Use the Alexander Technique, Complementary Therapies to Reduce Pain
Whole-body health and fitness isn’t a one-size-fits-all prescription. It’s important for each individual to find the right balance of practices for him or herself. Solutions that complement or are alternative to medications are growing in popularity. If you prefer a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit to painkillers and yoga to mood stabilizers, the Alexander technique may interest you.
What Is the Alexander Technique?
For more than 100 years, the Alexander technique has brought mindfulness to everyday movements. It works to retrain negative movement patterns from the root, promoting healthier methods of functioning. Described as an “active exploration,” it leads to greater balance, coordination, and energy. This method is linked to the body’s ability to heal and cope with stress.
What to Expect in a Class?
Students are welcome to wear anything they feel comfortable in to classes. There’s nothing painful or strenuous about these guided sessions. Generally, the teacher walks pupils through basic movements and then guides each person with verbal and tactile cues about how to eliminate tension and negative patterns from their motions. Lessons usually last 30 to 45 minutes. The organization recommends that new students take multiple classes during the first week to get a better sense of the technique.
What Are the Benefits?
People use the Alexander Technique to address a multitude of issues. One of the most common benefits includes improved posture. For people who spend long hours sitting or standing, this is a useful skill to reduce soreness.
This technique imparts an ability to move and respond to stimulus without tension. Pain is often the result of carrying tension in the body. The Alexander technique allows students to unlearn those habits and therefore reduce pain. This release of tension can also result in lower stress levels. Professional and amateur athletes alike have found this technique to be very helpful. It allows them to feel decreased performance anxiety while promoting accuracy in motion, responsiveness, stamina, strength, and flexibility.
With an increasing number of class locations, see if there’s one nearby. This could be a great addition to your whole-body wellness practice.