Sometimes an image speaks a thousand words. The following is an elegant summary of the process of the Alexander Technique:
The aim of the Alexander Technique is to improve how we ‘use’ ourselves in activity, and by doing so improve our overall functioning. The benefits range from addressing musculoskeletal pain to improving movement, balance and overall wellbeing.
But what do the terms in the diagram above mean? Below are some definitions, and together with the diagram can give you a brief insight into some of the main concerns of the Alexander Technique:
- Primary Control is an expansive relationship between body segments, particularly between the head, neck and back.
- Inhibition involves pausing to prevent the habitual reactions that can cause unnecessary muscular tension.
- Direction is ‘having the wish, the intention, the aspiration, to be going in those directions that are expansive rather than contractive, but the wish must be expressed through muscular release rather than tension and effort.’ (Nicholls and Carey (ibid.) p.82)
But why must inhibition precede direction, as suggested by the diagram? Again, Nicholls and Carey explain themselves eloquently:
Some attempt to inhibit the habitual responses that contract and unbalance us must precede the conscious direction of an improved use, but the inhibition must continue throughout the direction, otherwise we are fighting against ourselves.
Nicholls and Carey (ibid.) pp. 89-90.
In short, ‘inhibition’ and ‘direction’ work together to bring about an improved use of our ‘primary control’, leading to the panoply of effects that the Alexander Technique is known for.
