THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE & LIFE IMPROVEMENT
Fran Robinson

This Technique of Change teaches people how to use their mind with their body to re-establish a harmonious and balanced whole. The Technique is a way of unchaining ourselves from outdated habit patterns – mental, physical, psychological or emotional, and offers possibilities for change and self development. Since 1904 the Technique has been helping people realise their potential and move on from the harmful habitual patterns which keep people functioning below their best.

During an Alexander session the hands-on work of the Teacher brings people to notice how they perform their daily activities, for example in sitting, standing or lifting and how they invariably destroy the delicate balance of the neck, head and back. As lessons progress the pupil is gently encouraged and coached to stop interfering with the neck, head and back co-ordination, and consciously send new instructions which will re-establish this inner co-ordination. This is generally experienced as a lightening of the whole body, a deepening of the breath and the realisation of the possibilities that change and growth in many areas of their lives is possible.

The following conditions have been known to benefit from the Alexander Technique,
Postural problems, voice disorders, stress, R.S.I. high blood pressure, asthma, anxiety states, osteo-arthritis, scoliosis of the neck, spondylosis, migraine, cerebral palsy, multiple schlerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, rehabilitation after stroke, injury or operation. Backache and hiatus hernia also respond well to the Alexander Technique.