The Alexander Technique has been known to provide a path out of a multitude of ailments. It's a technique for the general improved use of the whole self, and so it naturally leads to general improved functioning in all areas. Every localised ailment is seen to be simply the focus point of a larger systemic misuse of the whole self.
Posture
The technique is often assumed to be about posture - while posture commonly improves after a few lessons this is simply an indirect result of the release of unnecessary tension. Good 'posture' - and by default, freedom from excess tension - is of course a good thing as it provides a foundation of ease and well being in every movement, thus decreasing the chances of developing aches and pains. Frozen shoulder, joint pain, back ache, neck ache, and even headaches can all benefit from the release of unwanted tension, and a easy poise will naturally come along for the ride.
Stress
Our modern life presents us with situations of which our ancestors could never have dreamed. Luckily most of these are not life threatening however as they come with unrelenting frequency, the effect of any stress tends to build over time and become a quiet killer of our happiness, and can even make life a misery.
What is less well-known about stress is that a large part of our stressful feelings are under our own control and can in fact be understood as a reaction to a situation, separate from the cause of the stress. When viewed in this way it becomes possible to minimise the effects of stress and be able to think more clearly and be able to deal with situations as and when they come up in a way that is much more helpful and beneficial for your well-being.
To understand more about stress and how the Alexander Technique can help, check out the essay on Understanding Stress.
Back Pain, Chronic Pain and Injury
Any kind of illness can be a challenge at the best of times: pain, whether chronic or acute, is particularly prone to an increase in unwanted muscle tension. This may be obvious in the local area but what is less well-known is that it will almost always extend to other areas of the body with a resulting increase in the chance of further problems developing. Fear is also often present; there may be worries about being able to work or just the simple fear of the pain which in turn also increases tensions. It is easy to see how all this can lead to a vicious circle and problems become deeply set: the way a person deals with the problem becomes part of the reason the problem continues. The Alexander Technique provides an effective intervention into this predicament.
A short list
Here is an incomplete list of conditions from which people have recovered through use of the Alexander Technique. Bear in mind that further studies and testing needs to be done in order to ascertain the statistical chances of benefit, but numerous case histories indicate a promising outcome.
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Asthma
- Knee trouble
- Surgical recovery
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, M. E.
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Insomnia
- Depression
As the Alexander Technique is helpful for basic foundation emotional states such as stress, it's not surprising that in alleviating that, the whole self has a greater scope for healing from many conditions.
Read on to learn more about the first clinical trial in the Alexander Technique and its effectiveness in minimising the problems of Chronic Back Pain.
