The Alexander Technique

How we think and use ourselves determines how co-ordinated, balanced and stress free we are. Unfortunately, as we go through life, we pick up a lot of aches and pains and added stress, often due to poor postural habits. The Alexander Technique seeks to undo this damage to enable the body to feel lighter, freer and poised.

As well as the management of pain there are added bonuses, such as deeper, more efficient breathing and improved vocal quality.
The human body is a delicately balanced structure designed to work efficiently with the minimum of effort required to carry out various tasks.

If you watch a toddler squat, or start to walk, there is an effortless quality about the movement and the head is balanced perfectly on top of the spine. Somewhere along the line this freedom disappears which can lead to long-term pain with excess pressure on the joints. Lessons in the Technique help to eradicate excess tensions.

By working with everyday actions, such as sitting and standing it is possible to change from poor postural patterns of use to increased freedom of movement.
This leads to a better sense of well-being and a better quality of life.
It is perhaps best described as a means of enabling support and balance of the body, in an unforced way.

F.M. Alexander

The founder of the Alexander Technique, Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was an actor in Sydney.

He developed problems with his voice, which led to hoarseness and loss of voice whilst performing.
Doctors were unable to find a solution, which led Alexander to undertake further investigation of his own. Through observation and experiment, lasting several years, he discovered and refined his method of movement.

He came to London in 1904 and soon had a thriving business giving lessons to many, including well known, people of the time.

This led to his setting up his training course for teachers to carry on his work.

What Others Say About The Technique

“I find the Alexander Technique very helpful in my work.Things happen without you trying. They get to be light and relaxed. You must get an Alexander teacher to show it to you.”

John Cleese, Actor

“The many obvious benefits that the technique afforded us as actors included minimised tension, centredness, vocal relaxation and responsiveness, mind/body connection and about an inch and half of additional height. In addition, I have found in the ensuing years great benefits in my day to day living. By balancing and neutralising tensions, I’ve learned to relieve as well as to avoid the aches and pains caused by the thousands of natural shocks that flesh is heir to.”

Kevin Kline, Actor

“We already notice, with growing amazement, very striking improvements in such diverse things as high blood pressure, breathing, depth of sleep, overall cheerfulness and mental alertness, resilience against outside pressures and in such a refined skill as playing a musical instrument.”

Professor Nicholas Tinbergen, Nobel Prize Winner, Medicine and Physiology