Etymologically, it's a Greek expression derived from the combination of the two words "Eu", meaning good, and "tonos", meaning tonus. Overall, eutonie indicates an ideal, exact and balanced character. It's an attitude of neither too much nor too little, between relaxation and tension. It can be applied in many circumstances. Used in many fields, eutony has many positive results.

Focus on eutonie

Eutonie is an unconventional medicinal method. It is a healthy lifestyle practice invented in the 1950s by Gerda Alexander in Denmark. It involves bringing body and mind into contact with each other, in order to achieve balance and harmony. This connection enables the brain to reach every muscle, so that it can manage everything, including gestures and movements. This method is now beginning to spread throughout the world, thanks to training schools and private teachers.

What is eutonie?

Instead of saving energy in a muscular movement, Gerda Alexander had focused on the amount of energy required in each action undertaken by the body. This maintains a balance, or rather accuracy, between sensation and movement. For each action, a corresponding force is generated, which means that no loss of energy is sustained. The so-called patient is thus aware of what's going on in his body: his attitudes, reactions and movements in question.   

How does a eutonie session work?

To say that eutonie is about bringing balance to the body and spirit could lead to very broad conceptions. To fully understand the method, it's best to follow how a session unfolds. A session comprises a series of exercises focusing on the body, its sensations and movements.

Assisted by a therapist in the field, the session aims to stimulate bodily presence through touch. These sessions may be held in groups. However, it is advisable to practice one therapy in particular. In fact, the therapist undertakes the treatment through touch accompanied by verbal exchanges in order to easily achieve his or her objectives. An individual session is then recommended.

The program is not planned in advance. An Eutonie session is designed to adapt to the needs of the participants. In effect, it's a matter of searching through the instructions given by the therapist .

Exercises to do during a eutonie session

The exercises focus on a single goal: balancing sensation and strength, i.e. movement and energy. The therapist gives instructions that correspond to the exercises to be performed.

The series begins with a focus on sensation. The body, lying on the floor, will seek to sense interactions through touch. Surfaces and points of contact are perceived.

Another exercise involves moving and stretching. Whatever the movement, it's important to perform movements that will work the muscle .

One of the most common is to roll a tennis ball under the foot. By prolonging this exercise, you can improve sensation and balance strength and movement.

Another exercise is aimed at feeling the emptying movements. The patient rests on a bag of chestnuts under the shoulder. By releasing the chestnuts, we try to feel their flow.

Eutonie: why and for whom?

Unfortunately, the activity is not yet supervised by an order of practitioners or a medical authority. However, there are schools and associations seeking to standardize the therapy .

Eutonie is recommended for people who feel blocked in their movements. A pace eternally stresseda habitually wrinkled forehead, stuck jaws, annoying tics or locked joints: you can solve anything with eutony .

The benefits of eutonie

Eutony is an unconventional therapeutic technique. Yet so far, the results are clear: it can solve certain problems in the body. As well as providing a sense of well-being, it can also resolve a number of physical and psychological concerns.

The regularity of sessions offers great physical and psychological relaxation . A person who has undergone therapy is capable of managing or even avoid stress. The ability to establish balance also enables us to control our emotions and thus create tranquillity. As a result, an Eutonie enthusiast knows how to keep calm and control his or her reactions .

Finally, eutonie offers relaxation and relaxation totale. It enables patients to get to know themselves. As a result, they develop their physical and mental capacities. They will feel that their brain is in tune with their movements. He will also feel fluidity in each action undertaken.

How and where to attend a session

Everyone can practice eutonie. It is especially recommended for people with over-reactive blood vessels or body blocking problems.

To follow a session, a few items of equipment are required. First of all, warm, comfortable clothing is essential. Each participant should then have his or her own blanket, pillow and mat. Otherwise, it may depend on the institute or therapist.

Associations offer group courses with annual registration and monthly, weekly or daily participation fees. There are also individual sessions offered by these same entities or by individual therapists.  

Exercise as part of eutonie

Eutonie: exercise on sensation