The Alexander technique: its application in midwifery and the results of preliminary research into Parkinson's.

This article outlines the origins and theory of the Alexander Technique and how it is learnt. Recent research is listed and a description given of main presenting symptoms and medical problems of pupils coming for lessons. The paper also describes how the Alexander Technique is used by women in pregnancy and childbirth and explains why it is beneficial. The final section describes Parkinson's research results, mainly from a preliminary study designed some years ago to test a methodology for a randomized controlled trial.