves donating 80% of each deposit to a National Health Service (NHS) bank. Here, it will be freely available to anyone who needs it.

The NHS is currently banking 1200 samples a year in this way.

To have umbilical blood through one of the mentioned private companies costs around £1500 for 20 years.

This could be a bargain if you – or your child – really needs it.

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Clinics which promise greater longevity through use of stem cells will be able to follow a new set of guidelines, issued by the leading professional body.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research reported yesterday that a number of ‘rogue’ anti-aging clinics – often located in the developing world – are offering unproven treatments.

Some anti-aging clinics try to cash in on customers’ emotions when they have to deal with ailments such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and multiple sclerosis. Customers may pay £10-15,000 or more for treatment where scientific rationale, proper assessment and satisfactory follow up may be inadequate.

In a growing market such as that surrounding longevity, regulation always lags behind market growth. Ample research must precede any treatment. This will be difficult – especially when, in such a new field, the usual medical advisors may know little more than their patients.

In such a situation, one place to enquire would be the society who produced these new guidelines:

The International Society for Stem Cell Research

Caution Over Clinics Using Stem Cells For Longevity is a post from: Living To 150

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Short sighted journalists are fooled by profit-hungry drug companies who, as often seems to be the case, are driving partisan research chemists.

"Statins Reduce Heart Attacks"

This is not news, and it is not even surprising. Anything which reduces general inflammation in the body will reduce heart attacks. This includes Omega 3 fatty acids, and any number of herbs including nettles, ginger and turmeric. The problem with using statins instead is the many side-effects users have reported.

The New Trial

The new trial is clearly partisan. For a start, it is called ‘Jupiter’, which stands for Justify the Use of Statins… Hmmmh – little doubt about the results they are looking for, then.

The particular brand of statins it ‘justifies’ is Crestor, made by AstraZeneca which costs around £26 a month. As the predominant statins used in the UK are the generic Simvastatin which cost £1.42 a month, the trial results are great for AstraZeneca. No doubt certain sectors of the community will be calling for the replacement of Simvastatin with Crestor (is it me – or isn’t that also a toothpaste?).

Drug Company Strategy

Statins are the best thing that have happened to drug companies for a long time. They are turning into a license to print money. One prime benefit of selling statins is that they are being used by younger and younger people – and they ‘need’ them for life.

As the drug companies see their profits slashed by cheap generic replacements – they simply come up with a new twist – as in this case – to show, by a flawed study, the superiority of their new, replacement product. Then they get to milk it drug until the patent runs out.

This is exactly what they did with HRT (ERT); each time the evidence showed that HRT damaged health, new research unearthed a new supposed benefit of HRT so they could persuade doctors to keep prescribing it and journalists to keep writing about how good it was.

What To Do Instead Of Taking Statins

This trial was carried out by selecting people with a high level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. They were then given statins.

Agreed – CRP does indicate general inflammation in the body which gives a raised chance of heart and artery disease as well as of diabetes, various cancers and Alzheimers’ disease.

Where I don’t agree is the treatment. Drugs are not usually necessary.

To treat raised CRP a combination of herbal treatment and fish oils will usually bring it down. Take these, then recheck CRP in 2-3 months.

Ideally, CRP should be less than 0.5 mg/L (milligrams per litre) in men and less than 1.5 mg/L in women.

Avoiding Statins – or Coming Off Them

Don’t just stop statins if you are taking them. Come off them with professional guidance. Most certainly involve your doctor in this process. Similarly if you have been told that you need to take statins. Be cautious. Around 50% of people come off statins because of the side-effects; but don’t put yourself at risk by just not taking them – you need an alternative strategy.

1. The following link leads to an article which contains a list of 8 natural alternatives to lower cholesterol, based on sound science:
Natural ways to cut cholesterol

Extract from this article about avoiding statins:

"HOW TO AVOID STARTING STATINS
If your doctor advises you to begin taking a statin drug, suggest a lower dose or a delay in initiation of the drug until you have had two to three months to try natural cholesterol- and LDL-lowering agents. Patient involvement in treatment decisions is commonplace today, and most physicians will work with you. A rough rule of thumb: adherence to a low-fat, high-fiber diet (that eliminates processed foods), along with some of the nutritional supplements discussed in this article, will lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 30%. Keep this in mind when starting your program. …….." 

See the article for more detail.

2. This article covers the role of general inflammation in generating disease
Aging and Longevity – 4. Inflammation

Also, read Life Extension Revolution, by Miller, Chapter 7:  Cooling Inflammation: Disease-Proofing Your Body

Above all, don’t fall for the drug-company hype; because that’s what it is. In 2004 the pharmaceutical industry was estimated to be receiving $22 billion (£14 billion) from statin drugs.

Do your research and make your own mind up. And it’s not easy to get your CRP checked regularly – but is very, very useful to do so as it gives an early warning of problems to come.

Statins – Don’t Be Fooled By The Research is a post from: Living To 150

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New research now questions whether the preventive aspect of taking aspirin works at all.

Heart Study Details

1276 diabetic patients were studied, who had no history of a heart attack, but who had some evidence of artery disease. In other words, they were likely candidates for a future heart attack.

The study was led by Professor Jill Belch at Dundee University, Scotland.

Heart Study Results

After 8 years, patients in the ‘aspirin’ group had experienced 116 heart attacks; whereas those given placebos had suffered 117 heart attacks. Thus there was no significant benefit to taking the aspirin.

Conclusion

In this study, there was no benefit to taking aspirin for prevention of heart attack, but there was an increased risk of intestinal bleeding from taking aspirin.

Therefore, those who have not yet had a heart attack and are taking aspirin purely for protection – the ‘worried well’ – should question whether they should risk taking aspirin.

This study did not consider those who have actually had a heart attack and whether aspirin benefited them.

(Talk with your doctor before changing any medication you are taking.)

Further information:
Press release, Dundee University
MSN News coverage

Heart Benefits of Aspirin Questioned is a post from: Living To 150

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The technology is capable of being put into a portable hand-held device similar in size to a mobile phone. Different sensors will test for different diseases.

(Didn’t they have a device like this on Startrek?)

Current methods of getting this type of information date back to 70s technology. They are expensive and lengthy.

The new technology will give results in around 15 minutes. Being quick, cheap and convenient it will be a very valuable tool for diagnosis.

More information at Science Daily. The Leeds research team is led by Dr Paul Millner.

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November 15-16th, 2008

This conference looks just brilliant. Relaxed, informal, networking with other enthusiasts and it should be fascinating.

Half the programme is generated by individuals setting up their own meetings and discussions; and the rest can choose to attend those they are interested in. There are meals for more networking on the Friday and the Saturday nights.

The Attendees

Enthusiasts will be there as well as experts in the field of longevity and ‘the future’.

Check out Aubrey de Grey; Dont let the looks fool you. One bright cookie.

Keynote speakers include: Peter Norvig, Director of Research at Google; Aubrey de Grey; and Terry Grossman (co-author with Ray Kurzweil of the great book Fantastic Voyage).

The event is being held at the Computer History Museum – which sounds just great – in Mountain View in the middle of Silicon Valley.

The cost is just $145 (book soon) and rooms at the recommended hotel are is $95 per night.

Looks exciting to me. If you are going – comment on this post and perhaps we can meet up.

“Convergence08″ Conference is a post from: Living To 150

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I fancied a few days away; pick up some useful information; network with other longevity enthusiasts. However, on investigation it’s actually aimed at longevity doctors, practitioners, clinics and researchers. Few enthusiastic amateurs – so not for me.

Any Enthusiasts Out There?

So, where are the ‘amateur’ events?

Looking around, other conferences are either aimed at medics; or they feature ‘aesthetic medicine’. Yeah – cosmetic surgery etc.

So, where do the enthusiastic amateurs go?

Anyone?

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The researchers suggested that the spike in blood sugar was the mechanism which caused the reduction in drug absorption. In this case, other fruit juices will have a similar effect. (The previously identified interference of grapefruit juice with some drugs involves a different mechanism.)

The researchers advised drinking fruit juices 4 hours away from any drugs being taken.

Fruit Juice And Diabetes

The blood sugar spike caused by drinking fruit juice is also responsible

for the increased risk of diabetes they cause. Sugar is already pouring into the blood stream for most people. This comes from digested starches (bread, potatoes, rice, pasta) as well as from direct sugar sources – eg soft drinks. With extra sugar on top of this from fruit juices, the current dramatic rise in diabetes not surprising.

I advise:

• Avoiding drugs as much as possible, in general, and trying to use natural methods such as nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes
• Avoiding fruit juice – which increases the risk for diabetes. Whole fruit in moderation is fine – because the fibre reduces the spike.

If you take these two actions, then the finding from this study need not be a concern.

Mail Online coverage of the study
Life Extension Foundation comprehensive article on Diabetes

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Having attached the magnetic nanoparticles, a magnet applied at the skin surface attracts the cancer cells to the skin surface. In this position it is much easier to deal with them in a safe way.

The trick used with the magnetised nanoparticles follows a lock-and-key type of approach.

The ‘lock’ is a cell receptor, a sort of docking structure on the outside of every cell into which only certain ‘key’ proteins will fit. Each molecule of the appropriate ‘key’ protein has a magnetised nanoparticle fused to it, so it carries the magnetic charge directly to the cancer cell.

Once the protein has docked firmly with the cancer cell’s receptor, the cancer is vulnerable to the magnetic force the medics then use.

Other Uses Of The Technique

This same technique could potentially be used with any pathogens – such as bacteria or viruses. The only requirement would be to identify a unique receptor on the cell wall of the pathogen, and fuse the nanoparticle with a protein which targets that receptor.

In years to come such medicine will be commonplace, greatly reducing the need for damaging drugs and greatly reducing side-effects and treatment risks for the patient.

More information on Georgia Tech’s site

Nanoparticles Target Cancer Cells is a post from: Living To 150

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The Alexander Technique in action

The Alexander Technique has very successfully treated recurring back pain in a study of 500 people. The British Medical Journal reports the study.

Researchers in the UK universities of Southampton and Bristol asked doctors to select a total of 500 patients for the study. They had a history of back pain recurring over five years. Half were given the Alexander Technique and half normal back treatment by the doctor. Half of each category were also prescribed an exercise programme of brisk walking.

In a further variation, half the Alexander Technique patients were given just six sessions and half were given 24 lessons.

Excellent Results For Alexander Technique

After 12 months, the results were very clear.

Those receiving conventional care experience 21 days of pain a month, on average. Those who had received 24 lessons in Alexander technique experienced an average of only three days of pain a month.

Those who received six Alexander technique lessons, and who stuck to the exercise program received almost as good results as those who had 24 lessons.

Background Of Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique was developed by an Australian orator. After long and frustrating trouble with hoarseness, he realized that tension between his back head and neck reduced his ability to speak. He developed a method of muscle relaxation now taught in ‘lessons’. This makes the ‘pupil’ more consciously aware of how they are using these core body areas, and enables more efficient – and less painful – use.

Cost Of Treatment

The cost of treatment is around £30 a lesson. So a total of 6 lessons would cost around £180. This is currently not available on the UK National Health Service. It may well be that the NHS will look into it as they have a history of incorporating alternative methods which have demonstrated cost savings.

Science Daily article
Wikipedia on Alexander Technique
Video of Alexander Technique
STAT – The Society of Teacher of The Alexander Technique (for the UK. Create a username and password to see a list of teachers.)
Alexander Alliance – teachers in USA, Japan, Canada, Germany Italy.

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