What is the Alexander Technique

(and is it right for me?)

MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

 

Although F.M Alexander began his technique in the 1800s, it has taken science quite awhile to catch up with his simple yet magnificent understanding of how postural use greatly affects the human body. Presently, there is much research on applying the Alexander Technique to those suffering with Parkinson’s Disease, back pain, symptoms of old age, etc.

Please click on the link below to read some of the completed studies on the great affects of applying the Alexander Technique to those suffering with pain.

  1. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain
  2. Reductions in co-contraction following neuromuscular re-education in people with knee osteoarthritis
  3. Effects of alexander technique training experience on gait behavior in older adults
  4. For further research please click here.
  5. alexandertechnique.com

Improvements

We already notice, with growing amazement, very striking improvements in such diverse things as high blood pressure, breathing, depth of sleep, overall cheerfulness and mental alertness, resilience against outside pressures, and in such a refined skill as playing a musical instrument. -Professor Nicholas Tinbergen, Nobel Prize winner for Medicine and Physiology

Poor Postural Use

97% of people with back pain could benefit by learning the Alexander Technique - it is only a very small minority of back pain sufferers that require medical intervention such as surgery. -Jack Stern, MD, Neurosurgeon

Alexander Technique and Ergonomics

Ergonomics sitting properly at the computer aThe Alexander Technique and the study of Ergonomics is a natural fit. The Alexander Technique can teach you how to use any seat, take any position, and in fact take any body posture with ease. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to use your office chair effectively? Place your keyboard and computer where it is of easy use to you?

To learn more about the Alexander Technique and Ergonomics, please click on the links below:

  1. The Impact of the Alexander Technique on Improving Posture and Surgical Ergonomics During Minimally Invasive Surgery: Pilot Study
  2. Ergonomics of the self
  3. Applying Ergonomic Principles in the Workplace: How the Alexander Technique can Help
  4. The Alexander Technique in the world of design: posture and the common chair
  5. The Alexander Technique in the world of design: posture and the common chair. Part II: Body-conscious design for chairs, interiors and beyond:

Alexander Technique and Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's and the Alexander Technique
After having the opportunity to work with those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, I can whole-heartedly recommend the Alexander Technique as a necessary tool to help those with PD manage symptoms and participate in their every day life again with more grace and ease of movement. Please click the links below to learn more about the Alexander Technique and the useful tool it has become to those suffering with PD.

“The only therapy recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence (NICE) is the Alexander Technique to help day-to-day movement for people with Parkinson’s.’’ Parkinson’s UK Policy Statement

A randomized controlled trial found that 24 AT lessons reduced PD disability and depression (Stallibrass et al 2002), and benefits were retained at 6 months indicating positive potential for long-term retention. (Stallibrass et al 2005). Participants reported “subjective improvements in balance, posture and walking, as well as increased coping ability and reduced stress.

A study of an AT-based intervention reported improved postural alignment, reduced postural sway, improved torso mobility, and smoother movement during step initiation, likely indicating better movement efficiency (Cohen RG, 2015)

  1. Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
  2. Retention of skills learnt in Alexander technique lessons: 28 people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

The trials, listed above, showed that sufferers receiving Alexander Technique lessons were more likely:

  • to find everyday actions easier ( at best times of day or at worst times of day) and that benefits could be sustained
  • to feel less downhearted
  • to feel more self-confident

The Alexander Technique was shown to:

Alexander Technique and Performance

performing and the alexander technique
F.M. Alexander, himself an actor who struggled with vocal problems, perfected a technique in which actors could better use their body and voice with grace and ease. This enhanced use of the self creates an actor who is more spontaneous, believable, and watchable. In fact, most performers using the technique appear more charismatic and I daresay, more attractive. It is no wonder that conservatories and graduate programs the world over employ the Alexander Technique teachers for their students. Professional performers of all sorts–actors, musicians, and even athletes have used the technique to improve their natural abilities for many years.

See below for some of the famous faces that you may recognize.

To read an excellent book about the Alexander Technique for Actors by Bill Connington: Physical Expression on Stage and Screen: Using the Alexander Technique to Create Unforgettable Performances

“I find The Alexander Technique very helpful in my work. Things happen without you trying. They get to be light and relaxed. You must get an Alexander teacher to show it to you.”–John Cleese, actor

“The Alexander Technique works… I recommend it enthusiastically to anyone who has neck pains or back pain.”–Roald Dahl, writer

BOOK A LESSON

Book a lesson with Lena Hart at Alexander Technique SF Bay Area to start feeling better and be in control of your pain.

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REAL RESULTS

  • Learning Alexander technique with Lena has been pretty life changing. When it felt like other teachers were telling me to hide who I was, Lena embraced everything about my personality. She quickly figured out ways to help me get closer to overcoming my habits. She is a fearless teacher that has your best interests at heart. 

    -Anna, Actress, San Francisco, CA

  • Between the Alexander Method and the teaching talents of Lena my experience has been very educational and a pleasurable experience. 

    -James, Retiree, Brentwood, CA

  • The Alexander Technique for me has been a way for me to help myself to improve the health of my body and the way I move.  My main issues have been my back and neck and I have become more aware of the poor positions I put myself into that cause many of my problems.  The Alexander Technique has giving me a method that enables me to help myself.     The other important factor is the person who can teach you this method and Lena Hart is an excellent instructor.   She is very comfortable which allows you to be very relaxed.  Lena teaches you in small sections to make it easier to understand.  She is also great about getting to know your individual issues and designing the program to fit your needs.

    -Amanda, Actress, San Francisco, CA

  • I first met Lena in the AT teacher training course, and we spent 2 years (of the 3 year training course) learning and practicing the technique together.  Lena was such a delight to work together and generous to share her knowledge and skills with fellow trainees.  And that quality continues in her work.  She is insightful with a keen observation and guides you into a balanced state with her expert hands-on skills.  

    -Ann Koo, Certified Teacher the Alexander Technique, AmSAT

  • Lena is one of the most creative, effective Alexander Technique teachers. It’s easy to learn from Lena because she will make you feel comfortable from the start. She’ll help you release habits that are causing you to breathe, move and respond to stressors in a self-sabotaging way.

 As colleagues, we exchange ideas and discuss how we (as teachers) can be more effective. I’m consistently impressed by Lena’s commitment to her students.
Recently she has begun working with people who have Parkinson’s...she has a deep understanding of how to work with habits and can teach you skills so that you can coach yourself to feel better. I’ve also observed Lena teaching at her acting class at university. The students responded immediately to her open, engaging way of teaching. By the end of ONE class, the students’ performances had improved substantially and were much more believable.

 Whether you are in pain or interested in improving your performance, I highly recommend Lena Hart.



    Jessica Santascoy, M.A.
New York, NY
Certified Teacher the Alexander Technique, AmSAT
Board Member, AmSAT

  • I have only managed to have a few sessions with Lena since I live on the east coast, but I was impressed with how quickly she could diagnose my limitations with walking down stairs after knee replacement surgery. Almost as quickly she taught me strategies and gave me mental visuals to help me walk down the stairs much more easily and effectively without favoring my other side. I wish I lived closer as she helped my posture and made movements feel simpler and lighter. She has a gentle, inviting manner which belies her expertise and proficiency in helping one to function more effectively and with less effort. I highly recommend taking advantage of her great skills if you live in the Bay area.

    - Ellen Whitten, Aerobics Instructor

  • Working with Lena Hart is an absolute blessing. When recommending students to take her class, my main pitch is that she is a wizard. I say that because when meeting Lena, I was a stiff, ex football player. I was never connected to my body and I didn’t know all the physical things I was capable of. I was such an non believer in the Alexander Technique, up until the the day I had my first private session with Lena. Relaxing my neck and being physically free has changed my life forever. I always repeat her words when doing a scene, “It’s easy, let it be easy.” Thank you Lena for everything!

    —Zaya Kolia, Actor

  • Lena has helped me so much in my pursuit to honing my craft as an actor and in life. Myself being a very physical person, Alexander Technique was just what I needed. As I continued to train with her, I found myself using Alexander in my everyday life as well--while exercising, walking/running, even while reading. I find though, where she truly shines, is in her ability to connect with others. She has an extraordinary ability to really understand other people. Which I find is really lost in society today.

    - Leffié

  • Having been diagnosed with spinal stenosis and bulging disks I was desperate for relief from my intense pain. It was at this point that I was fortunate to have discovered the Alexander Technique and doubly blessed to be paired with Lena Hart. An extraordinarily skilled practitioner, Lena offers a gentle touch, combined with personal warmth, humor and wisdom, along with a heaping dose of support and encouragement. I highly recommend her to anyone experiencing physical discomfort. Lena, you are the Best!

    -Ron, retiree