If you think the only way to feel better physically and mentally is to go through the pain barrier, think again.  With no vigorous exercise or bouncing around the gym , no equipment or special clothing, the Alexander Technique sounds too easy to be of any value.  But practising the technique has led me to be more calm and relaxed reducing pain and stiffness caused by the wrong sort of tension.  I no longer wake with my teeth clenched! All the people I have met who regularly practice the technique have a certain stillness about them, no bad thing in this hectic world.Used by all kinds of people from executives to actors, this gentle technique would not be still in use more than 100 years after Alexander developed his ideas if it were not effective!

I have been practising the AT since the age of 24 years and I am now 40 years old. I began going to a teacher in London after I had had a spinal discectomy and was in a lot of pain and feeling very fed up about it all. From the minute I had my first lesson things improved and I have never stopped having lessons and trying to practice it in my daily activities.  I found it to be extremely useful whilst pregnant and especially when giving birth - I have had 4 children and all without any pain relief. I cannot recommend it enough and not just for back pain!