The Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique was developed by F.M. Alexander who lived between 1869 and 1955. He was a Shakespearean actor touring in Australia and Tasmania. A chronic hoarse voice interrupted his career in acting. When no medical treatment helped him, he looked at his own use for the source of his trouble. Through nine years of rigorous self-observation and experimentation, he solved his problem, developed a full rich voice, and discovered the natural way the body was designed to move. He termed this the "Use of the Self" because it was not just physical. It required integrating thought with action to become more consciously aware of what we are doing in order to take responsibility for ourselves and to change unwanted behaviors. This method became known as the Alexander Technique.

The Use of the Self encompasses all activity from simple to complex such as: brushing teeth, holding a book or writing, to performing music, acting or sports.

Many of us unconsciously put too much effort or stress into activities. This excess tension often starts in childhood and, if carried into adulthood, can lead to harmful habits which are often the root cause of many common ailments. A few examples are:

• The discomfort and fatigue caused by sitting at a computer for prolonged periods of time;
• The heaviness and shortness of breath while walking, especially up hill;
• The overuse and stress on the body doing simple tasks such as standing in line, carrying items, and "plodding versus walking."

When the head is balanced on top of the spine anti-gravity muscles respond by lengthening and widening the body in an upward direction. When the spine is elongated and the torso expanded movement becomes light and springy. Too much tension causes the feeling of effort but, once removed, feels effortless. Fred Astaire and Artur Rubinstein are both perfect examples of good use. Excess tension or emotional stress cause the head to be thrown off balance, the torso to be narrowed, and the spine compressed. Our shoulders become permanently hunched, our necks become stiff and we sit either slumped or holding ourselves in a very rigid fashion. We are unconscious of our habitual holding patterns and are unaware of the harmful effects on our health both physically and mentally.

The Alexander Technique is a mind/body integration. Once you begin to let go of harmful tension the mind quiets down and the senses become more acute, just as in childhood. You are free to take in the environment because you are more conscious and aware.

Through lessons you will learn to recognize areas of tension and be taught a new way of thinking that will simultaneous prevent the old habits and restore the body to its natural coordinated state. Through various activities including chair work and lying on a table, the teacher's hands transmit information to the student that restores integration and coordination of the mind/body relationship. The student then has the experience of freedom that goes with this new use, and is given the tools to change his old behavior into a new and improved "Use of the Self."

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