– What is the Alexander Technique?
– Are Alexander’s theories scientifically valid?
– Who needs the Alexander Technique?
– What can the Alexander Technique accomplish?
– What happens in a lesson?
– Can I learn the Alexander Technique on my own?
– How long does it take to learn the Alexander Technique?
– How is the Alexander Technique taught?
– Will I always need lessons?
– Who was Frederick Mathias Alexander?
– What is the primary control?
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is an educational process that helps the student to identify and change poor and inefficient habits which may be causing stress, fatigue, and other physical ailments. The teacher analyzes the student’s movement patterns in daily life: walking, sitting, bending, reaching, lifting, and guides them with a gentle touch and verbal instruction. The student thus learns to replace poor habits with improved coordination by locating and releasing undue muscular tensions.
Are Alexander’s theories scientifically valid?
Leaders in the field of body/mind medicine and behavioral science have supported Alexander’s innovative research. Clinical studies have shown that the Alexander Technique improves breathing capacity, posture, and modified stress responses. For those who suffer from chronic pain, it is the preferred method for long-term relief. Top
Who needs the Alexander Technique?
Anyone whose posture or body movements are poor or uncomfortable; people who suffer from chronic pain; people whose occupations can cause bad postural habits such as dentists, carpenters, computer operators, mothers; people who must use their bodies with maximum efficiency and ease such as actors, dancers, musicians, singers, athletes; those with physical problems that have been intensified through improper body use resulting in pain and fatigue.
What can the Alexander Technique accomplish?
After a course of lessons the student can improve his or her own postural habits. This generally results in greater ease and freedom of movement and increased energy. In most cases, the Alexander Technique can help alleviate pain that has been caused by postural stress. Top
What happens in a lesson?
Following a complete evaluation of your posture and movements in various daily activities, the instructor will develop a highly personalized course to retrain your body. During each one-on-one session, you will learn more and more about your habitual patterns of thought and movement through a safe and gentle hands-on approach that shows you correct and easier methods that you can practice on your own. At the student’s request, specific activities, including music, fitness, and sports, in which you would like to improve your coordination and performance, can be addressed as well. Just be sure to bring any necessary equipment or instrument.
Each lesson lasts 45 minutes, and you are not required to sign up for a set number of them. In fact, just one lesson will provide you with valuable insights that will prove immediately beneficial.
Can I learn the Alexander Technique on my own?
Habits are unconscious. It takes a highly trained teacher to help you see and change your ingrained patterns. With a gentle, supportive touch, your teacher helps you notice areas of tension and explains precisely how you can release them in your daily life activities.Top
How long does it take to learn the Alexander Technique?
Duration of study depends upon your initial condition and personal goals. To enjoy the full benefits, a recommended course is 30 private sessions, though desired benefits may be achieved in fewer lessons. The ultimate goal of each Alexander Technique lesson is to provide the necessary tools and information that the student will gradually incorporate into his or her everyday life without any further need for one-on-one instruction.
How is the Alexander Technique taught?
Lessons are taught on an individual basis. Group classes and workshops are also available.
Not at all. The goal is to use what you learn in your daily life so you can continue to participate in all the activities you enjoy with renewed energy, comfort, and confidence. Top
Who was Frederick Mathias Alexander?
As a young man, F. M. Alexander (1869-1955) was a Shakespearean actor whose promising career was interrupted by a chronic hoarse voice. Unable to solve his difficulty through current medical treatments, he rigorously examined and experimented with his own body to find the source of the problem. In the process he discovered what he called the primary control. He taught his technique in England and in the United States until his death at the age of 86 in 1955. Among his students were George Bernard Shaw, John Dewey, and Aldous Huxley.
What is the primary control?
Alexander observed that the relationship between the head, neck, and torso is primary in controlling movement and function. This finding arose from his self-investigation in which he discovered that he had a tendency to pull his head back and down while reciting, which he determined was the main cause of his vocal trouble. He also observed that this pulling back of the head was present at the beginning of all activities, causing a contraction in the back and imbalance in the rest of the body. Alexander called the prevention of the pulling back of the head primary control. He noted that comprehensive movement habits interfere with the body’s ingenious design and having control over the primary control restores the innate postural reflex—a natural, dynamic force that counters gravity and easily guides the torso upward. Top
