The Alexander Technique may be something you have heard of, but don’t know much about. Alternatively, it may be completely new to you. In short, it is a process that re-educates the receiving individual in maintaining a better posture, which can assist in relieving muscular tensions. In a wider sense, it is thought to help alleviate a range of medical conditions, as well as improving performance in activities such as singing, acting and public speaking. This article seeks to explain the methodology behind the Alexander Technique principles, what health complaints or issues it can help to resolve, and how it works.
But how does the Alexander Technique work? Our bodies undergo a lot of stress and tension as we go about our daily lives. We are simply not aware enough of our posture and how we move on a day-to-day basis. We have learned to move in a certain way to accomplish certain activities, like walking, sitting, lying down, lifting and so on. Although we might feel we easily achieve these aims, and indeed don’t even think about how we do so, we may not be doing so in the most effective way. We are therefore not necessarily mindful of the fact that there may be a better way to carry out an action. And whilst our bodies are marvellous machines, if we are not using that machinery efficiently, we may be storing up problems for the future. Unintentional compression of the head and spine caused by bad posture, for instance, can result in restricted breathing, exacerbating medical conditions such as panic attacks or asthma. Sitting wrongly for long periods at a desk and computer, as many of us do in our working lives, can lead to conditions such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome. Becoming more aware of the Alexander Technique posture and freeing the head and spine from compression can help you breathe and sit more easily. In short, The Alexander Technique seeks to analyse and then correct the way we currently move and the habits we have formed in doing so.
That is just a brief overview of the principles involved; in fact, there have been many thousands of words written explaining the processes. But what is the Alexander Technique used for? While it’s not yet been exhaustively explored by the scientific community for its vast potential in treating health conditions, it is known that the exercises recommended are invaluable in alleviating long term back and neck-pain. It is common sense that relieving tensions in the body by altering our poise will help us cope with the aches and pains we experience at the end of a long day, for instance. There are even strong indications that it can assist in coping with the debilitating and distressing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. But there are even wider applications. The technique’s proponent, Frederick Matthias Alexander, devised his principles to resolve issues he himself was experiencing with public speaking in his profession as an actor. Many students of the Alexander Technique work in the performance arts, from acting to singing and dancing, and have commented on the benefits of improved breathing techniques. This holds, as noted above, in terms of medical conditions such as asthma too. The effects felt by students extend to improvements in psychological well-being too: many reported improved self-confidence, a more positive outlook and the ability to relax more easily. The Alexander Technique exercises are very much user-led, though. The teacher is initially there as a facilitator, to help you to recognise harmful habits and train yourself to move in a freer, more balanced way. Why not try lessons for yourself with Alexander Principle?
The best way to pick up the principles of The Alexander Technique is to try some lessons with an instructor who is professionally trained and qualified. This is exactly what you will find at Alexander Principle. My name is Susanna Scouller and I have been teaching the Alexander Technique principles for several years. With countless positive testimonials to my name, I can quickly show you the benefits; from back and neck pain to breathing and posture problems, Frederick Alexander’s educational process can help. Call me to book a consultation on 020 7821 0007 or email me at susanna@alexanderprinciple.co.uk, after browsing through my informative website at http://www.alexanderprinciple.co.uk.