The Alexander Technique
Benefits
Benefits experienced by people who study the Alexander Technique include:
Improved posture
A common reason people take lessons in the Alexander Technique is to improve posture. By teaching how to recognize and unlearn habits of tension that interfere with posture, the Alexander Technique can enable individuals of all ages to regain good posture for the long-term - free of stiffness and tension.
Pain relief
A leading contributing factor of musculoskeletal pain (and often its underlying cause) is unrecognized patterns of excess tension. A common response to pain is further tension which usually exacerbates discomfort. Because it teaches how to recognize and unlearn these habitual patterns, the Alexander Technique has long been known for its effectiveness in relieving neck, back and joint pain for the long-term. These benefits have been reported in published research.
Improved ability to deal with stress
By teaching how to respond to any stimulus with less tension, the Alexander Technique enables you to better handle life’s stresses.
More comfortable computer use
Repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain, headaches and stress-related disorders are common to many computer users. While changes to the work station — chair design, monitor and keyboard placement — can improve the ergonomics, the Alexander Technique teaches the computer user how to use your body comfortably even when the work station is not ideal. With the Alexander Technique you can learn how to avoid injury and relieve the tension and pain often associated with computer use.
Your Alexander Technique teacher can teach you how to:
- sit comfortably upright without strain
- prevent spinal compression and muscular tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back
- improve range of motion in the joints
- reduce pressure on the keyboard and mouse to relieve stress on the wrist and prevent carpal tunnel injury
- become more aware of your body's signals and signs of distress so you can relieve tension before it escalates to pain
- breathe properly to prevent fatigue and calm the nervous system
- restore balance - during and after work
Skill enhancement
Athletes – amateur and professional - use the Technique to improve strength, increase endurance, enhance flexibility and increase speed and accuracy of responsiveness. Read more in the Benefits tab on the FAQ page.
Public speakers use it to improve vocal projection and overall voice quality.
Business professionals find it enhances presentation skills and increases confidence.
Performing artists use the Alexander Technique as an invaluable resource throughout all phases of the creative process from conception through performance. Read more in the Benefits tab on the FAQ page.
Universities, conservatories, orchestras, theater companies, and performing arts festivals worldwide offer the Alexander Technique as integral to performing arts curricula and skill development. Renowned performers who have studied the Alexander Technique include: Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ben Kingsley, Julie Andrews, William Hurt, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Paul McCartney, Kelly McGillis, Lupita Nyong’o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hilary Swank, Annette Bening, Patti Lupone, Paul Newman, Sting, Maggie Smith, Mary Steenburgen, Robin Williams, Joanne Woodward and Trisha Brown.
Greater ease and comfort before, during and after childbirth
Learning how to improve breathing, posture, balance and coordination leads to greater comfort throughout pregnancy, during labor and after as you nurse, bend, lift and carry your child. Read more under the Benefits tab on the FAQ page.
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Do the benefits wear off when I stop taking lessons?
After a course of study, you can expect the benefits to stay with you as long as you keep in mind what you've learned. For most people the benefits stay with them for a lifetime
