Frequently Asked Questions

Using the Alexander Technique as a model from which to understand and guide the human musculo-skeletal it becomes clear that certain parts of the body will tense up and malfunction. Directions (or orders) are mental instructions to specific muscles to release from tension and soften and lengthen. The user literally directs the body how it should behave in terms of muscle tone and the direction muscles must encourage the body, as a whole, to travel, namely upwards towards the heavens.

Back to Index

[with object] Hinder, restrain, or prevent (an action or process) 

The conscious prevention of habitual reaction to an external stimulus.

The interaction between mind and body (in human consciousness) renders a necessary awareness of the need to stop all physical activity with regards to the body in order to control it completely. All physical activity at the level of the musculo-skeletal level leads to tension in activity. All activity that is enacted below the level of awareness will be habitual. In order to perform function in a different manner, it will be necessary to tell muscles to stop activating. Only then will muscle perform as we choose. So inhibition is the ability to stop activity, think about how to do something and then fulfill, with choice, our actions. Literally, stop, think and then act.

Back to Index

Many more companies are paying for Alexander Technique, though not all of them. It is worth writing to the health insurance company with your recommendations as they will listen to a doctor or an osteopath who will often recommend the Alexander Technique.

Here is a list of companies that have paid out for Alexander Technique in the past.

Actplan (on GP’s referral)
BAWA
BCWA
Cigna
Ellis Healthcare
Executive Healthcare Ltd
Exeter Friendly Society (on self-referral)
Guardian Health
Healthcare Management
HEALTHSHIELD (through company based scheme)
Hogg-Robinson Healthcare
I.G.I. (on GP’s referral)
Iron Trades Ass. Co
Managed Care Consultants Ltd
Medical Claims Handling
MediCash
Medisure
Motor Insurer’s Bureau
Norwich Union
OHRA
Orion
Prime Health
PruHealth
The Civil Service Med. Aid Assoc. (on self-referral)
The E.C.’s Joint Medical Insurance Scheme
The U.N.’s Medical Insurance Scheme
UAP Provincial Insurance Plc
Universal Providence
UNIQA (Austria)
Van Breda
WPA
Zurich

Back to Index

Typically lessons can vary from 45 to 60 minutes depending on your own personal needs.

Back to Index

On arriving to your lesson you will stand in front of a chair. The teacher will analyse your current posture and the overall condition of your mind and body, as you stand, and as you move through sitting and standing. Using hands on work and vocal guidance, as well as tutoring on the Alexander Technique, we will bring about a much more calm and relaxed experience in the pupil. After about ten minutes you will move to a massage table, where you will receive further work to bring about a much better state than the one you arrived in. We will finish with around ten to fifteen minutes of the chair work. You will leave amazed at the transformation or confused as to what just happened, either way you will be moving towards a life enhancing change, in your posture and in your mind.

Back to Index

The Alexander Technique is a re-education of the relationship we have with our bodies.
When people are tense or stressed there is a physiological reaction-to tighten. This
tightening does not go away of its own accord and undermines our ability to carry out tasks,
daily activities, in a comfortable and satisfactory way. By learning the Alexander Technique
we improve our relationship to our bodies and therefore become better at what we do, but above all we reach
a much better sense of ourselves leading to more happiness and fulfillment in every area of
our lives, without exception.

Back to Index

The cost is Between £30-£55. Discounts are available for courses.

Back to Index