FAQs: The Alexander Technique

What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique was developed by Frederick M Alexander for changing the way we 'use' ourselves in the activities of everyday life It is a gentle approach to the problems of unnecessary tension and bad habits in the way we use our body. 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 these thing happen repeatedly through our everyday life and hence become unconscious habits, part of the learning process is to become body conscious. The Alexander Technique utilizes balance and muscular freedom to improve movements and this can aleviate problems such as fatigue, back pain, depression and anxiety. The Alexander Technique is not strictly speaking a therapy as you do the work yourself under the guidance of a teacher.The technique can be used to cure such problems as:- back, neck and shoulder pain, RSI, stress, vocal or breathing disorders.

Who was Frederick M Alexander?
The Alexander Technique is named after Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955). Whilst Alexander was living in Sydney he developed problems with his voice while performing as an actor. Although he sought medical attention the doctors were unable to provide a solution to his becoming hoarse and losing his voice while performing. He decided to investigate the problem for himself and this led him to the discovery that it was the wrong 'use' of his body that was causing the problem. He developed and refined his methods and began to teach others. He came to London in 1904 and built a thriving practice giving lessons and training teachers.

What happens in a Lesson?
In the initial lessons you will be usually be guided through simple movements of standing, sitting and lying down by the Alexander Technique teacher with guiding done by a light touch and spoken instructions. As lessons progress, they will be tailored to your needs.

What will an Alexander Technique Teacher teach me?
An Alexander Technique teacher will help you to see what movement style is contributing to your recurring difficulties. This could be a bad back, neck and shoulder pain or restricted. The teacher will analyze your whole movement pattern - not just your symptoms.The teacher will alert you to habits of compression in your characteristic way of sitting, standing and walking and then guide you to move in a freer, more integrated way. Lessons in the Alexander Technique start a process of finding out how to remove unnecessary tensions through the everyday actions of sitting and standing. Gradually, this leads to an increase in freedom of movement and generally improves wellbeing and the better quality of life. The Alexander Technique greatly enhances performance and has helped people to improve a wide range of abilities including playing musical instruments, playing sport and public speaking.

How Long Do Lessons Take?
Lessons are normally of 30 to 45 minutes duration.

Is there any homework?
Not as such but you will be asked to rest and relax in a way that the teacher will show you to help you improve you technique. In between lessons you will work at applying the Technique to aspects of your daily life in ways suggested by your teacher It will then become something that you think about and put into practice all the time in your everyday life.

How often should I have Lessons?
Normally this is one a week. This should let you make steady progress.

How long is a typical Course?
The courses can be as short or as long as you like. However, if you wish to incorporate the Alexander Technique in your normal daily life this will take typically one session a week for 40/50 weeks.

What Clothing Do I Wear?
Normal everyday clothing is fine. The clothing ideally should be loose fitting and comfortable. You can just wear your ordinary clothes during lessons. Loose comfortable clothing is better. Shoes are normally removed. You stay dressed throughout the sessions. Ladies may consider trousers more practical than skirts.

How many are in each class?
Normally, just You, as it is not possible for the teacher to work on more than one person at a time. Also as everyones needs are different, your lessons are geared to your individual circumstances. Sometimes introductory courses are available to introduce groups to the Technique.

What Symptoms can Alexander Technique lessons help?
Alexander Technique helps a wide range of ailments. They include:- agoraphobia, anxiety, anorexia nervosa, headaches, high blood pressure, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, loss of voice, lower back pain, osteoarthritis, sciatica, slipped disc, and stress. Other less specific symptoms such as unnecessary fatigue general tension and immobility, bad posture, bad temper, depression, a lack of sense of well-being. Others suffer from chronic medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and M.E

What are the Side effects?
There are no adverse side effects and it is not a passive treatment, such as osteopathy or massage. The difference lies in the teacher's approach to the pupil and their problems. The pupil is encouraged to think, to become more conscious, to learn awareness of their mind and how their body moves, in order to correct problems and heal themselves. Many people who practice the Technique experience a general feeling of lightness throughout their bodies and even describe the sensation as being like 'walking on air'. Since our physical state directly affects both the way we feel mentally and emotionally, people who have practiced often say they feel much calmer and happier even after just a few lessons. In a way, you are learning something that, deep down, your body already knows. With this treatment, you come to understand much more about how your body works, and how to make it work for you.

What is the purpose of the Alexander Teacher's work with the hands?
The Alexander teacher will work with our hands to encourage you to let go the tensions in body. This is done very gently. This lets you to become aware of how and why you pull yourself out of shape and gives you the possibility of lasting change.

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Resolve 20th January 2003