The Technique
At its core, the Alexander Technique is neuromuscular education and it taps into our innate capacity for neuroplasticity (change in structure and function in response to experience). As Alexander said, “You are not here to do exercises, or to learn how to do something right, but to be able to meet a stimulus that always puts you wrong and to learn to deal with it.”
Benefits
- Better balance, coordination, ease, and quality of movement
- Increase in energy, flexibility, range of motion, awareness, attention, and focus
- Release of excess tension, discomfort, stiffness and relief from pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, etc.
- Improved posture including poor posture associated with use of smart phones and other electronic devices
Improved performance and skill enhancement
- Decreased or relief from chronic pain and associated anxiety and depression
- Stress management
- Quicker recovery and rehabilitation from injuries
- Improved breathing and vocal production
- Arthritis pain relief
- Headache relief
- Integration and re-education of mind and body
- Relief from repetitive strain injuries
- And more!
Lessons
The sessions of the Alexander Technique are called lessons and usually last 30 or 45 minutes. Because you are learning about yourself, the relationship is that of a teacher and a student.
The teacher uses light hands-on contact and verbal instruction to help the student to gain knowledge about the way s/he moves his/her body and then guides the student to new patterns of movement.
A lesson typically includes simple movement such as sitting, standing, and walking as well as some time spent with the student lying on his/her back on a table.
Lessons are structured for each individual and his/her needs and interests. Other activities of each individual’s choosing may be incorporated. These may include sitting at a desk to use a computer, speaking, doing yoga, swinging a golf club and more.
Lessons in the Alexander Technique are an interactive process rather than a passive one. While there are not specific exercises, you may learn some activities to practice on your own. The student should wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement.