What Is Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a method that throws the spotlight on unnecessary tension in all activities of life. So many people are unaware of bad habits they have developed in the way they use themselves. This leads to all sorts of psycho-physical pains.
The Technique amplifies our awareness of how we react (mind/body) to everyday situations as well as challenging moments in our lives. By noticing those mind/body reactions or bad habits to a variety of situations that we experience, we then, after a few sessions, start noticing the interference of these bad habits by preventing them to interfere with our use: shortness of breath, tight shoulders, painful lower back, permanent tiredness, quick fits of temperament, accelerated heart beat to name a few.
Alexander suffered from constant hoarseness followed by periods when he lost his voice in the beginning of his career as an actor. He searched for medical help numerous times, but the problem persisted. Increasingly unhappy with the lack of progress from the medical field, he finally decided to use his own observations and knowledge to solve his problem.
He discovered, through years of self-experimentation on stage as well as his daily life, that his condition depended exclusively on the right balance of his neuromuscular system. He began applying his method on other people, and soon he had many people interested in having Alexander sessions with him, including celebrities.
In 1904, Alexander arrived in London where his reputation grew rapidly. He worked with many famous people, including George Bernard Shaw, Aldous Huxley and many doctors who recognised the scientific principles of the Technique. In 1931, he created the first school of Alexander Teachers in London, where he worked until the end of his days (1955).
Today, several actors and artists continue to use his method including Hugh Jackman, Dame Judi Dench, Jeremy Irons, Sir Paul McCartney, Christopher Reeves, Paul Newman, and Sting to name but a few.
What We Can Learn
We can all learn how to deal with unhealthy habits that limit our freedom within ourselves; allowing more ease, a state of balance in our daily activities, and an increasing vitality and wellbeing. For that to happen, we start by experiencing that we do not have a body separated from a mind. Everything we do in our daily lives is translated into mental and physical, not separately, but as a whole. Everything… even the simple act of “thinking” as not only a mental element, but also a physical one.
During a session, through the Teacher’s hands-on guidance and verbal instructions, we learn how to stop those habitual patterns of reactions that lead us to all sorts of pains, stresses and emotional disturbances. We can explore what we do to ourselves and change the habits that are harmful, allowing us to live our lives with better quality. This simple and subtle change in the way you use yourself can bring profound benefits to all parts of your life.
Benefits
The Alexander Technique is taught at most music and drama schools, as well as many large corporations, as it is famous for its ability to help with the following:
- neck and shoulder problems including migraines and RSI
- poise, posture and general self-awareness
- pain associated with an old injury
- stress and tension
- breathing and voice problems
- Self-confidence
- greater ease and movement in walking, running & swimming
- balance and coordination
Please find more information in the FAQs section.
