Background
F. M. Alexander, the originator of the Technique, discovered the principles of his work while trying to overcome problems with his voice. He suspected that the cause of his physical complaint might be misuse of his vocal apparatus. Through years of self observation and experimentation he gained great insight into the interaction of mind and body and how they can be used to consciously improve physical functioning. He developed an approach to psycho-physical re-education that has proven to be an effective method of self-care with relevance for both highly skilled movers and those who are physically impaired.
In just over one hundred years the Alexander Technique has achieved broad recognition in the fields of education, medicine and human development. It is part of the curriculum in many of the finest performing arts schools including The Juilliard School, New York, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London and American Conservatory School, San Francisco. It has been championed by doctors, educationists, neurologists and physiologists including an appreciation of the work in the Nobel Laureate speech of Nikolas Tinbergen. There are professional societies overseeing the training and standards of the work in over twenty countries including Brazil, Japan, Israel, South Africa, the U.S. and many European nations. Interest in research on the technique is growing in the fields of neurology, respiratory function and back care. Mr. Alexander’s teachings, which were ground breaking in his day, are now accepted as an intelligent form of self care that provides lasting results.