Benefits of the Technique

We often respond to the demands of our life-style and environment by increasing the amount of tension we hold in our bodies. The Alexander Technique is a simple but powerful way of rejuvenating our natural postural spring so that we can let go of these tensions without collapsing, thus maintaining the natural integrity and co-ordination of our structure. In the process we learn to recognise those habits of movement and positioning which sabotage our natural, graceful posture - allowing us to be poised and relaxed in all our activity.

F.M. Alexander, born in Tasmania in 1869, discovered a way of restoring and improving the body's natural postural and co-ordinating mechanisms.
This process can be particularly helpful for:

• a variety of medical conditions, and for alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by postural, movement or breathing-related difficulties
  
• situations of undue or extended physical or emotional stress
  
• improving skills in any sphere (musical, artistic, creative, sporting)
  
• personal growth and development, raising consciousness
  
• changing unconscious behaviour and habits of reactivity to achieve greater spontaneity, clarity and choice
  
• improving posture

Lessons

Because our postural habits are so deeply ingrained, individual lessons involving gentle realignment and a re-education of what feels "right" is essential.

These practical, hands-on sessions give the actual experience of better movement and co-ordination, and teach its application in activity. Pupils also learn a simple constructive resting procedure for tension release and re-alignment.

Although the benefits of the technique become apparent within a few sessions, up to twenty lessons can be required for the pupil to be able to access these benefits reliably for themselves. Some people may need ongoing lessons to help them manage chronic pain, while others simply enjoy them as part of their own life-skills agenda.