What is the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is a method of self improvement and care. It allows you to change the harmful movement patterns and habits of holding tension that interfere with your ability to move and feel your best. During Alexander Technique lessons you gain awareness of how you are using your body/mind; learn how to stop (inhibit) the harmful habits that cause poor posture, aches and pain, tension and injuries; and learn to direct your self in a manner that restores your body’s natural upright poise, ease of movement and refines your kinesthetic sensitivity.

The Alexander Technique principles of awareness, inhibition and direction become powerful tools for change when applying them to your daily life. You will sit without strain, move without tension or fatigue, heed the signs of physical strain before pain or injury set in, and tap into your body’s natural intelligence.

Why is it called the "Alexander Technique"?

The Alexander Technique is named after Fredrick Matthias Alexander. Born in Australia in1869, Alexander was a Shakespearian actor who developed chronic laryngitis in his early 20’s, which threatened his career. Frustrated by his vocal problems and the advice from doctors, he decided to find a solution himself. He theorized that it was the way he was using his body that caused his troubles, and decided to put his theory to the test by observing himself in a mirror as he spoke. Alexander quickly saw a connection between how used his body as he moved and spoke, the feeling he experienced, and the ingrained habits that seemed to be at the root of his problem. This led him into a lengthy process of self-exploration and experimentation, which culminated in the development of 3 principles; awareness, inhibition and direction. When he applied these principles to how he moved and spoke, he found he had far greater awareness and control of his body. Upon continued application of the three principles, Alexander not only resolved his chronic laryngitis, but his posture, stage presence and other health problems he had experienced since childhood improved as well.

At the request of fellow actors, Alexander began sharing his discovery.  In 1904 he moved to London upon the urging of physicians, who found FM’s technique helped people from all walks of life to improve their health and wellbeing. His students included many celebrated figures of the day, such as George Bernard Shaw, Aldous Huxley, John Dewey, Lady Winston Churchill, and many well-known actors. Alexander went on to teach his technique in England and the United States and trained others to teach his technique until his death at the age of 86.

Over the past 100 years the Alexander Technique has gained world acclaim as a method for improving and maintaining health. It is taught in 18 countries, with 9 affiliated societies overseeing 3,000 Alexander Technique teachers. The technique is taught at over 40 schools and universities in the United States alone. It is highly sought out by performing artists as a method for managing their many demands both on and off stage. Just a few of the renowned professionals who have studied the Alexander Technique are:

• Julie Andrews, singer/actor

• Paul McCartney, singer/songwriter

• Sting, singer/songwriter

• Madonna, singer/songwriter

• Paul Newman, actor

• Robin Williams, actor

• Annette Bening, actor

• Trisha Brown, dancer

• Roald Dahl, writer

• Bill and Hillary Clinton, politicians

• Moshe Feldenkrais, originator of the Feldenkrais method

• Thomas Hannah, originator of Hannah Somatics

• Frederick Perls, originator of Gestalt Therapy

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How is the Alexander Technique different than Yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais or a Massage?

 

The Alexander Technique is not a set of exercises or poses as in Pilates or Hatha yoga. The Alexander Technique is a method for improving how you move your body during all your daily activities, not just while getting exercise. It uses everyday activities such as sitting, walking, lifting arms and legs, turning your head, etc., as the vehicle for exploring the unhealthy postural and movement habits that hinder your body’s natural coordination.

You will not be massaged or structurally adjusted. Rather, your teacher uses a gentle touch to give you the experience of moving without your associated habits. They will also use verbal instruction to teach you a simple set of principles (awareness, inhibition and direction) that will help you prevent your habits and employ only the necessary amount of effort and muscular activity.

You do not need to take Alexander Technique lessons forever in order to keep experiencing its benefits. Because the Alexander Technique is educationally based, during lessons you learn the skills of awareness, prevention and redirection which allow you to reduce pain and stress, enhance your coordination and balance and improve your overall functioning in daily life. As you become proficient with these skills you will be able to apply them on your own, without the aid of a teacher. You will therefore have powerful tools for self improvement and self care that you can use for as long as you choose.

 

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Who can benefit from the Alexander Technique?

 

Below is a list of people who are helped by the Alexander Technique and the benefits they experience.

Musicians, Singers, Actors and Public Speakers

Dancers, Athletes and Movement Arts

Chronic Pain Suffers

Office Workers and Computer Users

Postural problems

Improve health and wellbeing

Everyone

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Musicians, Singers, Actors and Public Speakers:

• Brings about the most efficient coordination for a required movement.

• Improves awareness of how the whole body is working in relation to   the music and instrument.

• Helps to tone the neck, back and arm muscles which alleviate stiffness.

• Improves respiratory function and vocal clarity and resonance.

• Focuses on attending to the task at hand rather than the end result

• Teaches effective practicing techniques including when/how to take breaks.

• Deepens connection between self and voice or instrument.

• Intensifies stage presence by improving body awareness and posture.

• Enhances mental clarity allowing performer to better engage with audience.

• Refines sense of movement and so aids in character roles.

• Teaches how to not react to feelings of nervousness, as well as calming techniques.

 

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Music

Singing

Acting

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Dancers, Athletes and Movement Arts (Martial Arts, Yoga, etc.):

• Reduces excess tension which impedes flexibility, range of motion and balance.

• Teaches how to utilize only the muscles necessary for a specific movement.

• Improves awareness of how the whole body is working together.

• Remedies postural abnormalities thereby improving alignment.

• Improves respiratory function and stamina.

• Improves coordination of head, neck and back which improves balance.

• Teaches how to not use body in a way which imposes unnecessary stresses on joints or other tissue.

• Refines kinesthetic sensitivity which allows for greater control.

• Teaches how to direct the body spatially which improves balance and control.

• Teaches how to not react to feelings of nervousness, as well as calming techniques.

• Enhances mental clarity allowing performer/athlete to more engage in their performance.

 

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Dance

Yoga

Martial Arts

Sports

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Chronic Pain Suffers:

• Releases muscular tension that triggers and/or magnifies pain.

• Teaches efficient body mechanics in everyday activities which reduces strain and stress on body.

• Reduces stress/fear response to pain.

• Improves coordination of head, neck and back which gives greater postural support.

• Teaches self care.

 

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Pain

Back Pain

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Office Workers and Computer Users:

• Improves sitting posture which decreases strain on neck, back and shoulders.

• Helps to tone the neck, back and arm muscles which alleviate stiffness.

• Changes movement habits that cause strain.

• Teaches the appropriate amount of effort required for typing and mousing.

• Enhances sensory awareness and sensitivity so that you can self correct poor posture sooner.

• Allows you to be more tuned into body while involved in an activity.

• Teaches self care and ways of resting the back.

• Focuses on attending to the task at hand rather than the end result.

• Improves spatial awareness which helps to keep the body open and expanding.

• Teaches methods for calming the nervous system so that stressors can be handled easier.

 

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Computer Users

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Persons with postural problems (scoliosis, lordosis or poor posture):

• Reduces habits of holding tension that contribute to poor posture.

• Changes unhealthy movement habits that cause strain.

• Improves sensory awareness.

• Helps to tone the neck, back and arm muscles which give greater postural support.

• Improves awareness of how the whole body is working together.

• Reduces excess tension which impedes flexibility.

• Teaches how to utilize only the muscles necessary for a specific movement.

• Teaches how to redirect the body spatially which allows for greater tone and support from muscles.

• Teaches self care methods.

 

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Posture

Improving Posture

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Those wanting to improve overall health and wellbeing:

• Improves coordination which aids in avoiding injury.

• Reduces habits of holding tension.

• Reduces excess tension which impedes circulation.

• Changes unhealthy movement patterns.

• Teaches efficient body mechanics in everyday activities which reduces strain and stress on the body.

• Enhances sensory awareness and sensitivity.

• Allows you to be more tuned into body while involved in an activity.

• Teaches stress reduction and self care methods.

• Reduces secondary effects of having or healing from an injury.

 

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It's application to Medical Rehabilitation

Testimonials from Health Professionals

 

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Others who benefit from learning the Alexander Technique are:

• Aging and Elderly

• Horseback Riders

• Pregnant women

• Body Workers

• Anyone looking to move better and feel better