The Alexander Technique teaches the skilful "use of the self": how we move, how we stay still, how we breathe, how we learn, how we organise our awareness and focus of attention and, above all, how we choose our reactions in increasingly demanding situations. It is a subtle and thoughtful discipline, but essentially practical and problem-solving. It can be a supportive and re-assuring aid to those suffering from trauma or stress,
The Alexander Technique works through re-establishing the natural relationship between the head, the neck and the back - the core of the body that supports the strength of the limbs and which provides the structural environment for breathing and for the internal organs. Many thousands of people worldwide have used the Alexander Technique to improve the way their body works. As F M Alexander said: "Use affects functioning". However, Alexander teachers do not claim to 'cure' specific complaints and it is essential that medical advice is sought for a particular condition. Find out more about lessons by clicking the link above.
About me: I graduated as a teacher of the Alexander Technique in 1996 from the North of England Training Course for Alexander Technique in Leeds (NETCAT). I now work mainly in Sheffield. For several years I worked as a teacher trainer at NETCAT.
Before training as an AT teacher I ran my own clothing manufacturing business. Many years of working at a design table, along with the usual stresses of business life, led me to seek a remedy for a variety of ailments. The benefits of learning the Technique, including some wholly unexpected ones, soon became apparent and in 1993 I made the decision to retrain as an Alexander Teacher.
There is a wealth of information about the Technique available on the internet and in print. A good starting point is the website of The Society of Teachers of The Alexander Technique -click here. Read what some famous people have said about the Technique here.