The Alexander Technique

A tested self-care approach, the Alexander Technique is something that anybody can learn, no matter what age or ability, in order to relieve the stress and pain that is caused by our daily abuse of our body.

The Alexander Technique teaches you the way to strip away the tension patterns and movement habits that are at the core of your discomfort. It teaches you how to go about balancing your body and take responsibility for your own health. It teaches you how to move, stand and sit with efficiency, safety and ease.

The practitioner of the Alexander Technique, a professional who is trained in expert guidance and the art of observation, will expertly lead you through the learning process with a one-on-one support that is designed for your requirements. After a few sessions, your teacher will assist you in releasing muscular tension and restoring the original poise of your body. As your entire body is addressed, and not just segments, you will learn how to make improvements in your overall functioning.

Famous athletes, musicians and actors have employed this method for more than 100 years to improve performance as well as stage presence. Some of the more famous people who have used the Alexander Technique include Joanne Woodward, Robin Williams, Sting, Mary Steenbergen, Maggie Smith, Lynne Redgrave, Paul Newman, William Hurt, James Earl Jones, Paul McCartney, Jeremy Irons as well as the New York Philharmonic musicians.

How it all began

F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) started off as a Shakespearean actor and toured with a troupe to Tasmania and Australia. His blossoming career was interrupted by chronic hoarseness and while performing he lost his voice. When he could not be helped with any available medical treatment he looked within himself and his own movement for the possible source of the vocal trouble. He observed himself rigorously for nine years and did several experiments and finally managed to find a solution to the problem. He even developed a voice that was rich and full and he discovered primary control.

It’s all about movement

Alexander made the connection between the torso, neck and head and noticed it was vital in controlling function, movement and posture. Habits of movements that are compressive interfere with the way the body functions. Eliciting the primary control helps to restore the postural reflex, which is innate – a dynamic force that is natural and counters gravity and helps the torso to easily glide upward.

Research proves it

Experts in the field of body and mind medicine as well as behavioural science have supported the innovative research done by Alexander. Clinical studies that were carried out show that the technique brings about an improvement in posture and breathing capacity and modifies the response to stress. For those suffering from chronic pain, it is the preferred method for getting long-term relief from pain.