Conscious Coordination
The Alexander Technique with Erin O'Leary
What is the Alexander Technique?
F.M. Alexander discovered & developed a Technique of self-care over a century ago. It is a practice where one learns how to undo excess tension and unnecessary effort, strengthening postural support and improving balance, breathing & movement. It is frequently taught to performers, people with chronic pain often seek it out, athletes looking to refine skill will study it. It can both relax and energize. It improves neuro-muscular connection and many people who take lessons report overall improvement to general well-being, mood & energy levels.
Who can learn it?
If you have a mind & a body, AT can help you gain better awareness of how they work together by improving kinesthetic awareness & balance, while reducing stress response and rigidity. Most often AT is studied by:
performers- for stage presence, performance anxiety, vocal resonance & breath support
musicians- for tone, expression, repetitive stress injury reduction
athletes- golfers, runners, equestrians, swimmers, tennis players
people with chronic pain- back pain, joint stiffness, carpal tunnel syndrome
those with respiratory & vocal issues- athsma, laryngitis
and some mental health issues- insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, depression
Where can I find out more?
General Resources:
American Society for the Alexander Technique
the largest professional association of certified Alexander Technique teachers in the United States
The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique
In the News:
Actors swear by this Mindful Movement practice. Here's how you can benefit from it, too
Huffington Post July 2014
Mayo Clinic: Healthy Living Blog
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Medical Trials:
British Medical Journal (BMJ) controlled trial on Back Pain and Alexander Technique
2008 in-depth study of 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low-back pain
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Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease
2002 study of 93 confirmed Parkinson's patients at the University of Westminster, Central London
Alexander Technique for chronic pain
2012 study at the Pain Clinic at St Michael's Hospital, Bristol UK
Nikolaas Tinbergen's Nobel prize speech (1972), crediting much of his awarded work on the teachings of F.M. Alexander
video summary of 2008 BMJ trial, including participants and doctors.