What is the Alexander Technique?

Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869–1955) was an orator that experienced voice loss. He developed the ability to stop the unnecessary and habitual contracting in his neck, displacement of his head, and shortening of his stature. The Alexander Technique is the Art of Being centered, grounded and balanced! The Alexander Technique is a method that changes habits in our everyday activities.

It is a simple method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. The Alexander Technique is a practical way to solve problems with the body. It is not a series of treatments but more of a reeducation of the mind and body. It can help get rid of harmful tension in the body. It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities.

How does it work?

The tightening of the muscles in the neck and back, causes stiffening, but the Alexander Technique offers a way to let go of such destructive tension by learning to monitor the way we coordinate ourselves in any activity.

What are the Benefits of the Alexander Technique?

People look to the Alexander Technique because they are in pain (backaches, sore necks and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, Parkinson disease etc.) or because they are performers who want to improve the quality of their singing, playing, acting or dancing.

People of all ages and lifestyles can use the Alexander Technique to improve the quality of their lives. By releasing undue tension in the body, the Alexander Technique makes possible movements that are more fluid and lively, less tense and rigid.     

The Technique is taught in prestigious schools such as the Juilliard School of Performing Arts in New York, The Royal College of Music in London, The Boston Conservatory of Music, The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and at many other schools of music, universities and colleges.

Famous People such as Sting, Menuhin and McCartney have publicly endorsed the Alexander Technique. Other celebrities such as Aldous Huxley, Paul Newman, Robin Williams, Christopher Reeve, Pierce Brosnan, Professor Niko Tinbergen (Nobel Prize in Medicine), John Dewey (Philosopher) and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, are only a few representatives of the success of the Alexander Technique.

The Technique addresses musicians, singers, actors and   dancers. It is involved in martial arts and yoga and can really improve sport performance. It can assist during pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and aging.

It’s worth giving it a go!