About the Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique(AT) is a transformative educational method that addresses the intricate relationship between thought, movement, and habit. It is not a series of exercises or treatments but a practical process of re-education, offering a means to recognize and change lifelong habits of tension and misuse that interfere with our innate coordination. Developed over a century ago by F. Matthias Alexander, its principles have proven relevant for anyone seeking to improve performance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and experience greater ease in daily life.
About
F.M. Alexander
Born in Wynyard, Tasmania, Alexander was a Shakespearean reciter whose promising career was nearly ended by a recurring problem: during performances, he would become hoarse and lose his voice. Doctors found no physical cause and could offer no lasting solution.
Refusing to accept that his condition was untreatable, Alexander began experimenting using a unique setup of mirrors, and he observed himself speaking. What he discovered was revolutionary:
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In the moment before reciting, he unconsciously pulled his head backward and downward, compressed his spine, and gasped for air.
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Most strikingly, these harmful patterns felt normal and right to him. His sensory perception—his sense of what was correct—was fundamentally unreliable.
This realization that “feeling right” could be misleading—Faulty Sensory Appreciation—became the foundation of his work.
F.M. Alexander's Discovery in Mind-Body Unity
Alexander realized that directly “trying to be right” only reinforced his tension.
Instead, he developed a new approach:
Primary Control
The dynamic relationship between the head, neck, and back that guides our intrinsic, postural muscles organized itself with greater ease and expansion.
Inhibition
Pausing before reacting to a stimulus (like the impulse to speak).
Means-Whereby
Shifting focus from the end goal (to speak) to the quality of the process (how he prepared to speak).
Direction
Gently redirecting his body through conscious thought—such as “allow my neck to be free” “let my head go forward and up”.
Benefits
The Alexander Technique offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to retraining your movement and reaction patterns. It is effective for addressing a wide range of issues by targeting their root cause: inefficient habits of coordination and tension.
Find Relief From Pain & Discomfort
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Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
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Headaches, migraines, and tension-related issues
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Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis
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Sciatica and joint pain (e.g., arthritis)
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General muscle stiffness, tightness, and fibromyalgia symptoms
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Recovery from injury and improved mobility
Enhance Performance & Daily Life
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Improve posture, balance, and coordination
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Prevent overuse injuries for athletes and performers
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Refine technique and expression for musicians, actors, and dancers
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Increase ease and efficiency in everyday activities (sitting at a desk, walking, lifting)
Cultivate Mental & Emotional Well-being
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Manage stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system
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Develop greater mind-body awareness and mindfulness
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Build confidence and reduce performance anxiety
Where AT is taught worldwide
Victorian College of the Arts
University of Melbourne
Australian National Academy of Music
National Institute of Dramatic Art
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Sydney Symphony Orchestra