About The Alexander Technique
The challenges and fast-changing demands of modern life can so occupy our thoughts that we forget about that most important consideration: ourselves.
When the natural subconscious mechanisms for balance and posture are disturbed by habitual misuse or injury the standard of our physical and mental functioning can be adversely affected. However, the appropriate muscular activity for posture is not something we can regain by simply trying harder. It involves 'automatic' reflex responses that, when working well, appear to support the body almost effortlessly.
The Alexander technique aims for the improvement of general health and functioning by stripping away unwanted tension patterns – those habitual patterns which dictate the way we do our everyday activities without our really being aware of them. Many complaints - such as back pain, headache, muscle pain, RSI, asthma, postural defects – are aggravated or caused by poor functioning. Equally commonly, many of us have a sense of impaired vitality day-to-day, without being able to identify where things may have gone wrong.
It comes as a surprise to most of us that the way we do everyday activities can cause harm. The realisation that we ourselves are often the source of our problems can however be empowering: for if we can cause harm through habitual behaviour, then equally we can avoid harm by changing our habits. Avoidance, not doing, is important: Alexander said - If we stop doing the wrong thing, the right thing will do itself.
How The Alexander Technique helps individuals to change their postural habits
The technique can help us to make this change – to stop doing the wrong thing. A teacher will guide you in natural, stress-free, movement and posture. The experience underlines the contrast with normal behaviour, and from this the process of change can start. Once the basics are absorbed, it is for the individual to put the principles of the technique into practice. A few sessions can be sufficient as a grounding: participants in a trial survey publicised recently in The British Medical Journal reported continuing benefits two years after having a course of 6 sessions. Many people experience continuing benefit from additional sessions.
By adopting the principles of the Alexander Technique and by learning to prevent interference with these subtle, complex mechanisms we can significantly restore their effectiveness. Breathing and speaking become easier; movement becomes freer, lighter and more enjoyable.
Who Can Benefit?
The Alexander Technique can add a new dimension of awareness, well-being and creativity to most people's lives. Because it is concerned with the quality of movement the Technique can benefit anybody with the interest to pursue it.
- The Alexander Technique addresses the fundamental causes of back pain, neck and shoulder tension, breathing disorders, stress-related illnesses and general fatigue where misuse and loss of poise are contributory factors
- Sports players and the health conscious learn the Alexander technique to improve coordination, performance and well-being
- Performing artists consider the Alexander Technique an indispensable foundation discipline to their professional skill
As a pupil you learn to appreciate the practical implications of thought and its effect on muscle activity. The teacher's hands encourage a specific quality of muscle tone. Together with words of instruction, this helps to release inappropriate tension and allows the body to become better aligned and balanced.
"Alexander established not only the beginning of a far reaching science of the apparently involuntary movements we call reflexes, but a technique of connection (i.e. integration) and self control which forms a substantial addition to our very slender resources in personal education."
George Bernard Shaw
