A. M., Bookkeeper
Constance Clare and the Alexander Technique literally saved my life. I hadan extremely painful and life threatening TMJ problem that had gotten worseover a span of four years. I could only open my mouth as wide as anumber two pencil before major pain. I had to hold my mouth closed wheneverI yawned. Eating was an ordeal and often I’d have to stopfrom pain, exhaustion and frustration. Consequently, I was starving all thetime. When it reached a point where I couldn’t drink without extreme pain, Iknew I was in big trouble and that I would have to visit a Western medical dentist.The dentist took a few second’s look at my x-ray and said, “You will bestuck with this for the rest of your life.” He then recommended an $800night guard and a visit to a $4000 an hour (I kid you not) jaw specialist.I went back to my chiropractor and she suggested checking out AlexanderTechnique. A number of people recommended Constance and I went to see herimmediately. By the end of the session, I was deeply relaxed in a way I hadnot felt in a long time. The unrelenting pain was gone and I could drinkand chew soft food again. The effects of Alexander lasted three days. Thesecond session’s effects lasted five days, and resulted in me being able toopen my mouth wide enough to brush my teeth with only a little discomfortand no tears. By the third lesson the effects were lasting all week. Thehome exercises, combined with the lessons, were kicking in. I was able toactually eat real meals of regular food. A mile stone happened after thesixth lesson where I was able to yawn without any pain. Another major milestone was after the tenth lesson. I had ordered a sandwich and it turnedout it was a large submarine version. I love subs and had not been able toeat them for four years or more, so I decided to try it and see if my jawcould handle it, and it did, no problem.So what a dentist deemed incurable, Alexander Technique lessons cured withintwo and a half months. Alexander teachers recommend at least ten lessons tostart and it was the right amount. It has been about one and a half yearsnow and my jaw is still fine.