Alexander Technique for Depression, Stress

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

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Some claim the Alexander Technique can treat depression, stress and chronic pain, but there's little scientific evidence that the Alexander Technique is effective.

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

Background

The Alexander technique is an educational program that aims to change habitual patterns of movement and posture that are thought to be harmful. Teachers of the Alexander technique guide clients ("students") through various movements using verbal directions and light touch. The goal of these sessions can be to improve coordination and balance, reduce tension, relieve pain, decrease fatigue, improve various medical conditions or promote well-being. Students are encouraged to use what they learn in everyday life. Actors, dancers and athletes use the Alexander technique to improve performance.

F.M. Alexander, an Australian-English actor, developed the Alexander technique. He believed that poor head and neck posture was the cause of his recurrent voice loss. He suggested that people be trained to alter harmful movement patterns and positions.

In 1964, the American Center for the Alexander Technique was founded to provide teaching certification. The certification process generally involves 1,600 hours of training over three years in an approved program. The North American Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique was established in 1987 to educate the public and to maintain standards for certification of teachers and training courses in the United States. The Alexander technique is taught at wellness centers, through health education programs and by individual teachers.

Theory

Basic beliefs underlying the Alexander technique are that musculoskeletal movements and relationships can directly affect other aspects of health or function and that beneficial movement patterns can be reinforced through repetition. The position of the head and spine is thought to be important in this approach. Many physiologists and behavioral scientists are advocates of musculoskeletal techniques similar to the Alexander technique, although there are few scientific studies of the Alexander technique specifically.

Evidence

Scientists have studied the Alexander technique for the following health problems:

Lung function
A small amount of research reports improved lung function in musicians using the Alexander technique, although these studies are poorly designed and results are mixed. Better evidence is necessary to make any conclusion.

Balance
A small amount of research reports that lessons in the Alexander technique may improve balance in people older than 65 years. However, better-quality evidence is needed before a clear conclusion can be reached.

Temporomandibular joint chronic pain
Evidence is limited, and no firm conclusion can be drawn based on scientific research.

Back pain
Evidence is limited, and no firm conclusion can be drawn based on scientific research.

Parkinson's disease
A small amount of research reports that instruction in the Alexander technique may improve fine and gross movements and reduce depression in patients with Parkinson's disease. However, better evidence is necessary before a clear conclusion can be reached.

Posture in children
Evidence is limited, and no firm conclusion can be drawn based on scientific research. The long-term effects of such instruction in children are not known.