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Alexander Technique — History & Philosophy</p>
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<p>The Alexander Technique developed through the experience of the actor F.M. Alexander in the early 1890’s. Alexander had been having trouble with his throat and vocal cords during performances. When rest and medication proved ineffective, he began to analyze the problem through observation of his body patterns when he spoke, both in normal speaking and in recitation. Through this process he became aware of postural patterns, such as unconsciously moving his head back and down, lifting his chest and depressing his larynx when speaking. He realized these patterns were all interrelated and that they began with the change in the position of his head. Through a process of experimentation and discovery, Alexander found that if he consciously gave himself a set of verbal instructions, such as allowing his head to move “forward and up”, his spine to “lengthen” and his back to “widen”, he could gain conscious control over learned and habitual patterns of response, and the problems with his voice resolved. Alexander further extended this process of “re-education” to other physical actions, and began to write and teach them to others.</p>
<p>The Alexander Technique is widely used today by actors, singers, dancers and musicians as well as anyone interested in improving their daily movement habits, such as walking, driving, writing, or typing. The intent of the work is to improve performance, prevent injury, enhance normal physical functioning through correct postural alignment, promote ease and freedom of movement, and lessen habitual and unnatural stresses on the body. </p>
<p class="timestamp">Content last modified on Mar 18, 2003</p>
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