Who does it?

Anyone! There are no restrictions. All that is asked of you is that you have an open mind so that a fresh look can be taken at your habits of movement.

What is it?

It is a practical method of restoring natural poise, - of improving posture. This unfortunate word often conjures up images of putting a lot of effort into feeling stiff and uncomfortably upright. Fear not though, the Alexander Technique has nothing to do with this! It teaches us how to move freely with lightness and ease as opposed to effort and strain. As a result we end up looking better, feeling more relaxed and more comfortable in ourselves, and better able to cope with the stresses of life. There are inseparable links between our "posture", how well our bodies function and perform, and how we feel emotionally. It is much harder to feel good and to feel strong if we have lost our natural poise and are feeling heavy and pulled down as a result. The Technique can teach us how to give ourselves a natural "uplift" and at the same time instil a real sense of "back bone". If we learn to move our bodies in a more natural well balanced way this will reduce the wear and tear on all the joints as well as improving the working of the internal organs. Breathing, circulation and digestion will all benefit from improved "use".

Who can it help?

Anyone with a body! In learning how to use the body more skilfully and more efficiently we may well be removing the underlying causes of a whole range of medical conditions from back pain to migraine. Or we may just feel we have more energy and are more in touch with ourselves. Equally it can help musicians, actors, singers, sports people to improve performance.

The Alexander Technique can be used very effectively in dealing with stress. Learning to release an accumulation of unwanted tension is invaluable in combating the ill effects of stress. Learning to do this for ourselves cultivates an inner confidence and a greater capacity to cope.

Central to the technique is an analysis of the way in which we react to whatever life deals out. You cannot change other people, only they can do that, but you can change your response to them. The Technique teaches us how to take a more reasoned control over our reactions, and thus provides an indispensable tool for change. It is empowering and leaves us better equipped to deal more skilfully with the problems posed by everyday relationships and events.

What happens in a session?

During the course of a normal forty minute lesson, the student is guided through simple movements like sitting down and standing up or perhaps walking. Some of the lesson is spent learning how to release unwanted tension while lying on a couch/table. Students usually leave feeling lighter, more relaxed and with a sense of well-being.

“You Translate everything, whether physical or mental or spiritual, into muscular tension”. Frederick Matthias Alexander.

“The Alexander Technique is about learning how the relationship of the head, neck and back works to maximise the body's potential”. Positive Health, Dec/Jan 1996.

Books & Information

Alexander Technique - Richard Craze

The Alexander Technique - P. Drake

The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
10, London House
266, Fulham Road
London