Definition Of Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a method of mind/body integration that helps you improve your movement and break habits that cause unintentional stress in your body. Developed in 1890 by F. Matthias Alexander, the technique focuses on the body and mind as a singular entity, and helps retrain how you think about your breathing, movement and posture. The Alexander Technique, originally thought of as only a tool for musicians and actors, has many additional positive health benefits, including relief from pain and tension.

History

According to the Alexander Technique Center, F. M. Alexander was an actor who suffered from chronic bronchitis. When doctors could not help, Alexander began to focus on how he was holding tension in his body and neck. By mentally retraining his movement, he was able to alleviate his symptoms. For the next 35 years, Alexander worked with singers and actors, focusing on how breathing affected performance, calling it "respiratory re-education." Students found the method alleviated respiratory and physical ailments as well, and soon doctors began using Alexander's techniques on their patients.

Benefits

As well as improving vocal, acting, and athletic performance, people often study the Alexander Technique to cope with physical pain, including back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and pain from injury. It is also helpful in dealing with stress, posture and respiratory problems. The School for F.M. Alexander Technique also adds that many types of skeletal, muscular, and neurological disorders, like strokes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy, can benefit from studying the Alexander Technique

Private Instruction

Usually, the Alexander Technique is studied in private lessons between you and a certified instructor, who has trained daily for at least a year in the technique. The instructor observes your movements and identifies your tension-creating habits. The instructor then verbally and physically helps you in improving your movement and breathing. The instructor uses a gentle guiding touch; there is no massage or chiropractic component to the Alexander Technique.

Other Instruction

F.M. Alexander believed that personalized instruction was the optimal way to learn his technique. However, you can find introductory group classes and workshops at many schools and health centers. While books and videos are available for self-study, The American Society for the Alexander Technique cautions against working alone due to unconscious nature of habits, suggesting "it takes the trained eyes and hands of a teacher to help you perceive and change your ingrained patterns."

Users

Many colleges and universities incorporate the Alexander Technique into their performing arts curriculum. The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique also lists many famous users including Paul McCartney, Sting, Paul Newman, Jeremy Irons, and George Bernard Shaw.