Alexander Technique Training Classes and Programs

The Alexander Technique

What is it?

Fredrick Matthias Alexander was an Australian actor with a severe voice problem. By a process of close self-observation he realised that his problems were largely due to the poor way he used his body, tensing muscles that interfered with his breathing, throat, neck and head balance. He became famous for developing his technique and taught George Bernard Shaw, Audous Huxley, and countless ordinary men and women. He trained other people to carry out his work and his technique is now practised world-wide.

Who does it?

Used by musicians, performers as well as those with back or neck pain, the Alexander Technique is a subtle but powerful approach to human balance. The three pillars of the Alexander Technique are breathing, posture and awareness. When these aspects of ourselves are working harmoniously then we are in balance and this influences our wellbeing, giving us an integrated neuromuscular control and a calm attitude of mind. If we get out of balance for any reason, illness, injury, or poor postural habits, this can lead to conditions such as stress, RSI, back pain and general lethargy. The problem is our own senses of what we are doing with ourselves becomes blunted and distorted. So it s not enough just to be told what to do, you have to experience a new balance directly from your teacher s hands. It is taught on a one-to-one basis allowing the teachers hands to directly educate your nervous system.

What Happens?

In a typical lesson, you remain fully clothed. Your teacher will ask you to stand in front of an ordinary dinning chair. He or she will then put their hands gently on your upper body, or head and neck and guide you to sit in the chair. This sounds easy, but the movement reveals a great deal about habitual body tension and co-ordination. Learning to carry out this movement without interference with the body s natural balance is not easy, but it has far-reaching effects as it influences every movement we make in daily life. Your teacher will also lay you on a firm table and gently move your arms and legs, encouraging you to be aware of what is happening in your muscles and your mental response to movement. It is a psycho-physical re-education of both mind and body.

What are the benefits?

The Alexander Technique can benefit you in many ways. It can help mange back, neck, and limb pain by helping you reduce the tension that you bring to all moment. It can help you improve your breathing and benefit those suffering from asthma, hyperventilation and other breathing problems. It can aid in general relaxation and well-being and so is beneficial for stress and anxiety. Pregnant women benefit by learning to carry their bodies with ease and thus make pregnancy easier.

Training and finding a teacher

The training is three years full time and you should ensure that your teacher carries the initials MSTAT (Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, STAT). This professional body oversees training courses, has a code of conduct, constitution and a complaints procedure. Members carry professional indemnity insurance and abide by the code of conduct.

Members teach from their own homes, or clinics and in Music and Drama academies world-wide.

For teacher training contact the Alexander Technique College.

Written by Carolyn Nicholls BA (Hons), MA, MSTAT:

Alexander Technique College 01273 562595

www.alexander-technique-college.com

Professional body

The Society of Teachers of The Alexander Technique (STAT)

www.stat.org.uk

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