Basic Information

The Alexander Technique is an educative method which teaches an individual how to correct the harmful patterns of posture and movement which are causing pain.  The way in which a person moves and performs everyday activities has a profound effect on how s/he feels.  Over the years, most of us tend to accumulate habits which interfere with the way we are designed to be used, that is, with the natural length and poise often observed in young children.  The results can be unfortunate as some tissues become strained and overworked, while others do not contribute the way they should.  Since these habits happen at the subconscious level, we often lose the sense of what correct poise is, making it very difficult to “figure it out” on our own.  An Alexander teacher brings these habits to the concious level in the pupil and offers a correction, showing a pupil how to change the manner in which s/he uses him/herself every day to restore his/her more natural functioning.  

The Alexander Technique works beautifully on its own, but it also works well in combination with other methods of treatment, often complimenting and enhancing results all-around.  It can serve as a useful educative and preventative tool, particularly for those who are interested in doing what they can to help themselves. 

What kinds of difficulties can be helped by the Alexander Technique?  The extent to which any problem is caused or influenced by one’s use is the extent to which the Technique can be effective.  The Technique has helped people in various ways, including back, neck, shoulder, and arm/wrist pain, scoliosis, disc trouble, pinched nerves and sciatica, joint pain, coordination difficulties, body tension, respiratory problems, flat feet, repetitive stress injuries, plus numerous others.  People with occupations which put demands on the body, such as car mechanics, musicians, athletes, or typists, can learn to maximize the ways they take care of their bodies on the job.  Persons recovering from an injury can benefit from lessons by building coordination and preventing new (or old) habits from setting in, thereby minimizing/equalizing pressure on a given place and performing any exercises to maximum benefit.  People have been helped in other ways as well, ones which might not be so easily predicted: headaches, digestion troubles, depression, fatigue, stress, and others too, including situations where nothing else has proven helpful.  This is not to say the Alexander Technique offers a cure, but it does offer another option for individuals to try.  Finally, it is fun to note that a person needn’t be in pain to benefit from Alexander lessons; the increase in skill, dexterity, balance, strength, and coordination which often accompany Alexander lessons has led the Juilliard School of Music, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and the University of Illinois Department of Dance (among others!) to incorporate the Alexander Technique into their programs.    

The Alexander Technique was begun by an Australian actor named Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955).  A respected Shakespearean reciter, he began to suffer loss of voice as he performed.  Not satisfied with medicine’s inability to explain or treat his hoarseness, he endeavored to figure out on his own what he might be doing to interfere with the vocal mechanism.  Over a period of years, he observed himself in a set of mirrors and discovered a pattern of misuse of himself when he went to recite.  He later noticed these same habits when speaking at a normal volume, though less noticeably.  F.M. (as he is often referred to in the Alexander community) worked out a specific set of directions to counteract his faulty tendencies.  He began teaching his corrective method to others, which encompassed both verbal cues and hands-on work.  Eventually he trained others to teach his method, and this is what Alexander teachers offer today! 

For much more information on the Alexander Technique and a complete listing of teachers, please visit the Web site of the American Society for the Alexander Technique, or AmSAT, at www.amsat.ws 
Another helpful website is http://www.alexandertechnique.com/