The Alexander Technique

A method of learning how to change long held habitual patterns in the body

Written by Dr. Cynthia Horner

The Alexander Technique has been around since the early 1900’s. It was developed by Fredrick Alexander and Australian actor and reciter.
He began to have problems with his voice that effected his performances. After visiting many doctors his condition continued to get worse. He observed that the way his head was balanced on his spine, and the relationship between his head, neck and spine had a profound effect on the efficient functioning of his body as a whole.

Making changes in the way he thought about his posture and movements and the relationship between his head and body he resolved his problem. From this he formed the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique works on the principle that the mind and body form one complete integrated whole. If we think of ourselves as an integrated whole, we are not just looking at the body, but at thoughts and emotions that create our movement patterns. Movement patterns are the result of habit – the Alexander teacher’s role is to work with the pupil in recognizing habits that are unhelpful, then work toward more appropriate and balanced body use.

Changing long-held habitual patterns of how we use our body when still and in movement is much harder than teaching something new. Habits of our movements develop unconsciously, often in early childhood.

This technique helps to counteract the adverse effects of modern life and stress, working on the relationship of what we do and how we do it. With this technique you learn how to let go of long-held tensions, both mental and physical to allow a greater freedom and ease of movement.

Teachers of the Alexander Technique bring together the mind-body connection in static and moving postures. In a typical session a teacher uses her hands in gently guiding the body and gives verbal explanations and direction in combining thoughts with movements. For some people the change can be dramatic for others more subtle and gradual.

I was introduced to the concepts of the Alexander Technique about 25 years ago. Only in the last few months have I found a teacher here in Greenville. I have personally found great benefits from working with an Alexander trained teacher.

Excepts taken from Alexander Technique A Step-by-Step Guide by Ailsa Mastertson