Introduction to the Alexander Technique
Almost every one of us has effortless poise and balance in childhood. By the time we reach adulthood, we’ve picked up many bad habits of posture and movement. Usually, we don’t even realise that we have lost our suppleness, because tension has become an unconscious response to stress over a lifetime.
The Alexander technique addresses these bad habits by helping to develop an even distribution of muscle tone, neither sloppily relaxed nor over tense (in theory). The philosophy of ‘good use’ means using and moving the body lightly, with a minimum of interference in the interrelationship of neck, head and back. The better Health Channel says “The Alexander technique is a process of re-education, not a ‘quick fix’ solution. Over time, you will find that you function better in almost every way”.
The Alexander Technique (named after F. Matthias Alexander; Founder) Teacher believes that humans have a built-in proprioceptive blind spot. In Lay terms we create pre-set responses to situations whether they are emotional, physical, and mental. Repetitious circumstances lead people to create habits as they adapt to circumstances. These habits contain both deliberate and non-deliberate responses that include physical movement patterns, as well as coping and learning strategies. The advantage of adapting by creating habits is that behavior and learning becomes simplified; it becomes possible to meet a given stimulus or interpretation of circumstances with a ready-made reaction (path of least resistance). As a person adds one habit onto another, the disadvantage is they may train themselves to also repeat unintentional side effects from answering more than one master - the tension, over-compensation and cumulative stress that the Alexander Technique addresses.
According to Wikipedia classes are a living Anatomy in which students (one on one or group classes) perform daily tasks such as walking or sitting and the Teacher then uses light touch, usually around the head, neck and back area to guide movement with the view of effortlessness through every movement. Coaching the substitution of more appropriate, specific ways to detour limitations are also suggested. As anyone knows who has tried substitution to change the habit of a lifetime, there are often more complex issues involved, because habits can be tricky. Alexander Technique addresses these concerns, tailoring how to establish personally constructive experimentation uniquely for each student. Tables are also used so the pupil can let the Teacher take over while they concentrate on the sensation. This is especially important when re-teaching movement patterns or muscle involvement. Just think Swandive and the role of Transverse Abdominus.
Teaching methods vary; all have in common guided discovery of easier, more positive ways to carry intention into physical action and how to recognize and prevent outdated habits from derailing intended results. To begin lessons, there is no prerequisite level of fitness or movement ability. Alexander Technique is most often taught in private lessons. Group, shared lessons and workshops are recently becoming more common - especially in sport and as required curriculum in music & drama colleges.
Alexander Technique is difficult to describe and teach in words because it requires description of subjective kinesthetic sensations and momentary situations, as well as the ability to perceive them. Most people have little conscious awareness of kinesthetic sensation and not much to say if asked to describe what happens as they move. I certainly know that when I ask many of you “where are you feeling that?” a common response is “all over”. On the whole the information about the “Alexander Technique” is rather vague. There are plenty of books available for purchase but the information on the net leaves a lot to be desired. The actual techniques used are a well guarded secret (without spending money on the books) but hopefully I have provided some information to broaden your horizons. If any of you are interested in finding out more about the Alexander technique then let me know and I will point you in the right direction. -Kennedy