The Alexander Technique can be beneficial to people in many circumstances.  Many become students of the technique to learn about themselves and to discover how to stop interfering with their functioning.  Others, experiencing pain, come to reduce the tension resulting from the pain as well as the tension causing the pain.  Athletes, musicians, dancers, actors and artists come to increase their body awareness/mindfulness in order to enjoy a richer experience around their activity.  Some come to the technique to improve their overall posture in life by learning how to allow the natural reflexive system to become more active and assist in movement.

Overall the Alexander Technique can benefit all who are interested in learning about themselves, willing to recognize their own habits and courageous enough to change.  The technique can work in many ways; undoing habits that cause heaviness or pain, improving overall movement in activity (from an ordinary activity such as walking to a specialized activity such as playing a musical instrument), increasing awareness/mindfulness in life, and improving the natural reflexive system in all movement.

How can you discover if the Alexander Technique could benefit you?  Having a lesson with a qualified teacher that you like may be the best way to answer that question.  I recommend meeting with more than one Alexander Technique teacher.  By doing this, you can truly choose your  teacher, the one who is best for you.  A listing of qualified teachers can be found at the website of Alexander Technique International.

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For the first time in my life, thanks to Aila, I am using my body properly and that, along with her hands on work and gentle at home excercises, has allowed me to return to work. I have minimal pain from my herniated disc and have found the Alexander technique much better than traditional physical therapy.

–Whit Whitfield
Mid-Virginia Home Inspection

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