What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is an educational process that teaches the student how to deal with unwanted and unnecessary, tension-producing habits that lead to misuse of the body. It allows the individual to identify and understand their movement patterns improve coordination, and develop deeper kinesthetic awareness.
These habits are often the cause of ailments such as excess tension in the neck and shoulders, headaches, back and neck pain, postural issues, vocal problems and repetitive strain injuries. The Technique is taught one to one as each person requires individual attention in this process.
Who can benefit from taking lessons?
Learning the Alexander Technique is a unique and personal study of movement and dynamic posture. Lessons can be useful for anyone who wants to move more efficiently, more mindfully, and with specific intention to rely on the natural structural integrity of the spine. Performers of all types: musicians, public speakers, athletes, and actors seek out Alexander Technique lessons to find more ease, confidence and self-awareness of their movements. Bringing awareness to the quality and intention of movement with AXT lessons may also benefit older adults and seniors.
Movement as a Thought Process
Teachers focus on guiding their students to Observe, Stop, Think, Choose, and Move. The purpose of training is to do away with faulty movement patterns and excess tension by bringing focused attention to the process of movement. Instead of moving mindlessly and relying on passive postures, the Alexander Technique encourages the student to recognize and bring awareness to the patterns they have adopted, so that they may purposely learn (and choose) new patterns of motor control and movement in their day-to-day activities.
Alexander Technique Principles
Improve Posture, Pain, and Quality of Life
Many people mistakenly believe that stiffness, aches, and pains are an inevitable part of aging—something to be accepted rather than addressed. Because we rarely pay attention to how we use our bodies during everyday activities, harmful habits can go unnoticed, leading to misalignment, compression, and pain over time.
By influencing both physical movement and mental awareness, these movement lessons offer an opportunity for lasting change, enhancing emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Our Alexander Technique Teacher
Is Alexander Technique Covered by Insurance?
Instructors in Toronto and worldwide study rigorously for years and follow strict standards of practice and professionalism, but Alexander Technique is not a recognized physical therapy treatment, and so not eligible to coverage under most benefits plans. Lessons may be allowable expenses under some Healthcare Spending Accounts.
Enjoy a Free Lesson After Every Five!
A series of at least 10 sessions is recommended for each student to start to integrate the study into their daily lives. For every 5 sessions attended, you'll receive a free Alexander Technique lesson as a special incentive, as a reminder that the benefits are the greatest for the students who are most committed to regular and ongoing practice.
