About the Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a practical method of self-help and self-development that encourages an awareness and understanding of how you habitually think, move and react in everyday life. Through this process of awareness and change, you become free from the habits that can be limiting both physically and mentally.

With Alexander lessons you learn to prevent or release tension, encouraging a calmer approach, and rediscover the natural poise, alertness and balance we see in young children.

A child’s natural poise

Learning the Alexander Technique can help you…
• become calmer and more confident
• regain natural balance, co-ordination and posture
• improve breathing and vocal problems
• manage or overcome anxiety and stress
• alleviate neck, shoulder, back, and other muscle tension, and joint pain
• move with more flexibility and ease when walking, running, cycling, swimming, etc.
• enhance performance when speaking in public or making presentations
• lessen discomfort during pregnancy
• cope with, and recover more easily after, surgery, illness or injury
• manage conditions that affect movement such as RSI, arthritis, sciatica, scoliosis, Parkinson’s
• improve overall health and well-being

More information about the Alexander Technique is available from the Resources page.

F. M. Alexander – creator of the Alexander Technique

FM Alexander

In the 1890s Frederick Matthias Alexander, an aspiring Australian actor, realised that his career prospects were threatened by recurring hoarseness. As a young man, he visited specialists, but doctors were unable to diagnose a medical cause for his loss of voice.

Through a process of self-observation and experimentation, Alexander saw that when he performed he habitually used his voice and body in ways that led to excess tension. He eventually discovered how to consciously change these
unconstructive patterns.

As a result, Alexander’s voice problems and breathing difficulties disappeared. He became calmer and his general health improved. He began teaching others, and in 1904 came to London, where he later established a training course for the Alexander Technique.