How it works

The Alexander Technique is a way of learning to move mindfully through life.

A common question raised by many, is how does The Alexander Technique work? The Alexander process shines a light on inefficient movement habits and patterns of accumulated tensions that interfere with our innate ability to move easily and in harmony with our physical design.

 

It’s a simple yet powerful approach that offers the opportunity to take charge of your learning and healing process. It’s not a series of passive treatments but an active exploration that changes how one thinks and responds in movement. It produces a skill set that can be applied in every situation, and lessons leave you feeling lighter, freer, and more grounded. New productive habits start to be ingrained as the body cottons on to the newly found freedoms and these become vitally important in maintaining your health as the years roll by.

How does The Alexander Technique work in daily life?

The Alexander Technique can be applied to yourself in all waking hours activities eg: breathing, sitting, standing, walking, bending etc. Naturally, any performing arts, sports and pastimes that you engage in also can benefit from your newly found skills. You can discover a new balance in your body and mind that benefits everything that you do.

Consequently, you may well start to have better quality sleep as well, as your body starts to become more into balance.

You can find further reading and learning of The Alexander Technique below and on the Benefits page.

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The history behind the Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique was developed in the 1890s by Frederick Matthias Alexander, born in Tasmania in 1869.

Alexander’s promising career as a young actor was threatened by recurring vocal problems. He sought the help of doctors, but to no avail. Since there was no clear medical cause for his problem, Alexander thought he might be doing something wrong when reciting, leading him to strain or ”misuse” his vocal organs.

He observed himself in mirrors and noticed that he stiffened his neck, pulled his head back and down and depressed his larynx. This went with an audible gasping for air as he opened his mouth to speak. This seemed to be the root of his problem.

It gradually became clear to him that this was part of a bigger pattern of tension involving the whole of his body. This tension pattern manifested itself at the mere thought of reciting.

Alexander spent several years working out a way to change this habitual reaction and learn how to prevent this harmful misuse pattern, thereby improving his health and functioning in general.

As he improved his vocal use, breathing and stage presence, other people started coming to him for help. From about 1894 onward, he started teaching his discoveries in Melbourne, and later in Sydney, until teaching became his main occupation.

A number of doctors referred patients to him. In 1904 he brought his Technique to London, with letters of recommendation from JW Steward MacKay, an eminent surgeon in Sidney.

He established a thriving practice in London, published four books and from the 1930s trained about 80 teachers in his Technique; famous clients included Aldous Huxley and George Bernard Shaw. He never returned to his native Tasmania and continued to teach right up to his death in London in 1955.

 

Videos about The Alexander Technique


Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending

Flow, balance and ease

Alexander Technique - An introduction

A tectnique for singers

If you are interested in booking a place on the 12 week Initial Exploration course, get in touch.

Call: 07786 858950 or Email: info@alexandertechniquefurness.co.uk