Alexander technique

What is the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is a way of developing the skilful use of the self: how we move, stay still, and breathe, how we learn, how we react to situations, and how we organise our awareness and attention. It is a subtle, thoughtful and practical discipline. The work empowers us, in a gentle and systematic way, to let go of long-held patterns of movement, posture, breathing, muscular tension, and other habits that might be affecting our well-being, learning abilities and psychological stress reactions.

The Technique helps us to re-establish the natural relationship between the head, the neck and the back, thereby supporting free movement of the limbs and providing the structural environment for efficient breathing and for the internal organs to work healthily. This natural relationship can usually be seen working powerfully, beautifully and effortlessly in small children. Unfortunately, most of us lose it as we unconsciously develop habits of movement and behaviour which interfere with our innate co-ordination. Using the Alexander Technique, we can rediscover that relationship.

How does it help?

The Alexander Technique can improve personal performance across the whole spectrum of human activity, from elite athletic and artistic performance, to the management of disability, pain, illness and injury. It is not necessarily something you do instead of, say, yoga or Pilates: because it deals with the use of the self, it enables you to improve your performance in these or any of your other activities.

Alexander teachers do not claim to diagnose, cure or treat people. However, many people who learn the Technique report a wide range of benefits, such as improved sleep, easier breathing, being able to cope with stress and pressure, or being more alert, calm and self-reliant.

Who is it for?

It is possible for practically anyone to benefit from learning the Technique, and it may be particularly helpful if you have a chronic health condition, suffer from anxiety, depression, or a lack of confidence, or if you want to break through a 'brick wall' that you've come up against when learning a new skill such as a sport or musical instrument.

The value of the Technique is widely recognised, and for many years there have been Alexander teachers in drama, music and other educational colleges, as well as in hospitals and pain clinics. Published scientific research suggests the Technique may be beneficial for low back pain, Parkinson's disease, balance, and respiratory function, and there is anecdotal evidence for a much wider range of benefits.

If you are in the early stages of pregnancy, or have recently undergone surgery, Alexander lessons may not be suitable for you.

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