‘USE’ IS THE TERM THAT DESCRIBES THE WAY A PERSON USES THEIR WHOLE BEING IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY ACTIVITY.

The demands of modern living have affected our natural condition and abilities. Within a comparatively short time our environment has been greatly altered. We slump over desks, collapse in chairs, drive cars in endless rush hours, tensely key into computers, work in cramped offices, shops, and factories, and generally try to adapt ourselves to the conditions of a rapidly changing world. The hunching of shoulders, twisting of the rib cage, collapse of the spine, locking of the joints, and clenching of muscles due to tension and anxiety are but a few examples of this disconnect, which is referred to as “mis-use.” Bad “use” affects the way we function and is one of the primary causes or aggravating factors of illness and pain. Conversely, correct “use” implies a freedom and lightness of movement in all areas of activity and a sense of comfort and ease within oneself.

The Alexander Technique was developed by F.M. Alexander over 100 years ago as a means of overcoming his own crippling tensions and “mis-use”. Recognizing the importance of his own discovery, Alexander went on to establish his Technique in Australia, London, and subsequently in the United States.

Alexander discovered that “good-use” is dependent on a natural working relationship between the head, neck, and back. The neck is freed from undue tension, which allows the head to be delicately balanced on top of the spinal column while the back is lengthened and widened without any force or strain. This condition can be brought to our daily activities and when properly directed, it is experienced as an integrating force.

The Alexander Technique is also described as: the use of the self, psycho-physical re-education, kinesthetic re-education, proprioceptive training. No matter how many definitions there may be, in essence it needs to be experienced in order to be understood. The teacher of this work is specialized and highly skillful, having gone through 1600 hours of training over a three year period.

The Alexander Technique continues to increase in popularity because it works. Recent research carried out in England has shown it to be the “most effective of self care methods for chronic pain management.” The Alexander Technique teaches you how to regain the use of your whole self and to correct habits of “mis-use” that interfere with your health, free movement, and general well-being.