the science behind the technique

Simply stated, the science behind the Alexander Technique is that people use the wrong muscle fibre to do ordinary tasks. As a result, they end up tiring, compressing themselves and carrying unnecessary tension which makes movement more difficult. The change process involves re-education, the aim of which is greater self awareness and the establishment of an experiential mind/body unity.

In recent years, the number of medical and scientific studies of the technique has grown rapidly. A comprehensive series of studies of the underlying physiological mechanisms of the technique was conducted by Dr. David Garlick of the University of New South Wales. These may be found in "The Lost Sixth Sense - A Medical Scientist looks at the Alexander Technique", School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, 1990.

Information about other recent studies can be found at:

Enhanced respiratory muscular function without exercises

Physical Therapy and the Alexander Technique Homepage

The Alexander Technique: An innovative approach to reducing physical tension and stress

Functional Reach Improvement in Normal Older Women After Alexander Technique Instruction