THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

What is it?: It'sbasically a method by which the individual's posture and composure is analysed, remodelled and optimised. It was developed by F. Matthias Alexander in the 1890s as a way of improving his breathing and eliminating the hoarseness he was suffering from.

The Technique: Generally the student's ways of comporting himself (sitting, standing, walking etc.) are analysed, the teacher then suggests corrections to the way each part of the body is used in each situation using verbal commands,demonstration,and light touch: in essence reprogramming the brain to use the body more efficiently.

Some of the key concepts:

- end-gaining: the pupil is encouraged in certain circumstances to visualise completing a goal whilst forgetting to think about how to complete that goal.

- Sensory Appreciation: the pupil is made aware of the sensations he/she is experiencing when performing certain tasks, and then replaces these poor habits with an appreciation of correct comportment.

- Inhibition: this is a concept which involves encouraging pupil awareness of errors they are about to make in their comportment, so as to make a correction before the mistake is made. - Directions: this is where the pupil repeats corrective commands to his/herself to reinforce the learning process.

- Primary Control: This is a concept of visualising how the body works as a unit in everyday activities.

- Pschyco-physical unity: a process of analysing how the mental processes have worked together with the physical execution of an activity.

Conditions: The Technique is particularly useful for actors, singers etc. who need to optimise the way they use their bodies so that they can fully project their voices and use their bodies more efficiently. Patients with breathing problems (eg. asthmatics), panic attacks and athletes often benefit. It is often used to help with back and neck pain

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