What is the Alexander Technique
What is the Alexander Technique?
This unique education was developed by F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) more than a century ago. It is based on his great discovery that the human organism consists of undivided physical and mental processes which are constantly influencing each other and are only existing as a whole.
Through many years of rigorous self-observation and experimentation, Mr. Alexander discovered that no problem is either physical or psychological, but always the interaction of both: psycho-physical.
Alexander discovered that poor habits of use developed over time can come to dominate an activity, and that we are rarely aware of them.
These habits continue long after the initial reasons for developing them have gone and can result in unnecessary muscular efforts and a depletion of our energy with possible long term consequences - back strain, postural and balance problems, neck pain, migraines, high blood pressure etc.
He observed that all civilized people have one major habit in common, although manifested in many different ways: When we get the idea of moving, we tend to tighten our necks, which pulls our heads back and down and leads to spinal compression, affecting the entire body.
The habitual pattern of tightening the neck muscles is such a familiar feeling, that it is usually unnoticed by our sensory awareness. Alexander pointed out that the way we react to the demands of the world originates in subconscious patterns of habitual attitudes and tensions which develop during the course of life and are no longer consciously perceivable.
Oftentimes these habitual patterns are interfering with an integrated function of the whole self, with balance and well-being. When we are no longer able to release daily stress and to return to a relaxed and engaged state of being, we begin to function in a constant state of increased neuromuscular tension and stress.
Stress and tension are often seen as common precursors to dis-ease.
The Alexander Technique teaches you principles of a proper internal tune-up BEFORE you start moving into the activity, thus enabling you to prevent further misuse. It gives you the means to reconnect to the innate grace and balance of your body, both in stillness and in movement.
This unique education was developed by F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) more than a century ago. It is based on his great discovery that the human organism consists of undivided physical and mental processes which are constantly influencing each other and are only existing as a whole.
Through many years of rigorous self-observation and experimentation, Mr. Alexander discovered that no problem is either physical or psychological, but always the interaction of both: psycho-physical.
Alexander discovered that poor habits of use developed over time can come to dominate an activity, and that we are rarely aware of them.
These habits continue long after the initial reasons for developing them have gone and can result in unnecessary muscular efforts and a depletion of our energy with possible long term consequences - back strain, postural and balance problems, neck pain, migraines, high blood pressure etc.
He observed that all civilized people have one major habit in common, although manifested in many different ways: When we get the idea of moving, we tend to tighten our necks, which pulls our heads back and down and leads to spinal compression, affecting the entire body.
The habitual pattern of tightening the neck muscles is such a familiar feeling, that it is usually unnoticed by our sensory awareness. Alexander pointed out that the way we react to the demands of the world originates in subconscious patterns of habitual attitudes and tensions which develop during the course of life and are no longer consciously perceivable.
Oftentimes these habitual patterns are interfering with an integrated function of the whole self, with balance and well-being. When we are no longer able to release daily stress and to return to a relaxed and engaged state of being, we begin to function in a constant state of increased neuromuscular tension and stress.
Stress and tension are often seen as common precursors to dis-ease.
The Alexander Technique teaches you principles of a proper internal tune-up BEFORE you start moving into the activity, thus enabling you to prevent further misuse. It gives you the means to reconnect to the innate grace and balance of your body, both in stillness and in movement.
