THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

The Alexander Technique was developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869–1954), a successful Shakespearean actor from Australia. Early in his career he developed chronic laryngitis and actually lost his voice during a performance. While rest provided temporary relief, his vocal problems resumed when he performed.

Through self-observation, Alexander discovered that in all his activity, not just when he spoke, he subtly tightened his neck and pulled his head back and down. This was not only interfering with his voice on stage, but with all of his activities. Over time, he taught himself to remedy the tension so he could avoid compression.

His symptoms vastly improved and he decided to teach others what he had learned. In doing so, he discovered his method helped others deal with wide range of problems, such as chronic pain, poor posture, poor coordination, breathing issues, stuttering, emotional challenges, and hitting a golf ball. Over a career span of more than fifty years, he refined his method of instruction and trained teachers in what has now become known as the Alexander Technique.  The Alexander Technique has come to be internationally recognized as a vital resource by people in all walks of life, and has been validated by scientific studies as beneficial for back and neck pain.  It is especially prized by performing artists and by people living with chronic disease and pain.

Try Alexander at home with Self Lesson on the Floor – a digital download exclusively available from ACAT featuring the practices of ACAT founder Judith Leibowitz.

 

 

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Try Alexander at home with Self Lesson on the Floor – a digital download exclusively available from ACAT featuring the practices of ACAT founder Judith Leibowitz.

Useful Resources About the Alexander Technique