What is the Alexander Technique? Over time, and for a variety of reasons, we all develop habitual movement patterns. Some of these patterns cause distress, limit mobility, and prevent optimal functioning. The Alexander Technique teaches a person to recognize and change habits that interfere with well integrated functioning. The student is guided by the teacher's tactile and verbal cues, which are designed to elicit a specific reorganization of the body, primarily focused on the head to spine relationship. The student participates in a new kinesthetic experience, allowing the natural ease of movement to emerge. Students notice that as coordination improves, they feel more freedom in everyday and specialized activities. They also experience increased mental clarity and a sense of organized well being. F. M. Alexander taught his technique for more fifty years in England and the United States until his death in 1955 at the age of 86. His work has been acclaimed by many in the field of education, medicine and the arts, such as Aldous Huxley, G. B. Shaw, John Dewey and Nobel Laureates Sir Charles Sherrington and Nikolaas Tinbergen. The Alexander Technique is an educative process; it helps us restore our psycho-physical integrity by increasing our self-awareness and challenging old, familiar habits. This is a gentle, subtle and gradual rehabilitation process in which the student, through active participation, develops a stronger sense of observation and a deeper awareness of both himself and his environment A typical individual lesson in the Alexander Technique lasts 30 to 40 minutes. Through simple movements like sitting or walking, the teacher guides the student with vocal and tactile directions designed to promote a mental and physical reorganization. The lessons can take place in the context of real-life situations of particular significance to the student, whether striking keys on a computer keyboard or hitting balls on a golf course. The applications are endless. Lessons also include "table work," with the student lying on his back in a relaxed position. A lesson in the Alexander Technique will usually produce an immediate feeling of well-being. And because this teaching aims at developing students' autonomy, its effects increase significantly over time. Workshops are also available and are an excellent introduction to the technique.
The Alexander Technique has proven to be an extraordinarily effective way of dissolving long-standing habits of thought and movement that interfere with our ability to function naturally with poise and flexibility. Today, after nearly a century of continuous growth, the Alexander Technique is recognized as one of the most sophisticated and successful methods for bringing fundamental change and awareness to our lives. The Alexander Technique provides us with a practical way to examine our unconscious habits. These familiar, yet often inefficient patterns can produce conditions of ill health, excessive tension and unfulfilled potential. F. M. Alexander (1869-1955) discovered and demonstrated throughout his life that it is entirely possible to recognize and put a stop to these self-imposed tensions, thereby acquiring improved coordination, alertness and a healthier use of ourselves. Since Alexander made his initial discoveries, scientists, educators, Nobel prize winners, renowned artists and athletes have acclaimed and supported his work. Today, the Alexander Technique is included in the curriculum of the most prestigious schools of music and of performing arts in Canada, the United States and Europe. The Alexander Technique is taught by a qualified teacher, ideally on an individual basis. All members of CANSTAT have met the teaching standards established by the various international professional societies. Some
testimonials: I
recommend the Alexander treatment as an extremely sophisticated form of
rehabilitation....Many types of underperformance and even ailments, both
mental and physical, can be alleviated, sometimes to a surprising extent,
by teaching the body musculature to function differently.
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