HISTORY – WHO WAS ALEXANDER?

The Alexander Technique was developed by the Australian actor Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) who suffered from recurring voice loss during stage performances. When doctors and voice specialists couldn't help him he began his own research into the problem and discovered that excess tension in his neck and back was preventing him from breathing freely and restricting his freedom of movement. Through systematic self-observation, Alexander began to understand the interplay between body and mind, expectations and thought and habitual behavior patterns and physical reactions and developed a technique which helps to identify and undo habitual stressful patterns through a conscious re-education of the body. Alexander first shared his findings with fellow actors. Later performers such as singers, musicians, dancers and athletes also began working with the principles. Doctors quickly recognized the therapeutic potential in Alexander's discoveries and encouraged him to continue his work in England. As a result he moved in 1904 to London where he founded his first teacher training course and continued practicing the technique until his death. Today the Alexander Technique is taught all around the world to the benefit of countless people from all walks of life.