Alexander Technique

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

Who Was Alexander? Who Comes For Lessons? Alexander & Riding

The Alexander Technique is a practical hands-on educational method for life enhancement. Its basic premise is that our natural, innate posture is fundamental to our wellbeing.

We all begin with a naturally solid foundation in childhood, but we lose it in response to the stresses and strains of modern life. Alexander called this misuse and devised a way to restore his own natural movement so successfully that others begged him to teach them. This result is now known as the Alexander Technique.

The head, neck and back – your primary control – are critical to poise and balance. Movement becomes quite natural, beautiful and easy when they are functioning properly.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Through regular one-on-one lessons, you learn how to observe and gain awareness of patterns of movement and ways of thinking that are counterproductive to your optimal wellbeing. Your teacher uses explanations and guiding touch to demonstrate how unconscious patters of tension get triggered in simple everyday movements and how to change them. This gives you an experience of ease and freedom that leads to an unparalleled long-term improvement in psychological and physical functioning.

PRINCIPLES BEHIND IT
Alexander observed that the relationship between the head, neck and back was crucial to upright posture and ease of movement. He called this the Primary Control, noting that how well it operates at any given moment affects your wellbeing either positively or negatively.

He also observed that what happens when we move is tied entirely to our thought process, leading him to coin the term psychophysical unity – what we now call holism. His genius was not only in this realization, but also in the formulation of principles that enable us to become aware of how our own unconscious thoughts and physical attitudes affect one another, and how they can be transformed through this awareness and the adoption of different habits.

These principles are easily learned and when applied improve the effect of any activity on your wellbeing, from something as simple as sitting at your desk to complex athletic activities like horseback riding.

For more information visit: American Society for the Alexander Technique