The Alexander Technique is based on the work of Australian F.M. Alexander (1860-1955) who discovered important principles relating to human movement and how it relates to our wellbeing. He was an early proponent of the connection between body, mind and emotions. His technique was developed mostly the U.K. with much success. In 1904 he set up a training course and since them thousands of teachers have been trained and are practising in various countries worldwide.

Alexander recognised that we are designed to be effortlessly upright and to move with ease and flexibility. However, as Alexander observed “ Man has been and still is unable to adapt himself quickly enough to the increasingly rapid changes involved in that plan of life which we call civilization". With the stresses of modern-day living, we have lost a lot of our 6th sense - our reliable kinaesthetic (body awareness) sense of how we "use" ourself in everyday functional activities such as standing, sitting, walking, bending, lifting. Let alone in perhaps more challenging situations like working in a stressful job, interacting in difficult relationships, looking after children or performing in competitive situations such as at school, in theatre arts, as a muscian or in sports.

This "misuse" of ourselves affects us physically, mentally and emotionally and manifests in symptoms of pain, fatigue and stress. Important functions such as breathing, circulation and digestion may also become restricted, resulting in generally lowered level of health.

The Alexander Technique teaches us how to observe our habits, release unnecessary mental emotional and physical tensions and how to re-direct our mind and body to move, function and respond more efficiently and naturally in all areas of our life.

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1. Those who suffer from back pain, neck and shoulder tension, stiffness in the joints, poor posture, breathing problems, and arthritis.

2. Those who have problems generated by the work they do, such as poor posture or repetitive strain injury, e.g. dentists, tradesman, computer operators, carers of the sick, elderly and children, gardeners, actors, singers, dancers, musicians and sportspersons. People who rely heavily on their bodies functioning well.

3. Those wanting to change mental and emotional habits that affect their communications and relationships with themself and others.

4. Those who have not identified a particular problem but have heard about the benefits of the Alexander Technique and want to "take care" of themselves rather than wait until problems occur.

Usually in private lessons which vary in length from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The number and frequency depends on your needs and aims. Your Alexander teacher works with you verbally as well as with gentle hands-on guidance to release unnecessary habitual tension and then to re-direct your mind and body into more functional patterns of ease and efficiency. With time and growing awareness you will be able to make these changes for yourself in your everyday activities. Lessons are conducted fully clothed and usually involve passive lying down as well as moving through some everyday activities such as sitting, standing walking and bending. Specific requirements such as voice and other functional activities are dealt with on request. Alexander Technique teachers study for 3 years full-time before being accredited. The Australian Society for Alexander Technique teachers is called AUSTAT - Ph: +61 1800 339 571.

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