Can the Alexander Technique help asthma?
I have asthma and I’m told the Alexander Technique may help my breathing. How? The Alexander Technique is based on the belief that poor posture and faulty body movements contribute to illness. Practitioners teach you to recognise ‘patterns of misuse’ in your movements – paying attention to how you stand and the alignment of your head, neck and spine – to help you move in a more balanced, relaxed and fluid way. During a lesson you’re asked to stand, sit and walk while the teacher assesses how you move. Adjustments are then made to help you become aware of how you feel when your posture is corrected to optimal. Gentle exercises teach you to move correctly, without stress, using your muscles with minimum effort and maximum efficiency, and expanding the chest fully for better breathing. Early studies done 20 years ago showed the technique can improve breathing, and many actors recommend it for this, but no recent research has been carried out. For information and qualified teachers, visit
