What is the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique brings about an awareness and improvement in balance, coordination and movement.

 

In lessons, we can start to become aware of how much tension and effort have become an ingrained part of our everyday movements. These patterns of chronic tension, built up over time, contribute to stiffness, various aches and pains, and feeling uncomfortable in ourselves.

 

The AT teacher works together with the student to help unravel and release these patterns of interference. Through this process of awareness and change, we can regain a sense of well-being, ease of movement, improved coordination and balance.

 

While it is re-educational, the Alexander Technique can also benefit in helping with:

 

• muscle tension and stiffness

• back, neck and joint pain

• breathing and vocal problems

• anxiety and stress-related conditions

 

The AT may also aid recovery from injury, or conditions that affect movement like arthritis or Parkinson’s Disease.

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Below is a useful video from the British Medical Journal (BMJ), summarising their research into the benefits of the Alexander Technique for relief of chronic back pain: