The Alexander Technique Help

The Alexander Technique, pioneered by F. Matthias Alexander in the late 1800s, relieves tension by encouraging efficient body movements and eliminating bad habits. It is not exercise. It is a non-invasive, guided technique that focuses on body awareness, posture and natural movement while enhancing the “mind-body connection,” according to the master himself in, “The Alexander Technique,” edited by Edward Maisel.

History

F. Matthias Alexander developed his technique in response to a recurring problem he had on the stage. Alexander, a Shakespearean actor, found that he was losing his voice near the end of performances, and the proscribed rest his doctors advised did little to alleviate the symptom. This led him to assume he must be doing something wrong himself that could be corrected.

He observed himself in the mirror while reciting and noticed his habit of pulling back his head, which constricted the larynx. This formed the basis of his understanding of the head and neck relationship which he termed the “primary control,” according to his writings.

Development

Around the turn of the century, Alexander began teaching his techniques of body awareness around Europe and in the United States. He developed a following among stage actors, businessmen and musicians. His devotees included writers Aldous Huxley and George Bernard Shaw.

While Alexander developed his teachings as a model and not a therapy, he did notice that his clients who had previously suffered from chronic pain of various types saw improvement after implementing his techniques. He continued to teach in the United States until his death in 1955.

Applications

The technique is widely applied to training in the performing arts, including acting, music and dance, but it is also pursued by athletes as a way to improve balance and coordination. The Alexander technique has been further developed as a therapy for people with limited mobility, chronic pain patients and even to help to cure stuttering. The UK National Health Service approves of the use of the Alexander Technique as a complementary treatment for back pain

Process

The Alexander Technique is a guided approach conducted with an instructor who uses verbal and physical input to help the patient understand and eliminate bad habits. Certified practitioners observe the patient’s movements at rest and in motion to craft an individualized course based on specific needs. The focus is on posture, coordination and musculoskeletal movement. While the instructor makes contact with the patient to encourage certain movements and discourage others, the technique is not overt manipulation of the body but a teaching tool designed to help the patient implement the suggestions in self-guided awareness over the long term.

Studies

The most prominent study of the Alexander Technique was conducted by Paul Little, et al, and published in the August 2008 edition of the British Medical Journal. A randomized, double-blind trial determined that long-term benefits of the Alexander Technique on chronic back pain exceeded those for groups undergoing massage therapy, proscribed exercises and acupressure. Six sessions of the Alexander Technique combined with proscribed exercise showed prolonged benefit equal to 24 sessions of Alexander Technique exclusively.