What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is now well over 100 years old. In that time it has helped many people recover from injury, improve their performance in their chosen area, and learn to live more comfortably and sustainably.
We all develop our own ways of sitting, standing, typing at the computer – our own habitual ways of holding and moving our bodies. Over time we grow into a posture that reflects these habits. Eventually, we may grow into a posture which begins to affect our performance, and even cause discomfort or pain.
The Alexander Technique can teach you to change these unhelpful and probably unnoticed habits. Over time you can grow into a healthy posture with enough space for you to be comfortable and function well.
Growing up
If we tend to slump, for example, we grow into a shortened posture where there is less space for our bodies to operate in. There is less volume for our lungs to expand into, and less height for our spines to occupy. Or if we habitually overtense our arms and shoulders, for example, the related muscles are constantly overworked and shortened.
The Alexander Technique does not treat specific conditions but rather teaches people to use their bodies in a better and more effective way. Rather than growing into a posture which reflects our old, unconsidered habits, we can gradually grow into a healthier posture by using ourselves in a considered and efficient way. Our bodies will function better which leads to better health, and we can perform better which leads to more pleasure in our daily activities.
The best way of learning the technique is with a teacher, as lessons are hands-on and personalised.
How did Alexander Technique begin?
The Technique was developed by F.M. Alexander. Born in Tasmania in 1869, he was an actor who developed voice problems while working in Melbourne in the 1890s. After having no success with the standard treatments of the day, he set about tackling the problem for himself. The technique came out of his discoveries while solving these problems.