A Human Spine

Mrs Sarah Tovey

Teacher of The Alexander Technique

What is The Alexander Technique?

Photograph of F. M Alexander
©2002 The Society of
Teachers of the Alexander
Technique, London.

The Alexander Technique is named after Frederick Matthias Alexander, who developed the technique initially as a way of helping himself to overcome health problems and then to assist performers and the general public to improve their whole use of themselves in everyday activities.

Alexander's basic philosophy is that our use affects our functioning. Use is the concept of the total pattern of the way we use our brain and body in any activity. Our use forms part of the total picture of our health and well-being.

The Alexander Technique is a way of exploring habitual behaviour and thoughts that may lead us into patterns of tension and poor posture. Through one-to-one lessons we discover how we do what we do, and learn how to do things differently to achieve a better outcome for ourselves. Regular lessons help us learn how to achieve balance and poise, which enlivens the system and contributes to our health and well-being so that we can enjoy the rest of our lives.

Although often considered as an Alternative Therapy, the Alexander Technique differs fundamentally from the therapeutic techniques as it is a re-education in thought, and movement. It is the change in how we go about doing things that will bring the benefits as we learn to alter both the physical and mental habits that put us out of balance and are the cause of much of our stress and tension.

Many pupils come to the Alexander Technique because of a health problem, some come to learn how to avoid a build up of stress and tension, or because they are curious. Musicians and performers have lessons because they want to maintain a high level of performance and to improve their self-mastery and skill level.