Therapies
Alexander Technique
What
is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is a
practical method developed by FM Alexander (1869-1955) for changing
the way we 'use' ourselves in the activities of everyday life, be they
in the home, at school or at work, or during sporting activities etc.
Who
was F.M. Alexander?
 F.M
Alexander ( 1869 -1955) was an Australian actor who developed the Technique
at the end of the last Century. He suffered recurrent boats of hoarseness
which were severe enough to threaten his career. He came to suspect that his
problems were the result of something he was doing, and set about a journey
of self examination to discover the cause and hopefully cure himself. After
several years spent patiently observing and analyzing his reactions, he
found that the key lay in the relationship between the head, neck and back.
Alexander noticed that when he came to speak, he immediately stiffened the
neck and pulled back the head. He developed a series of orders to prevent
what he termed his pattern of mis-use which not only cured his vocal problem
but also helped his general health and well-being. Alexander had originally
thought that these problems were particular to himself. However, as he
started to look around he began to notice the same patterns in others and
was soon teaching others his new method.
Using his own experience, he developed a way of teaching which he called the
Alexander Technique. Through gentle manipulation and verbal instruction
Alexander helped pupils become more aware of the way that they use
themselves and develop greater conscious control of their poise and
movement. Apart from teaching individuals Alexander set up a three training
course to teach teachers how the Technique.
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How does it work?
It is based on the principle
that each of us functions as a whole and first, to effect change, one
must learn to consciously prevent unwanted, unnecessary and harmful
habits (such as unnecessary muscular tension and effort). Because the
these things happen repeatedly through our everyday life and hence
become unconscious habits, part of the learning process is to become
aware of what it is that we are actually doing.
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Can it be learnt by anyone?
The Technique can be learnt by
anyone from 6 years to 106 (+) and can help in as many ways as there
are individuals! It does not seek to 'treat' specific ailments but
through learning how change habits that do harm, the therapeutic
benefits of applying it are considerable.
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What it can help?
Many people come to the
Technique because of physical problems: back, neck or shoulder pain,
RSI , stress, vocal or breathing disorders to name but a few, but
others learn the Technique because of a curiosity about themselves and
a desire for personal development. It is taught in music and drama
colleges worldwide and is seen as an essential element in a
performer's training. Sports people learn it to give them the
awareness in activity they require and pregnant women use it to help
them cope with the rapid changes that this time brings.
The effectiveness of the Alexander Technique is well documented and
has been the subject of several scientific studies. It is increasingly
recommended by doctors and most medical insurance companies will pay
for lessons if these are prescribed by a consultant.
Source: The
Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, July 1999
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