About The Technique

The Alexander Technique is preventative in nature. It is not a treatment or therapy; it is an educational process. In an Alexander Technique lesson or session, you begin noticing habits of movement, tension and reaction that may have harmful side effects to your body’s coordination. With careful, sensitive guidance from an expertly trained Alexander Technique teacher, you learn how to “undo” the tension, rethink the way you move and direct yourself.

Unknowingly, we carry tension. Unknowingly, we develop habits or biases in our bodies that rob us of our natural skeletal stability. We might hike up our shoulders, for example, or squeeze the muscles in our upper back and neck. We might collapse or slouch, causing our breath to be shallow. We might pitch to the right when we drive or sit. These are simple, poor habits of use we unconsciously develop that interfere with our body’s balance and even our ability to accomplish tasks. In some people, these poor habits cause pain and injury, like herniated disks or carpal tunnel syndrome. In others, poor habits, like excessive muscular tension across the abdomen or in the upper arms, can restrict breathing, digestion and decrease our available energy. Still, in others, poor habits may be the reason behind that gnawing lack of improvement in one’s golf game, musical performance, public speaking, tennis swing.

A session with an Alexander Technique teacher is an enlivening process of self discovery. The central focus rests on noticing the integrity of the relationship between your head, neck and back. In a lesson, you may receive instruction while you sit in a chair, lie down, stand or even conduct a favorite activity. Each experience helps you begin to notice strain, release muscle tension, unravel stress and find restoration.