Origins of the Technique

As an up-and-coming young actor in the late 19th century, Alexander began to lose his voice during performance. Assured that nothing was organically wrong, he proceeded painstakingly to observe himself when about to speak. He found that certain habits of his tended to interfere with the natural processes for balance, posture and co-ordination. In finding the means to address these habits he was able to prevent the adverse effects on his voice.

Alexander's discoveries about himself and the subsequent development of the technique which bears his name, supports the finding that many aspects of our functioning, our physical activities and our psychological well-being are influenced by the way we 'use' ourselves, i.e. our manner of doing things.

What the Technique is About and Who Can Benefit?

Learning the skills that underpin the Technique has helped many people to function more effectively by offering a practical means for changing the way they use themselves in everyday life.

'Misuse' often leads to distortion of our framework, particularly to the relationship between the head, neck and back which can result in a variety of symptoms such as pain, joint and muscle stiffness, breathing disorders, stress-related conditions. The Technique can help here and in the following situations: rehabilitation post-operatively and after illness and injury, in pregnancy and childbirth and in helping to manage such conditions as high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. Recent scientific trials show that Alexander Technique lessons give long term benefits to lower back pain (British Medical Journal 2008). As well as helping in the above conditions, it can help people of all ages to discover greater ease and freedom of movement in their everyday tasks. Many discover new dimensions of well-being.

Sports players and performing artists can be helped to remain relaxed, yet focussed. The Technique is taught in many schools of Music, Drama and Dance. It can also benefit those who are simply health-conscious and interested in improving their co-ordination, alertness and vitality.

Alexander Technique Lessons

Lessons enable pupils to become aware of how they distort themselves, use undue tension and hold onto habitual attitudes, physical and mental which cause problems for them. Using a gentle hands-on approach and verbal instruction, the Alexander Teacher encourages a special quality of muscle tone as the pupil is guided towards better use of the self. Many can feel a difference after a few lessons, but for increasing benefit, a series of lessons is recommended. Lessons last for 45min.

Pupil Comments

"The Alexander Technique has sorted my back, calmed me down and slimmed my waist. It gives me glimpses of a way of being that is better than anything I could have imagined."
Head of Learning Resources, Further Education College, Lancashire

"I can’t speak highly enough about the Technique and Madeleine in particular. She has definitely changed my life. "
Civil Servant. Lancashire

"At the end of a lesson the feeling I go away with is a bit like the title of the book, 'The Incredible Lightness of Being'."
Team Leader, Social Services Department, Lancashire