General Benefits
The Alexander Technique teaches constructive conscious control of functioning.
With a teacher’s guidance you develop increased awareness of habits of thought and habits of posture and movement. As you learn how to refrain from habitual patterns which are not useful to you, you’ll become more aware of any unnecessary muscular patterns of tension or collapse. Undoing these habitual patterns provides the opportunity for natural movement and spontaneity to occur.
Stress reduction
By teaching how to respond to any stimulus with less tension, the Alexander Technique enables you to better handle life’s stresses.
Pain relief
A leading contributing factor of musculoskeletal pain (and often its underlying cause) is unrecognized patterns of excess tension. People tend to respond to pain by tensing further, which usually exacerbates discomfort. Because the Alexander Technique teaches how to recognize and unlearn these habitual patterns it can relieve neck, back and joint pain for the long-term.
Skill enhancement
Musicians, singers, dancers, craftspeople, athletes and many others use the Technique to improve their performance. The Technique enhances flexibility and increase speed and accuracy of responsiveness. See Presentation and Performing.