The Alexander Technique has been taught in the UK since 1904. It was developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869 -1955), an Autralian actor who had problems with his voice while performing Shakesperian recitals. After unsuccessful treatment from doctors he embarked on a course of self-examination. This led him to discover that it was the way he used his whole body that was responsible for the loss of his voice.
The technique he developed is a unique and practical method of becoming aware of how we use our minds and bodies. By choosing the way in which we react to stress, and by letting go of unnecessary habits and excessive muscular tension, we can rediscover our natural balance and ease of movement. The technique is taught on a one-to-one basis, with teachers using verbal instruction and gentle guidance with their hands. The Alexander Technique is not related to disciplines or therapies such as yoga, pilates or physiotherapy, but can be used in conjunction with them to enhance awareness and balance in the body.
What can it help?
The teachnique is primarily an education in how to use your mind and body, not a medical
therapy. Alexander teachers are not medically trained, so cannot diagnose health conditions.
In general, learning and applying the technique leads to less tension throughout the body, and
is very useful for postural problems to make you feel light and poised. This can be beneficial
for conditions like anxiety, high blood pressure, some migraines, asthma, repetitive strain
injury (RSI) and joint problems.
The Parkinson Disease Society has funded research into the technique and the NHS is to conduct a large scale trial with Southampton University on the effects of the technique on back pain.
Due to its origins the technique is very strongly represented in the acting, drama and music circles. Most drama and music schools now have Alexander teachers working with them, as it is widely recognised as enhancing performance in any activity.
Some comments made by pupils after lessons give a flavour of the response to learning the technique:
- I feel ten feet tall after a lesson
- My RSI pain has really been eased
- I am much calmer after my course of lessons
During a lesson, the teacher works in partnership with you to solve your particular posture problems. They may first start by analysing a simple everyday action, such as getting in and out of a chair. You will learn to observe how you are using your body and the teacher will use his or her hands to guide you and demonstrate how to move without unnecessary stress on the body. Later on you work with other movements and actions that may be causing you problems.
Part of the session may be conducted with you lying down on a couch with the teacher moving around you, moving your limbs and encouraging you to release unwanted tension held in the body. This lying down is encouraged by teachers as being the only exercise a pupil has to do on their own.
How long does it take?
The number of lessons needed is dependent on the individual, as the teachnique is a learning
experience. Remember that you are attempting to change the habits of a lifetime of posture and
movement. However, it is amazing how much you can change even in a few lessons. The usual
guideline is that it takes between twenty to thirty lessons to establish a permanent change.
Many pupils carry on having lessons as they find them enjoyable and helpful with chronic
conditions.
How to find a teacher
Alexander teachers undergo a three-year full-time training course. The majority of teachers in
the UK are mmbers of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) and display
MSTAT after their name. To find a teacher near you, look up teachers by area on www.stat.org.uk
or call the STAT office on 0845 2307828.