ABOUT THE TECHNIQUE
WHAT IS ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?
The Alexander Technique is a powerful educational process named after its founder, F.M Alexander. It aims to re-educate individuals in order to improve the way they move, think, and respond to the demands of daily life.
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F.M. was an actor in Australia in the late 1800s. He repeatedly experienced vocal difficulties over several months. When the conventional treatments failed, he asked his doctor the question that began the whole technique. "Is not fair, then to conclude that it was something I was doing to myself in using my voice...that was the cause of the trouble." When the doctor answered "yes" but was unable to explain what it was he was doing, he replied "Very well... I must try to find out for myself." The rest of his life was dedicated to a greater understanding of how we use our bodies in life.
From the perspective of the Interactive Teaching Method (ITM), developed by Don Weed, the Technique is not simply about posture or physical correction; it is about developing conscious choice and the freedom to respond differently.
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ITM places strong emphasis on the role of thinking in coordination. Rather than focusing on “fixing” physical habits, ITM encourages students engage with how their thoughts influence movement. This approach helps people make more constructive decisions in how they use their bodies, reducing unnecessary tension and allowing for greater ease, balance, and efficiency in action.
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Crucially, ITM encourages exploration rather than correction. Students are invited to think for themselves, experiment, and discover. This empowers lasting change that is rooted in personal insight rather than imposed rules.
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Whether you are managing stress, recovering from injury, or seeking to perform at your best, the Alexander Technique as taught through ITM offers a clear, thoughtful path toward greater freedom and self-expression.
BENEFITS
Lots of teachers, in my view, overstate the benefits of the Alexander Technique. The reality is it is an indivdual process and the benefits will vary from person to person depending on many factors. However, here are some of the things I've observed. The technique has changed my life and many others and I believe it could change yours.
MANAGING STRESS & ANXIETY
Many people find The Alexander Technique to be a valuable tool in managing stress and anxiety, promoting a calmer and more balanced state of being.
IMPROVING FLEXIBILITY AND MOVEMENT
The technique can improve flexibility, coordination, and movement patterns, leading to a more balanced and flexible body.
ENHANCING PERFORMANCE
This balance and flexibility and lack of intereference can greatly improve performance. The Alexander Technique can optimize performance and reduce strain in various activities, such as sports, music, performing arts, high-pressure professional settings, and public speaking, by refining movement and mindset.
MORE EFFICIENCY AND MORE ENERGY
The Alexander Technique emphasises the importance of ease and efficiency in movement which can lead to a more relaxed way of living. By learning to release tension where it is not necessary, individuals can perform daily tasks with less. As tension is nothing more than muscular effort, over time you will find you can go about your life using only the effort necessary and no more. What might your life be like if in everything you do you used only the effort necessary and no more?
APPLYING ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE IN DAILY LIFE
AT supports mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being by helping individuals become more aware of their habits and how to change them consciously. Applying these principles to every aspect of life has shown time and time again to offer increible benefits.
The centre and backbone of my theory and practice upon which I feel that I cannot insist too strongly is that the conscious mind must be quickened.
- F M ALEXANDER
Links for more
ITM Website: https://www.itmalexandertechnique.org/
More information about the Interactive Teaching Method
Books: Alexander wrote four books, which can be bought at Mouritz. Use of The Self (his third book) is widely available. And Don Weed (developer of the ITM wrote several, which can be bought here. I recommend starting with Reach Your Dreams or What You Think Is What You Get.
Other organisations and ideas:
CNHC
The Complete Guide To The Alexander Technique
Please be aware that different people and organisations have different ideas about Alexander’s work, and may make claims that I wouldn't. I'm always up to discuss diffferent views of the technique if you'd like!