Overview

Learning the Alexander Technique can help you to prevent or alleviate conditions associated with undue tension or poor posture. These include: many difficulties with co-ordination and movement; joint and muscle problems; breathing disorders; and stress-related conditions. It can enhance rehabilitation after operations, injury or illness and provide support during pregnancy and preparation for childbirth. It can improve management of stress and pain and provide coping skills for chronic illness and disabilities.

History

The Alexander Technique is named after Fredrick Matthais Alexander who developed it in the last two decades of the 19th Century. Alexander was attempting to deal with problems he had with his voice but found that it could be used to help many other types of difficulties.

The list of conditions for which it is reported to be useful include stress-related problems such as ulcers and other digestive disorders, some forms of heart disease and high blood pressure, asthma and chronic bronchitis, tension related sexual disorders, epilepsy and migraine.

Benefits

With the Alexander Technique you can:-

• be poised, without stiffness - vitality and co-ordination improves
• move gracefully with less effort - movement becomes freer, lighter and more enjoyable
• be alert and focused with less strain

This technique is a simple and practical method for self-improvement and self-help. Performers can improve stamina, increase clarity of perception, free-up spontaneity and manage stage fright. Sports people can improve flexibility, timing and efficiency, to be on form more consistently.

Procedures

You learn the Alexander Technique via one-to-one lessons with a qualified teacher. This setting provides the best opportunity for your individual needs to be addressed. The number of lessons you take will depend on your particular needs and goals, and these can be discussed with a teacher.

Learning the Alexander Technique involves changing long-standing habits, so improvement relies in part on your active participation. The Technique can add a new dimension of creativity to your life and lead to ongoing self-discovery.

Source of information: The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique