In an Alexander Technique lesson the student is guided through simple movements while being encouraged to observe that the mind and body work together as a whole - instead of referring to one or the other, Alexander teachers talk a great deal about the whole Self; and the technique as a method of understanding thought and movement as a single process.
A person who comes with a physical problem will learn how much the mind is involved, while with stress and any kind of issue that involves mental effort it becomes clear how this is affecting the body.
The key to all this lies in observing the relationship between the head, neck and back. There is a primal response of tension that occurs in the neck when life appears to be out of balance and the person is reacting to it in a way that isn't helpful to their well-being. Through skilful application of hands-on work and verbal feedback the teacher helps the student to become aware of what he or she is doing in each moment - in both thought and body - and thus creating opportunities to change through choice and awareness.
The link to the news item below shows a short clip of a lesson in action
BBC NEWS | UK | England technique Benefits back pain |
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As the technique addresses the person as 'Self', problems, issues, goals and intentions are understood as part of a totality of experience: dealing directly with the problem is less important than making sure that everything else is in its proper place.
