The Health Benefits of Learning The Alexander Technique
There are many benefits of learning The Alexander Technique - some not immediately obvious. The latest research, in relation to back pain, shows lessons deliver long-term results in reducing pain and discomfort - and many, myself included, find the pain never returns. Studies have also shown the technique can also help with neck pain, balance, breathing difficulties and improved function for the elderly - you can read more about the the medical research here.
And it's not just pain-relief where you might find benefit. Athletes, actors, musicians, dancers and business people all find lessons help to enhance performance.
But you don't have to be a performer to gain from this remarkable, yet simple technique.
The first thing most pupils notice when starting Alexander lessons is they feel lighter and taller. This happens when habitual muscle tension is released. You may not be aware of it, but the majority of adults carry excessive tension and as a result, pull their body's out of shape. Natural poise is something most of us have lost by the time we're in our early twenties - for some it's even earlier!
And it's not just pain-relief where you might find benefit. Athletes, actors, musicians, dancers and business people all find lessons help to enhance performance.
But you don't have to be a performer to gain from this remarkable, yet simple technique.
The first thing most pupils notice when starting Alexander lessons is they feel lighter and taller. This happens when habitual muscle tension is released. You may not be aware of it, but the majority of adults carry excessive tension and as a result, pull their body's out of shape. Natural poise is something most of us have lost by the time we're in our early twenties - for some it's even earlier!
Yet, it is possible to regain your poise by removing the bad habits that you may have unconsciously developed over the years.
Get your poise back and you will :-
Many conditions can be improved by removing the excessive tension from your body. Your bodily functions are carried out by tubes (both large and small in diameter) to put it bluntly. Your breathing, circulation, nervous system, digestion and even your elimination process all rely on these tubes. Any pressure in the body will impinge their function, just as standing on a hosepipe will increase the pressure while reducing the flow, so consequently your bodily functions all operate better in a relaxed, poised body.
The same goes for inappropriate muscle tension and actions leading to excessive forces applied to your joints.
Get your poise back and you will :-
- achieve an effortless, upright posture
- move more freely with less effort
- reduce/ eliminate many muscle aches and pains
- improve your balance and coordination
- breathe easier
- be more alert and focused
- improve your confidence
- feel taller and lighter
Many conditions can be improved by removing the excessive tension from your body. Your bodily functions are carried out by tubes (both large and small in diameter) to put it bluntly. Your breathing, circulation, nervous system, digestion and even your elimination process all rely on these tubes. Any pressure in the body will impinge their function, just as standing on a hosepipe will increase the pressure while reducing the flow, so consequently your bodily functions all operate better in a relaxed, poised body.
The same goes for inappropriate muscle tension and actions leading to excessive forces applied to your joints.
How does the Alexander Technique work?
Learning the Alexander Technique will first help you to recognise poor muscular habits, and then show you how to 'unlearn' them. Using guided movements, you'll gain a better understanding of how your body works. Many of us employ unnecessary muscle actions to perform the simplest of tasks (have you tried my coordination test yet?) Because they are habits, you won't be aware you are doing them. The only way you can stop doing something you don't know you're doing is to become aware.
In an Alexander Technique lesson, you'll discover how to stand, sit and move with less effort, and learn how to reduce tension in your neck, shoulders and back to promote freer movement. If you participate in a particular sport or activity (such as playing an instrument), you will also receive instruction on how best to carry these out.
Many assume the technique is about getting a better posture and to achieve this you need to 'stand up straight'. Please note, this is not the case. In fact, to try to stand or sit up straight tends to make things worse because people add more tension to do what they think is right.
In fact, the opposite is true. You achieve an effortless, upright posture by releasing the tension pulling you down. You can learn how to do this without collapsing in a lesson.
But note, the benefits are not all 'physical'. The technique is a mind/body method because you can't make changes to the habits that impact your body without changing what's going on between your ears. So mental health can be enhanced by learning how to live in the moment to reduce stress, anxiety and all the negative impacts they can have on your general health and well-being.
And one more thing, the Alexander Technique is not a treatment that finishes when you leave the room - it's a new skill that when you learn to apply, will stay with you for the rest of your life!
You can read more about what happens in a lesson here.
So just to recap, applying the methods you learn in a lesson can address the causes of the following conditions.
If you have a condition not mentioned here, please contact me for more information.
More information on the benefits and how the could help you, and how to find a teacher outside of the United Kingdom, please visit AlexanderTechnique.com. If you live too far from where I teach, you can find a teacher in your area in the UK here.
Note, I'm a member of The Society of Teachers of The Alexander Technique (STAT). Read more about me...
Roy Palmer MSTAT
In an Alexander Technique lesson, you'll discover how to stand, sit and move with less effort, and learn how to reduce tension in your neck, shoulders and back to promote freer movement. If you participate in a particular sport or activity (such as playing an instrument), you will also receive instruction on how best to carry these out.
Many assume the technique is about getting a better posture and to achieve this you need to 'stand up straight'. Please note, this is not the case. In fact, to try to stand or sit up straight tends to make things worse because people add more tension to do what they think is right.
In fact, the opposite is true. You achieve an effortless, upright posture by releasing the tension pulling you down. You can learn how to do this without collapsing in a lesson.
But note, the benefits are not all 'physical'. The technique is a mind/body method because you can't make changes to the habits that impact your body without changing what's going on between your ears. So mental health can be enhanced by learning how to live in the moment to reduce stress, anxiety and all the negative impacts they can have on your general health and well-being.
And one more thing, the Alexander Technique is not a treatment that finishes when you leave the room - it's a new skill that when you learn to apply, will stay with you for the rest of your life!
You can read more about what happens in a lesson here.
So just to recap, applying the methods you learn in a lesson can address the causes of the following conditions.
- long-term back pain
- poor posture
- neck and shoulder pain
- breathing difficulties
- poor balance in the elderly
If you have a condition not mentioned here, please contact me for more information.
More information on the benefits and how the could help you, and how to find a teacher outside of the United Kingdom, please visit AlexanderTechnique.com. If you live too far from where I teach, you can find a teacher in your area in the UK here.
Note, I'm a member of The Society of Teachers of The Alexander Technique (STAT). Read more about me...
Roy Palmer MSTAT