As we grow up and get older, we tend to end up with more and more habits and physical and mental armouring which cause mostly unnecessary and harmful tension. The Alexander Technique can be used as a tool for trying to return to a more balanced state.
While many people become involved with the technique because they have a back problem, suffer from frequent headaches or have some other physical ailment, there is no need to have any such problems; some people wish to improve a skill like playing a musical instrument or just want to learn more about themselves.
Alexander Technique won't solve all problems, but it is a very generic and fundamental system,and
can be applied to just about any activity or skill. It is also very down to anearth; it doesn't assume the existence of mysterious energies, paranormal forces, UFOs or life after death, although it has to be said that some parts of the Alexander Technique are not well understood yet.
Alexander Technique is called "Alexander" Technique after Frederick (F.M.) Alexander, an Australian actor who is the most important developer of the technique. While many other people have contributed before and after him, and many more will do so in the future, it is probably safe to say that without him we wouldn't have a system like the Alexander Technique.
Alexander Technique is usually learned by taking a series of lessons. Common movements, postures and activities are used to teach the principles of the technique. The teacher uses verbal explanation, visual feedback and touch to guide the student. This touch could be described as extremely gentle and subtle 'manipulation', but it is so unique that it really has to be experienced rather than explained. Lessons can be quite intensive, and so they usually last only about half an hour.