Frederick Matthias Alexander, developer of the Alexander Technique
The Alexander technique was developed in the 1890s by a man named Frederick Matthias Alexander. Alexander had breathing and voice problems, and by observing his own actions he realized that the way a person uses his body affects his breathing, posture and overall well-being. Alexander was an actor from Australia, who was used to the pains of being on his feet all day, but he realized there could be a healthier way of moving. His techniques help people in many ways.
Using the Alexander Technique for Posture
The Alexander technique helps relieve back and neck pain, joint pain, bad posture and breathing issues. The Alexander Technique should be taught by a professional who can identify subtle needed changes in ways of moving. The technique is begun with the simple process of rising from a chair. This gives the teacher information to help the student adjust the use of her body.
The Alexander technique teaches stand properly, sit properly, do daily tasks (brushing teeth, working at a desk) properly and even lie down properly. It teaches go from straining the body's muscles and joints to using them in a proper and safe way. Because the body will be used properly there will be no more poor posture, which is a leading cause of chronic back pain.
To facilitate change, following the Alexander Technique, there is a practice that has a person lying down with the head resting on two books (about two to four inches high). The neck should not touch the books. The spine should be relaxed into a horizontal position on the floor. The knees are bent, leaving about a foot of space between the feet and the buttocks, with the feet flat on the floor. Do this every day for 15 to 20 minutes, and you will notice that the body loosens and becomes less rigid.
Tags: Alexander Technique, Alexander Technique Posture, Frederick Matthias, Frederick Matthias Alexander, Matthias Alexander