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 the Alexander Technique benefit?

 

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