How do the medical and scientific communities view the Technique?

The Alexander Technique cannot in any way be considered a medical treatment. It is neither a therapy nor a manipulation, but simply, an educational method concerned with improving movement, balance and postural habits. It has, however, gained support from various practitioners from the healing arts field, as well as some noted scientists. A few quotes:

“The Alexander Technique remains the best of the self-care strategies to prevent the sequel of poor posture and poor breathing.”
Harold Wise, MD, PC

“The Alexander Technique stresses unification in an era of greater and greater medical specialization. Its educational system teaches people how to best use their bodies in ordinary action to avoid or reduce unnecessary stress and pain. It enables clients to get better faster and stay better longer. This is undoubtedly the best way to take care of the back and alleviate back pain.”
Jack Stern, MD, PhD
Neurosurgical Group of Westchester
White Plains, NY

“ I found the Technique to be so beneficial in my condition that I have been referring patients in certain situations for Alexander lessons over the last several years.”
Howard L. Rosner, MD
Director, Pain Mnagement Service
The New York Hospital-Bornell Medical Cernter
New York, New York

“This story of perceptiveness, intelligence, and persistence, shown by a man without medical training, is one of the true epics of medical research and practice.”
Nikolaas Tinbergen
Winner of the Nobel Prize
For Physiology and Medicine, 1973.
This quote is from his acceptance speech, which he dedicated to F.M. Alexander

Such notable neuroscientists as Joseph LeDoux and Lucy Brown also favorably acknowledge the Alexander Technique.

Recently the British Medical Journal published the results of a formal scientific study examining the efficacy of the Alexander Technique in helping people to manage back pain. Click here for more info.

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