History of the Alexander Technique

Frederick Matthias Alexander's promising acting career became jeopardised when he began experiencing hoarseness while reciting. Doctors could find nothing wrong and prescribed rest. Upon returning to the stage the hoarseness returned. Determined to overcome this problem Alexander began to observe himself reciting. Through patient observation and methodical experimentation Alexander began to develop and articulate principles that not only enabled him to recover his voice, remedy childhood asthma problems, but also improve and maintain his general health and well-being. The Alexander Technique is primarily concerned with the "The Use of the Self"*. It focuses on the cause of the problem, not the symptoms, and provides the means for re-education from misuse and habits that limit us all. The Alexander Technique teaches us how to change limiting patterns of movement and behaviour, recognise and release excess tension and stress, move freely and effortlessly, and accomplish tasks at home and at work with an economy of effort and energy.

* "The Use of the Self" by F.M. Alexander.