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Alexander Technique Career Guide
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The Alexander Technique teaches students how to become aware of their postures and movements in how they affect the body. Followers of the technique are taught to release tension in the neck and spine that creates pressure and restricts breathing. In particular, Alexander Technique followers believe in "primary control",which by balancing the relationship between the head, neck, and spine, enables clients experience full health. This is only accomplished through re-training the body to move efficiently.
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In the late 1800's, Australian actor Frederick Matthias Alexander developed The Alexander Technique. He consistently suffered from a hoarse voice, but no physician could help him so he took it upon himself to find out why his voice was failing him. After setting up mirrors to watch himself recite his work, he realized that changes in the way he held his body during performances dramatically affected his condition. As he learned to control the movements of his head and neck, he was ‘cured' of his hoarseness. With the support of intellectual giants like John Dewey and Aldous Huxley, Alexander's technique took off, and has been growing ever since.
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Certified practitioners of the Alexander Technique guide their patients' movements and teach them how to become self-aware through weekly sessions. They observe how the patients make everyday movements, and gently show them how to correct posture problems. Though group classes are sometimes offered, Alexander Technique is often taught in a one-on-one setting.
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- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Heartburn
- Hypertension
- Indigestion
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Menopausal symptoms
- Migraines
- Panic attacks
- PMS
- Postural problems
- Repetitive strain injury
- Rheumatism
- Scoliosis
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- Represents a safe and effective treatment for just about anyone.
- Patients can learn how to recognize and control their own habitual movements.
- Improves functioning of respiratory and circulatory systems.
- Controls stress responses in performers or those in the public eye.
- Improves posture.
- Helps patients become aware of how movements affect their health.
- Athletes can increase strength and endurance.
- Used by many performing artist to enhance their work.
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Side-Effects/Contra-Indications:
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- Tightness or soreness in the connective tissue is possible due to re-alignment.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness is possible because circulatory function is restored and increased.
- Strong emotional release is possible as the muscles are loosened.
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Alexander Technique’s “Concepts of Good Useâ€:
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1. Allow your neck to release so your head can balance forward and up.
2. Allow your torso to relax into length and width.
3. Allow your legs to release away from your pelvis.
4. Allow your shoulders to release out to the sides.
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Those who wish to teach the Alexander Technique need to complete three years of training through a program approved by AmSAT. Courses may be broken up throughout the year to facilitate necessary flexibility, as long as students reach 1600 total hours of study. They are taught how to observe their patients, and complete coursework in the theoretical methods of Alexander and in anatomy/physiology. Those who simply want the training without certification can study through a correspondence course.
Degree/License Offered: AmSAT Certification.
Length of study: 3 years
Cost/Financial Aid: To complete certified training, students should expect to invest approximately $6,000 per year for a three-year training program. This includes tuition, and in some cases, textbooks and workshop costs. Financial Aid is hard to come by; however, some schools will work with a student who shows the interest and commitment required to graduate.
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The Alexander Technique is in its infancy in relation to other healing techniques, and as such, scientifically-sound research is hard to come by. However, there have been some smaller-scale studies that indicate the advantages of the Alexander Technique:
- Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial of the use of the Alexander Technique in treating idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Ninety-three patients with Parkinson's were assigned randomly to one of three groups: massage groups, Alexander Technique groups and no intervention. After twelve weeks, those in the Alexander group improved dramatically in many areas of a standardized self-assessment scale.
Source: University of Westminster School of Integrated Medicine. Authors:
C. Stallibrass, P. Sissons and C. Chalmers. Originally published in Clinical
Rehabilitation, November 2002, Vol. 16, pp. 695-708.
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Practitioner Training & Licensure:
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There are currently no national certification requirements, and Alexander Technique practitioners do not qualify for licensure. However, students may attend a training school that has been approved by the North American Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique and receive certification. The minimum requirements for certification are 1,600 hours of training and at least three years of study in the field.
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Average Salary/Hourly Rate:
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It is estimated that Alexander Technique practitioners can make anywhere from $23,000-$69,000 per year, depending on geographic location and experience.
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