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‘Alexander and Chinese Acupuncture – Different approaches to similar conclusions’ by Nilly Bassan; on the similarities between Chinese medicine philosophy and the Technique.[1]   References [1] ‘Alexander and Chinese Acupuncture – Different approaches to similar conclusions’ by Nilly Bassan in The Congress Papers 1988: Towards Unity edited by Jeremy Chance (Direction, 1994), pp. 40–54.

F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander discusses the nature of addiction in MSI, referring to the examples of drugs, tea, alcohol, wine, sugar.[1]   It is important to keep in mind that different men and different women fall victims to some particular stimulant or drug, whilst they are in absolute mastery of themselves where other […]

The benefits of the Alexander Technique for aging and older adults have recently been more well documented.   The term ‘older adults’ refers to people in what is also termed old age, the elderly, or senior citizens (US: seniors).   F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander does not specifically address aging, but does reproduce a […]

‘Teaching Alexander Technique in the community’ by Astrid Holm reports on teaching mainly women in Whitehawk, outside Brighton, an area with more poverty and crime than neighbouring areas.[1]   References [1] ‘Teaching Alexander Technique in the community’ by Astrid Holm in STATNews vol. 6, no. 12 edited by Ann James (STAT, January 2004), pp. 20–21.

F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander made many grand claims for his technique, but he did not advance the argument that it was scientific. Alexander wrote, however, that his technique did not contradict contemporary science:   The physiological side of my technique has been the subject of friendly discussion between medical men and physiologists, and […]

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include pain and stiffness from the neck down to the lower back. The spine’s bones (vertebrae) fuse together, resulting in a rigid spine.   Two teachers, Margaret Edis and Ruth Murray, who were both diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at an early […]

Anorexia Nervosa, often referred to as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterised by low weight, fear of gaining weight, and a strong desire to be thin, resulting in food restriction.   Writings ‘Anorexia Nervosa and the Alexander Technique’ by Briar Maxwell tells her own story of her improving her condition with the Technique.[1]   A […]

F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander made several references to a number of conditions, including asthma, which were relieved or ‘eradicated’ (in the sense of disappearing) as a result of the general level of health from better use and functioning.   Alexander in his writings also blamed the cause of asthma (as well as several […]

‘Ambient awareness’ by Kay S. Hooper; on training children with ADD using sensory awareness games.[1]   References [1] ‘Ambient awareness’ by Kay S. Hooper in Direction vol. 3, no. 8 edited by Paul Cook (Direction Journal, 2010), pp. 9–13.

Books Autism and Alexander Technique by Caitlin G. Freeman argues that the Alexander Technique is ideally suited for helping people with ASD form sensory integration and body awareness, and comprises a system of physical training that is especially beneficial for people on the Autism Spectrum.[1]   Articles ‘Taming to touch’ by Caitlin Freeman reports on […]

The term ‘back problems’ here includes back pain, disability, injury, and deformity.   History Alexander only makes passing reference to back problems, mainly because Alexander emphasizes the educational aspect of the Technique, but probably also because historically low back pain only became a prominent problem after World War II.[1] Since the 1990s most introductory books […]

F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander mentions a number of breathing problems in his early writings. ‘Excessive and harmful lowering of the air pressure in the respiratory tract’ tends to ‘cause congestion of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract on the sucker system, setting up catarrh and its attendant evils, such as throat disorders, […]

‘Working with a cancer support group’ by Penny Ingham; on working with a local cancer support group since 1988, seeing pupils referred by medical staff, around 16 people a week, about two thirds of whom are cancer patients, the rest supporting partners and bereaved.[1]   ‘Teaching cancer patients’ by Hélène Corrie reports on teaching the […]

The ability of a falling cat to turn, from whatever starting position, to land on its feet has been used in the Alexander Technique by some teachers to illustrate 1) the righting reflex existing in most mammals and some other animals, and, in some cases 2) the ‘head leads and the body follows’ principle.   […]

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, aka Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.   Writings ‘Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease’ by Claire Quinn writes on how the Alexander Technique is helping her manage her condition.[1]   References [1] ‘Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease’ by Claire Quinn in STATNews vol. 6, no. 26 edited by Ann James (STAT, September 2008), p. 22.

Christopher Stevens wrote on the science of the Alexander Technique and related science. This entry only covers Stevens’ own research into aspects of the Technique.   Stevens’ own research broadly covered the following topics: sit-to-stand movements; postural sway; height and shoulder width changes; and stress related increase in blood pressure. Below is a summary of […]

Chronic fatigue syndrome also referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).   Writings ‘The Alexander Technique and M.E.’ by Jan Ellan describes how she developed ‘illness management’ over some time, coping with ME while teaching the Technique.[1]   ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome and the Alexander Technique – the next research project?’ by Annie Whitehead is on her […]

Cranio-Sacral therapy uses gentle touch to palpate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium, spine and pelvic bones to help regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.   Writings ‘The Cranio-Sacral System’ by Hil Boode is an introduction to Cranio-Sacral therapy.[1]   ‘The Cranio-Sacral System’ by Hillegonda Boode relating on her own case history of breaking her […]

Teaching the Alexander Technique in other cultures ‘Sticking to principle – Teaching Alexander in Ecuador’ by Glenna Batson; on teaching a group of artists in 1993 and 1994 in Ecuador and how a different culture challenged the author’s teaching to a new approach.[1]   ‘Crossing hemispheres’ by Robin Gilmore contain reflections on teaching at the […]

  ‘Observations on the use of respiratory muscles in posture’ by David Garlick, et al. The breathing measured using a bellows pneumograph system for measuring the frequency and size of respiratory movements and the relative contributions of the rib cage, abdominal-diaphragm to tidal breathing. 51 subjects participated, of which 9 were involved in Alexander Technique, […]

‘Alzheimer’s-related dementia’ by Ulli Pawlas reports on how the author works with people with dementia.[1]   References [1] ‘Alzheimer’s-related dementia’ by Ulli Pawlas in The Congress Papers 2008, From Generation to Generation Vol. 2 edited by Jean M. O. Fischer (STATBooks, 2009), pp. 201–08.

‘Fascism and democracy in the human mind’ by Israel Charny compares a ‘fascist’ attitude of the mind – of power, of control, of a singular idea – with a democratic attitude, characterised by complexity, process, diversity, contradiction, paradox.[1]   ‘Coordinated decision-making’ by Catherine Kettrick and Diana Bradley on using formal consensus as developed by C. […]

The Alexander Technique does not advocate a certain diet. However, it can be inferred from Alexander’s writings that he was in favour of wholesome and nourishing food, and against foods which could adversely affect use and functioning. F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander used the example of people’s addiction to certain food as proof that […]

‘Taking inhibition onto the roads’ by Barry Collins; on applying the Technique while training to be an Instructor/Observer with the Institute of Advanced Motorists.[1]   References [1] ‘Taking inhibition onto the roads’ by Barry Collins in STATNews vol. 8, no. 3 edited by Jamie McDowell (STAT, May 2013), p. 19.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder syndrome in which sustained or repetitive muscle contractions result in twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal fixed postures.[1]   ‘Working with a Dystonia sufferer’ by Doris Prügel-Bennett reports on working with Val Cross, a Dystonia sufferer, who then also provides her own experiences of how the Technique helps her.[2] […]

These articles all deal with the relevance of Alfred A. Tomatis’ work to the Alexander Technique. Tomatis (1920–2001) claimed that vocal problems were really hearing problems, that a number of auditory communication problems begin in pregnancy, that the whole body is involved in the production of speech and language, and that his method (which includes […]

This entry covers the teaching of the Technique to children, privately and in schools, and includes parenting.   History   F. M. Alexander See F. M. Alexander on education.   The Little School The ‘Little School’ was first started in London (at Ashley Place) in 1924, and was run by Irene Tasker and, from 1934, […]

F. M. Alexander On being asked whether Alexander dealt directly with people’s emotional and psychological problems in the context of the training course, Walter Carrington answered: ‘The answer is: no, he definitely did not. He didn’t deal with them at all. I rather think he walked away from it. It was something he didn’t want […]

Ergonomics is here used in the restricted sense of the adaptation of humans for the workplace and the adaptation of work equipment for humans, primarily for the purpose of comfort, productivity and safety.   F. M. Alexander criticised the concept of a ‘correct type of chair’ in MSI:   And I may note in this […]

Alexander makes several references to the use of eyes in his writings and talk, although he did not prescribe any specific activity for the use of the eyes. In his teaching he asked his pupils to keep their eyes open, to see, to look.[1] As did A. R. Alexander.[2]   References in Alexander’s writings, talk […]

Alexander was concerned about education of the young, because many potentially bad habits could be prevented at an early age. He saw the future of civilisation dependent upon development of the conscious and rational powers of children. His views would be regarded as progressive for his times. He writes in MSI:   In this matter […]

F. M. Alexander Alexander wrote on the subject of fear in several of his books, often using the term ‘fear reflexes’, but also referring to ‘nerves’, discouragement, worry, fright (including stage fright), and anxiety.   The most detailed description is Chapter VI in CCC which is titled ‘Unduly Excited Fear Reflexes, Uncontrolled Emotions, and Fixed […]

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have: increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue (extreme tiredness), muscle stiffness.[1]   Writings ‘Find physical and emotional support’ by David Orman relates on using the Technique to cope with […]

Frank P. Jones measured predominantly changes in posture and movement (mainly sit-to-stand) with or without the application of the Alexander Technique, using multiple image photography with markers on various parts of the subject’s body in the form of small lamps or of reflective tape illuminated by flashes. There were clear differences between ‘habitual’ and ‘guided’, […]

‘The weaker sex?’ by Richard Gummere are musings on the fact that the majority of Alexander Technique teachers are women and his belief that ‘women could deepen the philosophy of the Alexander world’.[1]   ‘The role of women in the growth of the Alexander community’ by Alexander Murray pays tribute to some of the women […]

Coghill, George Ellett (1872–1941) was a US professor of anatomy and researcher into the development of reflexes of movement in vertebrates. Coghill wrote an appreciation for The Universal Constant in Living, and Alexander and his supporters used Coghill’s discoveries as a scientific support for the Alexander Technique.   Life Coghill started his biology studies in […]

F. M. Alexander There is a picture of Alexander holding a pen in the slideshow on this Companion homepage. He was a keen letter writer.   In CCC Alexander describes a case with a pupil whom he recommended to take frequent breaks while writing:   A pupil of mine, an author, had been in a […]

F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander taught several doctors, especially in the 1920s and 1930s. In UoS Alexander dedicates a chapter to ‘Diagnosis And Medical Training’. Here he writes that   No diagnosis of a case can be said to be complete, unless the medical adviser gives consideration to the influence exerted upon the patient, […]

Hypermobility here refers to Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – Hypermobility Type (EDS-HT), also known as Hypermobile EDS (hEDS).   Writings ‘Hypermobility syndrome’ by Julie Barber; on the importance of early diagnosis, describing the typical hypermobility symptoms and stating that the Technique can help.[1]   ‘A poignant Friday afternoon in Limerick in August’ […]

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an inflammatory muscle disease characterised by progressive muscle weakness and wasting, especially affecting the arms and legs.   ‘Teaching a student with Inclusion Body Myositis’ by Lauren Hill, Dennis Chada; a teacher and a pupil writes about how the Alexander Technique affects IBM.[1]   References [1] ‘Teaching a student with […]

This entry covers three issues, using the Alexander Technique to the teaching of foreign languages, how to translate concepts and instructions, and sign language.   The teaching of foreign languages ‘Reducing the fear’ by Margaret Nicolson argues that the Alexander Technique is very useful in teaching languages to adult students, particularly in a group setting […]

Also mental disorder, mental illness, psychiatric disorder.   Writings ‘Working with retarded people’ by Yaara and Gal Ben Or; notes from three case histories.[1]   See also Psychology, and under individual conditions.   References [1] ‘Working with retarded people’ by Yaara and Gal Ben Or in The Congress Papers 1996, Back to Basics edited by […]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which can affect the brain and/or spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.[1]   Writings ‘Multiple Sclerosis and the Alexander Technique’ by Jennifer Tweel Kelly is a teacher’s autobiographical case history.[2]   References [1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/. Retrieved […]

On general aspects of pain.   F. M. Alexander F. M. Alexander wrote in several places how behaviour causing pain can be habitual, e.g. in MSI:   To those who have studied this curious phase of mental and physical phenomena, it would almost seem that they derived a form of satisfaction or pleasure from such […]

Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder.   The benefits of the Alexander Technique for people with Parkinson’s disease (PWPD) were first highlighted by Chloe Stallibrass’s research in 1997 (see below for research papers). Several teachers have reported on working with PWPD. In 2016 Monika Gross started The Poise Project, a nonprofit organisation, with an […]

Also called early reflexes, baby reflexes, retained or unintegrated primitive reflexes.   Persistent primitive reflexes (PPR) are reflex actions that are exhibited by normal infants, but not neurologically intact adults, in response to particular stimuli. These reflexes are suppressed as a child grows, mostly within the first 18 months of birth. These primitive reflexes are […]

F. M. Alexander’s view on philosophy At the beginning of the first chapter of MSI, Alexander states that his work is not influenced by a particular school of philosophy:   Speculation as to what first influenced that strange and wonderful development [the evolution of humans] does not come within the province of this treatise, but […]

F. M. Alexander In UCL Alexander quotes from Anthony Ludovici’s book, The Truth about Childbirth (1937), where Ludovici writes about the importance of Alexander’s technique for pregnancy and childbirth. For example, on the consequences of faulty coordination and wrong use of self:   Suppose that, through faulty coordination and wrong use of self – and […]

As F. M. Alexander maintained that the human organism is a psycho-physical whole, he did not specifically address psychology separate from the use of the self or what generally today is described as mental health issues. However, later (from the 1980s onwards) some teachers of the Technique have argued that teachers should have some knowledge […]

F. M. Alexander on Freudian psycho-analysis In CCC, in the section ‘Need for Substituting in all Spheres the Principle of Prevention on a General Basis for Methods of “Cure” on a Specific Basis’, Alexander criticises psycho-analysis:   Another form of treatment to which I should like to draw attention in this connection is psycho-analysis. This […]

Research papers by Rajal Cohen   ‘Neck posture is influenced by anticipation of stepping’ by Rajal G. Cohen, et al. Habitual head forward posture was measured in 45 young adults standing quietly and when they anticipated walking to place a tray: also in conditions requiring that they bend low or balance an object on the […]

  The Alexander Technique – as a process for conscious control – is non-religious, but many people have seen similarities and common themes between some religions and some philosophies.   Alexander’s view on religion At the beginning of the first chapter of MSI, Alexander states that his technique is non-religious:   Speculation as to what […]

This entry covers recent research which is predominantly seeking to understand the mechanisms of the Alexander Technique, defining what constitutes good use and misuse.   ‘Prolonged weight-shift and altered spinal coordination during sit-to-stand in practitioners of the Alexander Technique’ by T. W. Cacciatore, et al. This study compared coordination of 15 teachers of the Alexander […]

This covers research into specific beneficial effects of learning and practising the Technique. The first section contains references to the research papers; the second section contains references to reports of research papers. As not all research papers are published (or can be located) the second section contains references to papers which are not listed in […]

Rudolf Magnus (1873–1927), German Professor of Pharmacology and researcher on the physiology of posture. Magnus’ experiments, carried out on the guinea-pig, rabbit, cat, dog and monkey, investigated in particular: 1) reflex standing; 2) normal distribution of tone; 3) attitude; and 4) righting function. These studies were carried out on decerebrated animals. His findings were summarized […]

‘Science inspired’ writings are those which set out to understand the practice and/or the teaching of the Alexander Technique, or aspects of these, with reference to scientific knowledge or theories. Excluded here is anatomy and physiology related to postural and movement mechanisms – see The use of anatomy and physiology.   Neuroscience ‘How does Alexander […]

The literature on possible physiological and other mechanisms involved in the workings of the Alexander Technique over the years.   A. Murdoch ‘The function of the sub-occipital muscles’ by Dr. A. Murdoch argues that influence of the head determines every attitude of the body, especially on the influence of the sub-occipital muscles on head balance. […]

The Scythe Book – Mowing hay, cutting weeds, and harvesting small grains with hand tools by David Tresemer contains a six-page introduction to the Alexander Technique and how it helps with scything.[1] The relevant section begins with:   Awareness of the dynamics of one’s own body can be employed to improve one’s ability at mowing, […]

F. M. Alexander Sir George Trevelyan’s diary entry of Wednesday 27 January 1937 records Alexander talking about sex:   Many of the failures in marriage, F. M. contends, are due to the failure on the part of the man to inhibit and hold back. In response to his excitement he stiffens, therefore often enough preventing […]

Sexual abuse, also referred to as molestation.   Writings ‘Hazards and hope’ by Wendy C. Morris reports on how the Technique helped – and didn’t help – in recovering from childhood sexual abuse.[1]   ‘We are sexless, not!’ by Nicola Hanefeld; on the subject of sex being consciously or unconsciously part of lessons, and of […]

The startle pattern, also known as startle reaction or startle response, is a sudden and brief and largely unconscious reaction to being startled, such as a loud noise.   The startle pattern has its origin in the startle reflex which is a brain stem reaction. It exists in humans, all apes and monkeys, and many […]

F. M. Alexander In CCC F. M. Alexander relates the story of an author who suffered a breakdown:   A pupil of mine, an author, had been in a serious state of health for some time, and had at last reached the point where he was unable to carry on his literary work. After finishing […]

‘Preparing for and recovering from surgery using the Alexander Technique’ by Debbie Rittner; a pupil of the Technique relates her experiences of using the Technique before and after undergoing a hysteroscopy operation.[1]   Research ‘The impact of the alexander technique in improving posture and surgical ergonomics during minimally invasive surgery: Pilot study’ by P. Reddy, […]

Card games – Poker ‘Poker’ by Jerry Sontag discusses the ‘poker face’ and regards the ability to deal with boredom as a more important factor.[1]   ‘How to read a poker player’s body language’ by Charlie Schultz; on the reasons for applying the Alexander Technique to playing poker, and using observation skills to interpret a […]

Teaching school teachers the Alexander Technique.   Books The Thinking Teacher’s Body by Harriet Anderson. Inspired by the Alexander Technique, written for teachers, trainee teachers, and all those involved in teacher training and development.[1]   Articles ‘Teaching the Alexander Technique to trainee school teachers – An ongoing research project’ by Grant Ragsdale; an interim report […]

This article covers the application of the Technique to the workplace and the teaching of the Technique at the workplace, on site. (This entry excludes music, dance and acting colleges, hospitals and schools, see below).   F. M. Alexander Although there are references to the application of the Technique to work in Alexander’s writings, there […]

is divided into the following entries   Scientific explanations of the Alexander Technique Research into the benefits of the Alexander Technique Research into mechanisms of the Alexander Technique Alexander’s scientific method Science inspired – articles inspired by science and research R. Magnus’s research – regarding a ‘central control’, righting reflexes and postural reflexes. G. Coghill’s […]

Research papers by Tim Cacciatore ‘Improvement in automatic postural coordination following Alexander Technique lessons in a person with low back pain’ by T. W. Cacciatore, et al. This case report describes the use of the Alexander Technique with a client with a 25-year history of low back pain. After lessons, her postural responses and balance […]

Trauma, traumatic injury, grief.   Articles ‘Grief’ by Vivien Schapera; on bereavement, grief resulting from a death, and how it affected her use.[1]   ‘Effects of childhood trauma’ by Rachel Mausner with Jano Cohen argues that Alexander lessons may awaken suppressed trauma memories, because it releases tension; it explains the different levels of reactions to […]

Wilfred Barlow wrote a number of papers, starting in 1946 with a study which showed that people, when sitting down, pulled their heads back and down relative to the spine. He went to do a number of ‘before’ and ‘after’ Alexander Technique lessons studies until 1959.   An investigation into kinaesthesia ‘An investigation into kinaesthesia’ […]