What is the Alexander Technique?
Learn to use less tension when you move, sit and stand - especially if something stressful is going on like sport, public speaking or handling challenges.
What is it?
lexander Technique is a bit like a driving lesson for the human body. You learn to change gear, take the brakes on and off and to use your wing and rear view mirrors effectively. Many other therapies are like taking your car to a mechanic only to keep driving in the wrong gear without understanding how to use the clutch effectively - so you'll soon need the mechanic again. It's why the technique is so helpful for so many different things - when we know how to drive ourselves well we become better at whatever we are doing.
How I teach
I use my hands and voice to help you uncover patterns of tension that you are not aware of and to show you how to let it go.
We will look at your habits of movement standing, sitting, lying down and moving around. We can look at specific movements that you are interested in - such as speaking, playing an instrument or performing a sport.
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Where did the technique come from?
FM Alexander 1869- 1955 originated the technique in Australia in response to losing his voice when he was performing on stage. Conventional methods were not helping him and so he set out to work it out for himself. He realised that he was creating tension in his head, neck and back when he was performing and that when he worked out how to prevent that his voice problems were over. He taught the technique to many people over his lifetime and since then it has been developed further by many practitioners across the globe. It is taught in drama, dance and music schools and is used as a way of managing chronic pain and illnesses. With current neuroscience and the development of our understanding of how the body and mind work the technique has been developed further and refined over time to become the recognised mind body practise that it is today.
Who is it useful for?
As the technique teaches you how to feel calmer, more balanced and grounded it can be useful for mental as well as physical health. It is great for anyone who would like to experience less tension and stress, perform better and carry themselves more efficiently. It can be used to enhance breathing and mindfulness practises as well as improve coordination for sport, music and public speaking. This is my partner Matt Lewis (aka Silverback Tarzan) using it to practise calisthenics.
