The History of the Alexander Technique

Once shunned by modern medicine, alternative methods of treating various ailments and conditions have garnered mainstream exposure in recent years, leading many to use vitamins, massage, herbs and various other remedies as part of their daily health routines. Some alternative treatments, such as the Alexander Technique, are holistic in nature but also address body mechanics and movement to relieve symptoms such as back pain.

Beginnings of the Technique

The Alexander Technique is traced back to its creator, a classically trained Australian actor named Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) who lived in London in the late 1800s. Alexander made his living as a working actor who planned on continuing his career indefinitely, with a focus on performing Shakespeare. However, Alexander's voice began to give him trouble as a result of issues with asthma and hoarseness. Fearing for his livelihood, Alexander set up a series of mirrors in his home so that he could study every move he made, as he believed the root of his problem derived from how he carried himself rather than in any underlying medical condition.

Developing the Technique

As his studies progressed over time, Alexander noticed a pattern in how he stood, walked and talked. He then began to address these issues, such as changing posture or holding his head a certain way while speaking. After a short while, his problems ceased. After developing a treatment technique he believed would help others with similar problems, Alexander wrote an influential book in 1931 called "The Use of the Self" that was published a year later. It addressed how people develop improper posture over time, and that these habits often negatively affect their daily lives, causing pain and discomfort that can be alleviated by re-educating the muscles to perform properly through Alexander's method. Typically, treatment sessions numbered between 24 and 40, depending on how well Alexander thought the individual patient was progressing in his treatment.

Showing Others

Alexander then started teaching students, opening a school in London in the late 30s dedicated to teaching his new eponymous technique to others. The school quickly became successful, as fellow actors, dancers and musicians all saw the benefit of learning the technique to help with their performances. Classes were canceled indefinitely in 1941 due to the growing dangers of World War II and England's vulnerability to air raids. For the next two years, Alexander and his brother Albert taught in the United States before returning to London in 1943.

A Bump in the Road

A year prior to Alexander's return to London, one of his students teaching the technique in South Africa created a public stir when some of her converts openly criticized the government's physical-education program. Teachers replied with their own harsh criticism, calling the Alexander technique a fraud. Alexander demanded an apology, none was given, and a libel suit was filed soon thereafter. The case was tried in 1947, and the stress over the proceedings caused Alexander to have a stroke. After a few months, the technique's reputation was "saved" as the judge on the case awarded Alexander £1,000.

The Technique Continues

Alexander taught exclusively at the school in London until his death in 1955. To this day, the technique is taught at many prestigious performing-arts schools around the world, and many voice, dance, acting and other teachers both teach and employ the technique. A 1,600-hour curriculum forms the basis of the education, spread out over a three-year period.

References

• Brief Overview of the Alexander Technique
• Info on the History of the Alexander Technique
• Facts on the History of the Technique