Aston-Patterning Health Article

Definition

Aston-Patterning is an integrated system of movement education, bodywork, ergonomic adjustments, and fitness training that recognizes the relationship between the body and mind for well being. It helps people who seek a remedy from acute or chronic pain by teaching them to improve postural and movement patterns.

Origins

Aston-Patterning is a process originated by Judith Aston in 1977. After graduating from college with an advanced degree in dance, Aston began working with athletes, dancers, and actors in movement education programs in California. In 1968 she suffered injuries from two automobile accidents. In seeking relief from pain, she met Dr. Ida Rolf, the innovator of Rolfing. When Aston recovered from her injuries, Rolf asked her to develop a movement education program that would complement the gains achieved with rolfing. She worked with Rolf in creating this program from 1971 to 1977.

By 1977 Aston and Rolf's interests and views of bodywork had diverged. Aston left Rolf and established her own techniques, which she called Aston-Patterning. She has also developed a special program for older people called the Aston-Patterning Fitness Program for Seniors. Today Aston-Patterning is a registered trademark of the Aston Paradigm Corporation of which Judith Aston is the director.

Benefits

Aston-Patterning assists people in finding more efficient and less stressful ways of performing the simple movements of everyday life to dissipate tension in the body. This is done through massage, alteration of the environment, and fitness training.