The AEQ method can be compared to other similar therapies, such as, physical therapy, massage therapy, surgery, stretching, acupuncture and drug therapy.

The fundamental difference is the technique of pendiculation or learning to consciously lengthen and shorten muscles. With the help of this technique we can influence our brain and thus regain conscious control over our muscles and their length. We relearn how it feels if our muscles are naturally tensed up, which leads to relief and increases our mobility, balance and coordination.

The AEQ method is performed through active therapy instead of passive. It’s based on bettering our senses and with that, control over muscles and conscious movement.

Physical therapy, massages, acupuncture and other methods can only temporarily ease the pain, because the movement is led by the therapist while we are only passively participating. Therefore, there is extremely little learning from these methods for anyone who would like to use them.

The AEQ method focuses on muscular contraction patterns around the entire body and not only in the painful area. Therapy is undertaken with the awareness that tightness on the periphery of the body (hips, knees, feet, elbows, wrists, neck) can be the result of tightness in the center of the body (torso).

Subconsciously tense muscles can be relaxed in the long run only with our active participation. Our brains are the ones that control the muscular activity so the best way for long term pain removal is actively changing our sensory-motor system through learning.

The AEQ method® is an education program with which we acquire specific knowledge that improves our self-awareness and self-control. With the help of this knowledge, we can achieve a long-term pain-free state and greater mobility, balance and coordination.

Aleš Ernst, author of the AEQ method and AEQ breathing