How It Works

I n 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 observation, awareness, and choice.

Watch video

This short archival film shows Marjorie Barstow (1899–1995) speaking about and demonstrating the Alexander Technique. Although the video quality is very grainy it offers a rare glimpse of her clarity, presence, and economy in both speech and movement. Marjorie Barstow was the first person to complete F. M. Alexander’s initial teacher training course in 1933 and taught the Technique quietly from her home in Lincoln, Nebraska. In her later years she became recognised as a true master of the work.