What is the Alexander Technique?
It is a way of learning to observe and change the way a person moves, breathes, speaks, or performs any other habitual or skilled activity.

There is a whole-body pattern that is common to all of our daily actions, and this pattern either supports or aggravates common health concerns such as stress, back pain, joint pain, or general discomfort in repetitive activities. This pattern can be optimized for a well-supported approach to any activity.

What do people learn in taking a series of lessons??
By studying and using the Alexander Technique, a student learns to change habits and release excess tensions that no longer serve a purpose. The tensions and habits may have built up while doing things on auto-pilot, or from trying too hard to do several things at once.

Sometimes a compensation pattern learned while recovering from an old injury becomes more of an obstacle to free movement than the original injury itself.

By learning to observe and respond differently in real time, lightness and freedom can be achieved where there was formerly an excess of effort and tension.

Is it only a technique to "relax" or can I use it during the day??
The technique is designed to be used in any activity, particularly challenging ones such as performing under pressure. It is also invaluable for approaching activities that have had to be limited as they are physically challenging (for example, long hours spent at a computer or sitting for long periods).

It certainly can be used to alleviate overall tension, but it is not limited to providing a quiet respite in an otherwise busy day.

What happens in a lesson??
Basic activities are observed, including...

Habitual patterns are identified, such as