The Alexander Technique

Where it all began

Frederic Mathias Alexander was born in Tasmania in 1869. He had a successful career as an actor and a Shakespearian Recitalist, which was threatened by hoarseness which happened every time he started to perform.

Doctors were unable to find the cause of his voice problem, so Alexander decided to experiment himself. He discovered that it wasn't his voice which caused him grief but his postural use.

With the help of mirrors he observed that the relationship between his head, neck and back was vital to the whole functioning of his body. He decided to re-educate himself as well as learning how to inhibit his bad habits in order to bring about the necessary changes. It took him about eight years to develop a self-supporting system which became essential to people's health and well-being.

In 1904 he was encouraged to bring his Technique to London and establish a teaching practice. He became a well-known figure and many famous people of that era had lessons from him such as Bernard Shaw writer and playwright), Aldous Huxley (a well-know educationalist) and Dr. Wilfred Barlow (a well-know rheumatologist).

Alexander died in 1955 at the age of 86, working right up until two weeks before his death. He left behind a successful Teacher Training School, which is still very much thriving today, followed by many others across the country.

How the Alexander Technique can be of benefit

By learning the principles of the Technique we can become more self-aware which makes us more conscious of our bad habits and the amount of excessive tension we are constantly holding in our bodies. By thinking consciously we can eliminate that tension as well as losing our bad habits which have been troubling us for most of our lives.

When we bring those concepts into our lives we can improve the way we function physically and mentally which means we move freer and lighter and cope better with the stresses and pressures of life. As a result we become more balanced and poised, improve our breathing capacity and become able to combat many health problems and injuries.

The Alexander Technique, a revolutionary self-support system, can prove beneficial for a multitude of health problems including:

Chronic pain in the back, neck and joints
Postural problems
Headaches
Respiratory and digestive problems
Repetitive strain injury
Recovery from an injury or surgery

If you would like to improve your posture, if you suffer from any health problems or injuries or maybe you just want to enhance your artistic or sporting performances; then a tailored course of Alexander lessons could be the very thing that turns your life around.

For more information on Alexander Technique lessons in Elm Park, Hornchurch, Emerson Park, Romford, Upminster and Cranham please contact Carla Radford.