okenawa

improve body alignment. release unnecessary tensions. improve coordination. develop body awareness.

the alexander technique

the alexander technique is one of the 22 complementary therapy methods recognized by rme (empirical medicine register).

f.m. alexander, 1869-1955, discovered that the human organism is naturally capable of coordinating itself continuously and functioning using the right amount of energy and tension required.

he observed that the interaction between the head and the spine plays a central role in the coordination and functioning of the human being.

a “misuse of oneself” is the origin of various symptoms, often pains that can become chronic.

the central role of the head

the head, as the upper part of the body, plays a key role in regulating posture and movements. when properly aligned, it helps maintain balance and promotes fluidity of movement.

the head can direct without tension, allowing the spine to maintain a natural position and stretch upward. this upward direction is not a physical action of the head, but rather an awareness that leads to a more natural alignment and more stable balance.

the head, by directing the body, influences the positions of the shoulders, pelvis, legs, and feet.

the goal is to listen to the body's signals, to act with awareness and to allow the head to direct posture and movements smoothly and without constraint.

the role of the therapist

the alexander technique is not based on passive treatment, but on active learning where the patient (or student) is led to become aware of their bodily habits and learn to modify them themselves, under the guidance of the therapist.

the stimuli triggered by therapists, through manual contact and/or movements, allow clients to experience familiar movements in a more relaxed and balanced way. thus, they realize how much they tensed up in their old way of moving, limiting their movements and using too much force.

the alexander technique and physical activity

improve body alignment

by becoming aware of how you stand and move, you can correct postural imbalances that can lead to muscle tension, fatigue, or even injuries.

release unnecessary tensions

during physical activity, there is a tendency to contract or freeze during exertion. the alexander technique helps to become aware of superfluous tensions in the body and to release them.

improve coordination and fluidity of movement

the alexander technique develops a fine body awareness and improves movement coordination. rather than forcing a movement or using muscle compensations, the technique teaches to activate muscle chains more coherently and harmoniously.

optimization of muscle effort

the alexander technique helps to identify and release excess tension, thus allowing a more efficient use of muscles. this means that effort becomes less energy-consuming, performance improves and recovery after exercise is facilitated.

development of body awareness in motion

knowing when and how to release muscles during exertion can optimize performance. for example, a stiff neck can limit the shoulders' ability to turn, thus impacting the coordination and mobility of the entire body.