Alexander Technique
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Technique began in the 1890s and is a way to make life easier for yourself, whatever you are doing. It is not a treatment, but a learning process in which you discover how to undo the poor postural habits we all acquire. This reduces the unnecessary tension we hold and hence any pain this is causing.
Who can it help?
FM Alexander's work began when he kept losing his voice while acting, but much of his early work was with people who had breathing problems. More recently the Technique has been shown in medical trials to help with recurring lower back pain. Once learned, you can apply it to reduce effort and improve ease in whatever activity you undertake, from sports to acting, playing an instrument to driving or just in day-to-day getting about. It is suitable for all but the very young, who don't usually need it.
What happens in a lesson?
Lessons address the whole person, using both mind and body, whatever issue you may have. The teacher takes you through a few common actions such as standing and sitting, using their hands to guide your movement and demonstrate the principles of the technique in a practical way. You learn to notice how you are moving. Later you may also work on particular activities that are relevant to you – writing, lifting, swinging a racquet – and often the teacher may get you to lie on the couch for part of the lesson while you apply the principles you are learning to release unnecessary muscle tension. There is no manipulation but the teacher uses their hands to help your muscles relearn how to release and balance.
