What is the Alexander Technique?

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What is the Alexander Technique?
Alexander Technique Principle Logo It is a unique life skill that teaches you how to remove fear and habits. You will learn to stop and to realise that you do have choices. You can then make a conscious decision about any action, physical or mental. It retrains harmful habits, such as holding the breath, griping a steering wheel, a computer mouse, or another person. With the help of a skilled teacher, trained full-time for three years in the art of gentle hands-on, it is possible to undo harmful tension patterns by using clear Alexander instructions to the neck, head and back.

Is it proven?
In 2008 the first Medical Research Council study made Alexander Technique mainstream, proving that it dramatically reduces back pain—after 24 lessons pain dropped from 21 days a month down to 3 days, compared with usual GP care.
More weight was added to the case for making Alexander available on the National Health Service with a Bristol University health economics paper, proving that Alexander is best value for money. See the article here

It has been taught for decades in all the UK’s top music and drama schools. Many performers rate the AT highly – Sir Ian McKellan, Judi Dench, Sting and Paul Mc Cartney, with his late wife Linda. Two Olympic Gold Medal rowers have studied the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique helps millions to overcome:
  • Muscle tension and stiffness
  • Back, neck and joint pain
  • Poor posture
  • Breathing and vocal problems
  • Anxiety and stress related conditions


It is used to:

  • Improve performance and prevent injury in music, drama, sport, driving and computer use
  • Expand interview and presentations skills
  • Enhance sexual enjoyment
  • Support pregnancy and childbirth
  • Deepen meditation


How will the Technique help me?
It works by helping you to prevent harmful postural and breathing habits that cause stress and pain. With increased awareness you can:

  • Be poised without stiffness
  • Move gracefully with less effort
  • Be alert and focussed, with less strain
  • Breathe and speak more easily
  • Be calm and confident