The Alexander technique sets out to help people change physical habits that are detrimental to their health and limit their ability to move. It views the person as a whole bodymind unity, and uses both language and gentle touch to bring awareness to unnecessary strain in the body and to learn ways to release it.
By alleviating stress and compression on the vertebrae and other parts of the body the Technique creates a relief in a wide range of problems including: back pain, neck pain, headache, as well as helping change breathing and voice problems.
F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was an Australian actor who began to experience chronic laryngitis whenever he performed. When his doctors could not help him, Alexander discovered a solution on his own. He had not been aware that excess tension in his neck and body were causing his problems, and began to find new ways to speak and move with greater ease.
His health improved to such an extent that his friends and several of the doctors he had consulted earlier persuaded him to teach others what he had learned. Over a career span of more than fifty years, he refined his method of instruction. After teaching for over 35 years, he began to train teachers of what has now become known as the Alexander Technique.