The Alexander Technique is a practical method for learning to reduce stress and release harmful habits. It is a powerful tool for increasing your self-awareness. Learning to apply the Technique to daily life can help you alleviate pain, naturally restore balance of mind and body, and develop poise, freedom of movement and calmness of mind. It offers a practical solution to dealing with the pressures of everyday life.
A major clinical trial published in the British Medical Journal (19th August 2008) shows that people with chronic and recurrent back pain gain long term benefit from lessons in the Alexander Technique. Visit the British Medical Journal to read the research here
What are the benefits of the Alexander Technique?
The Technique can help with:
People also use the Technique simply because they want to change conditions that stop them enjoying a happy, healthy life.
More about the Technique
The Alexander Technique was developed over 100 years ago by an Australian man, F.M. Alexander.
In trying to solve his own health problems Alexander spent many years in self-observation and study and found that how we move, feel and think is fundamental to our overall functioning, health and wellbeing.
The technique is based on the understanding that it is impossible to separate 'mental' and 'physical' processes - our whole self is involved in everything we do. In our daily lives we can be taking our mind/body for granted and doing things in habitual ways. HOW we do things (such as move, think, play or interact with others) is often not in our conscious awareness. This unconscious way of living becomes our normal way of being, and we can become trapped in habitual patterns of muscular tension, habitual thought patterns and habitual emotional reactions -leading to discomfort and pain in the body and mind.
Many of us only become aware that something is amiss when we experience problems such as back pain, anxiety, sports injuries, poor posture, feeling stressed or emotional, lacking in creativity or feeling stuck - or maybe because we have lost that free, well-coordinated and enjoyable movement we had as children. The Technique works by helping you to identify and prevent the harmful habits that may be the cause of stress and pain; you learn to release tension and rediscover balance of mind and body.
More information is available on the website of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.
Alexander Technique Lessons
The best way to understand the Alexander Technique is to experience it. One-to-one lessons are tailored to individual needs and are suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness. Alexander work is gentle, therapeutic and educational.
During the lesson the teacher uses verbal explanations and gentle hands-on work to help you to find ease and balance within yourself in simple activities like standing, sitting, walking, bending and resting - or indeed any activity you choose (e.g. computing, speaking, painting, sport, gardening, cleaning).
Through experience and observation you learn how you create tension and how you can prevent or release it. This awareness enables you to change longstanding habits, function more efficiently and develop an increasing freedom of choice in the way you react to situations in everyday life.
Part of the lesson may include lying down in the Alexander Technique 'semi-supine' position which gives maximum support and relief for your back. Clothing which allows for freedom of movement (preferably trousers) is recommended and you will usually be asked to remove your shoes.
Lessons last 45 minutes and the number of lessons you take will depend on your particular needs and goals. People find lessons an enjoyable and calming experience and often report feeling lighter, taller and energised.