The Alexander Technique is an awareness-building study based in movement.
In this work, one becomes aware of and un-learns habitual movements that may be causing stress, pain or difficulty. Through gentle, mindful movement, neuromuscular pathways are re-patterned for easier, more efficient overall use. This process can clear the way for optimal performance in movement and many other areas of one’s life. The AT can be taught in group or private settings, and can be most beneficial when practiced one-on-one in a private, hands-on lesson.
This work supports:
Improved balance, coordination, mobility and body posture
Recovering from injury / pain management
Efficiency in movement to prevent injury
Three dimensional breathing
Embodied presence and flow
Discovering and undoing habitual movement patterns
Reduction of stress and tension for overall improved functioning
Refinement of one’s craft through movement
Resources
Some scientific research supporting the Alexander Technique:
Want to learn more?
Body Learning
Michael J. Gelb
Michael J. Gelb reveals the methods behind Frederick Matthias Alexander’s groundbreaking health exercise regimen in Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique.
The Alexander Technique is now recognized the world over as the most revolutionary and far-reaching method developed for maintaining the health and efficiency of the body. Essentially a type of therapy that aims to treat and prevent a range of disorders through a system of postural changes, the Technique stresses the importance of reeducating the muscular system as a means to achieve physical and mental well-being. By unlearning common bad postural habits and ways of using the body, people can alleviate tension, fatigue, back pain, neck stiffness, asthma, headaches, depression, and many other ailments.
The Use of the Self
F.M. Alexander
The world famous classic by the originator of the Alexander Technique, with a new perspective by Anthony Kingsley.
Frederick Matthias Alexander was born in Tasmania in 1869. In his twenties, he became a professional reciter of dramatic pieces. After almost completely losing his voice he pioneered a method of improving the 'use' of his body musculature in all positions and movements and cured his vocal problems without medical aid.
Alexander then realised that most people stood, sat and moved in a defective manner and that incorrect 'use of the self' might be the cause of much human suffering. He moved to London and established a school, publishing several books and achieving success, with recommendations from famous contemporaries such as Aldous Huxley and Sir Stafford Cripps. Alexander died in 1955 but his 'principle' lives on through the work of many teachers of his method.