What is it?
"The Alexander technique is a way of learning how you can get rid of harmful tension in your body". Although certainly not a complete definition of the Alexander Technique, this is one of many descriptions that help us to understand the enourmous scope and profundity of Technique.
A more complete description is offered in "Changing The Way You Work: The Alexander Technique":
"The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change (movement) habits in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, giving you more energy for all your activities. It is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body. The Alexander Technique is a method which helps a person discover a new balance in the body by releasing unnecessary tension. It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities..."
Here are some more definitions...
The Alexander Technique:
1. is a specific method of adjusting and correcting habitual misaligned body posture in order to relieve muscle tension and allow the body to move with greater ease and efficiency.
2. is a method of mind/body integration, which leads to ease of movement and awareness.
3. is a technique concerned with improving posture to reduce or prevent arthritis.
4. is a technique that helps improve posture in movement and how to use muscles efficiently with the minimum effort to promote physical health and psychological well being.
5. is a way of learning how you can get rid of harmful tension in your body.
6. is a method that works to change (movement) habits in our everyday activities.
7. is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination.
8. is a method which helps a person discover a new balance in the body by releasing unnecessary tension.
9. is an intelligent way to solve body problems.
10. is a simple and practical method for self-improvement and self-help.
11. is a technique that teaches practical self-management through a constructive control of habit and reaction.
12. is a means of improving that use wherein people can further their own personal skills and activities.
13. is a method that people of all ages and abilities can learn to relieve the pain and stress caused by everyday misuse of the body.
14. is a technique that teaches how to recognize and overcome habituated limitations within a person's manner of movement and thinking.
15. is a simple and practical method to improve poise, vitality and coordination
16. is a means of eliminating unnecessary tension while learning to move in an easier more effective way.
17. is a 100 year-old method for helping you learn how to use your body properly.
18. is a simple and practical way for improving ease and freedom of movement and for releasing harmful tension in your body.
19. is a simple and practical way to improve your health and enhance your performance.
20. is a way of moving better and feeling better through improved co-ordination.
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Significant long-term benefit from Alexander Technique lessons for low back pain has been demonstrated by a major study published by the British Medical Journal on 20th August 2008.