Alexander Technique

by Chris Stevens

The Alexander Technique's effectiveness is attested to by the many dancers, musicians, actors, and athletes who practice it in order to use their bodies more healthily and naturally. The technique can help solve all kinds of work-related health problems, and improve general well-being and self-awareness. Simply described as a method of teaching the body how to stand up straight, the technique actually focuses on bringing the mind and body into a state of stable, natural, relaxation. Written by Chris Stevens, an experienced Alexander Technique teacher, this thorough guide sets forth the principles of the method for the beginning or prospective student.

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 1987

About the author

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Reviews

[Sam]

Alexander was obviously an interesting man and I am always fascinated if I can glean some clue as to how the mode became codified into such a popular practice. Unfortunately this book was badly written and didn't increase my interest in the technique very much at all. I felt the explanations Stevens presented for why things are done the way they are in Alexander Technique did not obviously follow from the facts they were purported to be based upon. Much of the 'scientifically verifiable' information was badly explained and expected to be taken on faith, which is partly excusable for an introduction.
I am still interested in Alexander as a mode for freeing up my neck and improving my singing and speaking voice, but this book does nothing to distinguish its subject from half a dozen other modes that purport to improve posture and alignment.
I would have at least liked to understand the nature of the affiliation with chiropractic and principles underlying it, but after reading this book I don't suppose I will do more than recite poetry in front of a mirror to tune in to my body responses.
In its favor advocating collaborative body work. It can contradictorily seem ahead of its time and also anachronistic (Alexander was a Tasmanian living and working 100 years ago).