A body at rest is in motion.

Humans are constantly in motion. The rhythmic beating of the heart into the silent flow of the circulatory system. The movement of the breath to the imperceptible exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the respiratory system. Where there is confusion is in effectively knowing how to stop.

What is the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is a wide and varied subject matter, with an equally wide and varied application. It is intended as a consistent application for daily life. Through a combination of verbal instruction and gentle highly skilled manual guidance, the skills developed in a session support your natural balance and breathing, coordination, and upward movement, promoting greater ease and freedom to engage. People study the Alexander Technique for many reasons, including managing persistent pain, reducing repetitive strain, improving posture and breathing, enhancing public speaking and performance, and developing greater resilience in the face of stress, anxiety, trauma, or depression. Rather than treating specific conditions, the Alexander Technique teaches lifelong skills that help you meet life’s physical and mental challenges with greater awareness and choice.

How does it work?

Our balance and support systems are designed to work in coordination with the head, neck, back and breathing, a central relationship in how we move and function. The Alexander Technique helps reestablish a conscious (not cognitive) working relationship with this connection. This reduces interference caused by routine over tensions that have become unconsciously habituated and cause misalignment and affect and misinform how we register ourselves. As a result, freedom of movement, easier breathing, and a sense of natural poise begin to reemerge. We also gain the ability to respond to life with greater choice rather than an automatic reaction.

Alexander Technique does come with a learning curve. Not to do something new, but rather to allow all that you have learned to become more integratively useful without undue interference. It takes time to redevelop the core principles of inhibition and direction, which are central to the work. Many studies use a minimum of 24-30 sessions as a benchmark for meaningful progress. In my experience this is a good starting point.

What should I expect?

The good news? You don’t have to learn any new exercises or stretches. Instead a typical lesson or session will focus on your breath in relation to everyday movement – standing, sitting, walking and yes, even laying down! These simple activities become a foundation for lasting change.

Wear clothing that allows for easy movement in many directions and is comfortable. Pants or long shorts are preferable. Socks are also encourged.

The Alexander practice doesn’t require much in the way of doodads and gadgets. Just a couple of books, maybe a yoga or pilates mat, a good chair, and desire to want to do something different is all that is needed.