Named for its developer, Frederick Alexander, the Alexander Technique is an alternative medical therapy based on the concept that many health problems stem from poor posture.
It is classified by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health as a psychological and physical complementary approach to health when combined with mainstream treatments and alternative therapy instead of conventional treatments.
The technique was developed by Alexander in the 1890s, initially to address his own loss of voice while speaking publicly. He considered it successful.
Proponents of the Alexander Technique believe that it can be helpful in various health conditions. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom found that evidence supported its usefulness in alleviating symptoms of Parkison disease and chronic back and neck pain but that there was limited evidence of its effectiveness in other types of chronic pain, stammering, and balance skills in older adults—no good evidence for its use in asthma, headaches, osteoarthritis, difficulty sleeping, and stress. However, the technique is sometimes used to assist in treating these disorders.
Similarly, the Australian Department of Health determined that the Alexander Technique may improve short-term pain and disability in people with low back pain but that longer-term effects are uncertain. For other conditions, they found insufficient evidence for its use.
The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique suggests that the technique can be helpful for those who suffer from repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, those who suffer from backache or stiff neck and shoulders, those who are uncomfortable when sitting at the computer for long periods, and singers, musicians, actors, dancers, or athletes who feel they are not performing at their full potential.
Practitioners hold that conditions, such as backaches and other forms of long-term pain, are often the result of the misuse of the body over a long period, such as moving inefficiently and standing or sitting with the body's weight unevenly distributed. The central point of the technique is to help clients unlearn these bad habits to achieve a balanced, naturally aligned body.
Generally, the Alexander Technique is taught by a qualified instructor in one-on-one lessons that take place in a studio, clinic, or home, and last from thirty to forty-five minutes. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for better movement.
Instructors observe the client's movements, then teach them how to move, stand, sit, and lie down with better balance and less strain. They may use their hands to guide clients in their movements, focusing on releasing muscle tension and maintaining a better relationship between the head, neck, and spine.
Twenty or more weekly lessons are usually required. Clients may experience improvement reasonably soon after beginning classes. Still, additional classes are necessary to put what they have learned into practice and to experience the full benefits of the techniques. The goal is for the client to understand the principles involved so that they can be applied to everyday life on an ongoing basis.
Although professional organizations offer courses for those interested in learning to teach the Alexander Technique, along with memberships upon successful completion, the application of the technique is not covered by any laws or regulations in most countries.
Recommended Resources
Oddly, neither the About Me nor Contact pages, nor anywhere else on the site, as far as I can see, gives the name of the Alexander practitioner, who has been in business since 1994 in Theydon Bois, Essex, England. Except for the name, a resume is provided, which includes registration with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council, and membership in BackCare. Educational articles include a description of the Alexander Technique, the number of lessons suggested, and an email address.
https://www.thealexanderpractice.co.uk/
This site focuses on the scientific understanding of the Alexander Technique, its principles, practices, reported and demonstrated benefits, and terminology. Included are descriptions of direct experiments on the effects of Alexander Technique lessons, focused explanations of relevant current science, the researched history of the work, and references to peer-reviewed publications whenever possible. Informational articles and videos and an introduction to its staff are included.
https://alexandertechniquescience.com/
Comprised of Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad, who are acting coaches, performance experts, and movement teachers who teach the Alexander Technique in theater, film, and television, Alexander Techworks offers workshops and private coaching lessons, which may be booked online, as well as collaborations with directors and cast members in various productions, many of which are listed here. "Back to the Body," a book by Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Scott Weintraub, is also highlighted.
https://alexandertechworks.com/
American Society for the Alexander Technique
AmSAT is a professional association of certified Alexander Technique teachers in the United States. Incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, Formed in 1987, AmSAT offers teacher training, certification, and membership records, along with affiliation with similar credentialing bodies worldwide, including the Alexander Technique Affiliated Societies. Teacher training, teacher training programs, and training course directors are highlighted, and member teachers may be found online.
https://www.amsatonline.org/
Teaching the Alexander Technique at clinics in Bedford, Godmanchester, Northampton, and Olney, Roy Palmer has taught the technique since 1998. He is a member of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. He has taught the method to people of all ages, backgrounds, skills, and expertise, including sports figures, actors, musicians, and people with a range of ailments, including neck, back, and shoulder pain. He runs workshops, and lectures on the technique.
http://www.artofperformance.co.uk/
Situated in New York City, the BAC is an approved provider for Continuing Teacher & Leader Education for New York State Teachers, and its Teacher Training Course is approved by the American Society of the Alexander Technique, and sponsored by Fractured Atlas. BAC offers private lessons, certifications, trainings, classes, workshops, professional development programs, programs for performing artists, performances, and a Hypermobility & EDS webinar. Schedules, and media resources.
https://www.balanceartscenter.com/
Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique, The
Since 1997, the site has been a service of Online Alexander Technique Posture and Movement Coaching, Alexander Technique Nebraska and Toronto, and Life Bridge Coaching. The Technique is defined, including its benefits and applications. Textual, audio, and video resources are used, along with a list of introductory books on the subject, with links to purchase pages. Teachers may be found through the site, and links to related websites and contacts, and sponsorship opportunities are provided.
https://alexandertechnique.com/
Constructive Teaching Centre, The
Established in 1960, the CTC offers private lessons on the Alexander Technique, teacher training, refresher courses, postgraduate studies, parties, and social events. Teacher biographies, the core content of its programs, timetables, and course dates are set forth, along with a list of Alexander Technique teachers in the United Kingdom and worldwide. The Alexander Technique, Walter Carrington, Dilys Carrington, and the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique are discussed.
https://www.constructiveteachingcentre.com/
Laura Klein is a jazz pianist, composer, and teacher of the Alexander Technique, an educational approach to overcoming the harmful habits of movement and coordination. Her biography, an introduction to the Alexander Technique, how it works, and the importance of good posture are discussed, including the Alexander Technique for musicians, and Klein's professional qualifications and standards are posted, including her membership in the American Society for the Alexander Technique.
http://www.lauraklein.net/
Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, The
Established in 1958, STAT is a professional association of Alexander Technique Teachers worldwide; only teaching members of STAT are eligible to use the organization's stamp of approval as registered members. The Alexander Technique includes its benefits, how it works, a list of workshops, courses, and teacher training courses, and what to expect during a lesson. Published research and the aims of the STAT Research Group are included. Contacts are posted on the site.
https://alexandertechnique.co.uk/
