The Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is an educational method for changing long-standing habits of tension.

Practised for in excess of 125 years, the Alexander Technique is a complementary healthcare method effective for back pain, neck pain and Parkinson’s disease.  

The Alexander Technique is an educational method for changing long-standing habits of tension. Research suggests it results in improved movement, balance and overall wellbeing, and findings from three randomised controlled trials show long-term benefits for people with back pain, neck pain and those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Through the Alexander Technique, people learn to recognise and change harmful postural habits. Sessions include simple activities such as standing and sitting lying down or walking and more complex activities such as learning a musical instrument or sports.

But how does it work? 

A scientific model of the Alexander Technique - published in the peer-reviewed journal Kinesiology Review - proposes that changes to postural tone and body schema underlie many of the reported benefits of the Alexander Technique. This model has been animated by science animation experts SciAni, and can be viewed here:- 

The FM Alexander Trust, which commissioned the video animation, raises public awareness and understanding of the Alexander Technique. 

"This short animation introduces some of the latest scientific research into the Alexander Technique in a clear way, and is a valuable resource for professionals working in healthcare, education and for the general public," said Kamal Thapen, Chair of the FM Alexander Trust.

The FM Alexander Trust also hosts a large library of other videos concerning the Alexander Technique which can be accessed online for no cost. These videos give a unique insight into the history and practice of the Alexander Technique.

The animated video is based on the following research paper: ‘Potential Mechanisms of the Alexander Technique: Toward a Comprehensive Neurophysiological Model’ by Timothy W. Cacciatore, Patrick M. Johnson, and Rajal G. Cohen, published in Kinesiology Review 9 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2020-0026.

The website for the FM Alexander Trust is https://alexandertrust.org.uk.