About Alexander Technique
What is the Alexander Technique?
Primarily the Technique is an education in applying ourselves to the rigours of daily living. We tend to developing habit patterns which affect our coordination, well being, physical and psychological health. Most of the time we’re unaware of how we’re influencing ourselves and often rely on ‘damage limitation’ after stress or injury. The Alexander Technique is a way of developing self awareness, learning to integrate our thoughts, attitudes and actions. It can help address the source of our difficulties and prevent problems from building up.
Originally the Technique was used by actors and musicians improving performance and reducing injury, voice loss and anxiety. Nowadays professional performers learn AT as part of their basic training, and many enthusiastic amateurs use it as an entry point for developing good technique.
In other areas it’s used extensively as a means of helping deal with back pain, asthma, the symptoms of arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s and stress-related disorders. It’s a highly effective way of improving balance, flexibility and posture and is used successfully by sports players, horse riders, dancers and yoga practitioners.
The origins of the Alexander Technique:
F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was an actor suffering recurrent voice loss affecting his ability to perform on stage. After years of research he discovered that his way of using himself while speaking was interfering with his vocal ability. In particular, his habit of stiffening his neck when speaking, and its knock-on effect through the rest of his body, was depressing his larynx and preventing good breathing support. He importantly realised there was a problem with his ‘sensory appreciation’ i.e. his ability to accurately feel what his body was doing. He realised that the force of habit led him to feel in balance when in fact he was anything but.
This research resulted in the development of a way of using a hands on technique unique to Alexander teachers. This coupled with verbal instruction and applying ourselves to activity through a series of lessons educates us in every aspect of our reactions and their effects on our body use and psychological health.
How can you learn to use the Technique?
AT lessons are offered on a one-to-one basis. Group introductory courses are useful, as well as group classes for experienced students but individual attention is essential for ongoing development.
Alexander practitioners will work with a combination of verbal instruction and gentle, directional hands-on work – each lesson is tailored to suit the needs of the individual. Generally you would think of having a course of lessons just as you would if you were learning to play an instrument except in this context you’re learning to use your self! Students commonly have between 10 and 30 lessons. Often students will continue lessons on an ongoing basis as a way of maintaining use of the principles and because they’re inetersted in the way the Technique works.
Lessons will normally consist of basic everyday movement and some lying down work. There is hands on contact from your teacher – this is light and directional. Loose, comfortable clothes are recommended.
Contact Lynn on info@islayalexandertechnique.com for more details.