Today more than ever before we need a means to be able to live our lives in a way that promotes personal wellbeing and health. Science is recognises that our lifestyle has a huge affect upon our personal health, we must ensure that the way that we use our selves is included in any lifestyle plan.
The Alexander Technique was developed by FM Alexander.
FM Alexander was an actor who although having a successful practice developed a problem with his voice. He sought help from various sources and was unable to get any help.
After considering his problem he realised that in ordinary conversation he had no problems but when reciting he became hoarse. This made him think that there must be something he was doing during reciting that he was not doing during ordinary conversation which affected his vocal mechanisms.
After some original study he discovered that in fact he was correct!
He discovered that the way he was doing the reciting was affecting his voice.
Often we know that the way we are doing our daily activities is causing our current problems but we do not know how to prevent this wrong doing!
After further study Alexander became aware that the way he was using himself was affecting not only his vocal performance but also affected his general health and functioning. We are not sure how long it was that Alexander carried out his studies, but in the end he was able to not only cure his personal problem but also help others.
Most of us do not have the tenacity or persistence to work out for ourselves what it is that we are doing wrong, try it and see!
Where to start???
No matter, we do not need to do the original work, Alexander not only learned how to make the changes necessary to improve his use, and therefore his functioning, he also learned how to teach others what he had himself learned.
It should be noted that your functioning and your quality of life is closely connected. if you misuse yourself you will not function very well.
A quick list of some of the ways that the Alexander Technique can help you.
As Joan Backwell states in the quote on the front page learning the Technique will improve the 'quality' of your life.
The Alexander Technique is a way of learning how to change the poor movement habits we are using in our everyday activities.
It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination.
When applied the Alexander Technique ensures that the appropriate amount of effort is used for any particular activity.
It really is re-education of the mind and body.
The Alexander Technique helps you discover a new balance in the body by preventing unnecessary tension.
It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities.
The Alexander Technique can be taught in groups or individually.
I graduated from the Oxford Alexander Technique Teacher Training School in 1990. I have found over the years that applying the 'tools' or principles that Alexander created I have improved the overall quality of my life, this is probably the most important thing that you could ever learn!
There are many benefits to learning the Alexander Technique.
Further information: Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
Further information can be found on the Official Alexander Technique Website
Alexander Technique West. 127 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett. SN4 7AY. 01793855266.