The posture and movements of small children are a joy to watch. But as we start to grow older and tense ourselves in reaction to life's worries and concerns, our posture deteriorates, often quite seriously. Our shoulders may become hunched, our necks stiff, and we sit either slumped or holding ourselves in a rigid upright position.

We have a series of reflexes throughout the body that support us against the force of gravity and naturally co-ordinates our movements. Inappropriate muscular tension creates an interference with these reflexes and the result is that many of us move in ways that are awkward and inefficient. This can give rise to a wide range of common ailments such as arthritis, neck and back pain, migraine and sciatica.

Many of our postural problems can be traced to over-tensed neck muscles that interfere with the free movement of the head in relationship to the spine. If this freedom is not present it will be impossible to obtain any lasting ease elsewhere in the body. This freedom of movement requires that the head balance lightly on the top of the spine. This in turn allows all the other mechanisms and reflexes throughout our body to work as nature intended - our spine becomes longer, our neck becomes freer and all our joints and muscles function with a minimum of excess tension.

The Alexander Technique is taught using both verbal instructions and the physical guidance of the teacher's hands. It is most often taught in private lessons, although some teachers also work with groups of students. There is no manipulation and no need to remove your clothing. The teacher will help you discover new ways of sitting, standing, breathing and moving that put less pressure on your body and allow you to perform all your daily activities with greater ease and efficiency. Many students experience a general sensation of lightness throughout their bodies and describe the sensation as "walking on air" or moving with no effort.

Although the Alexander Technique is far reaching in its effects, it is at the same time a common sense process that can be understood by anyone. The Technique is not a 'quick fix' and the process does take time - the only requirements are patience, and a willingness to learn about yourself.

Richard Brennan is a teacher of the Alexander Technique living in Galway Ireland.  He is the Director of the first Alexander Technique teaching college in Ireland and has written four popular books on the Technique, including The Alexander Technique Manual which is available from The Posture Bookstore and The Posture Bookshop (see below).Email: Email: richardkbrennan@eircom.net