Alexander technique

Alexander technique
Al·ex·an·der technique .al-ig-'zan-dər n, often cap T a technique for positioning and moving the body that is believed to reduce tension
Alexander Frederick Matthias (1869-1955)
Australian elocutionist. By the 1890s Alexander had established himself as a professional reciter or elocutionist, touring the Australian outback in a one-man variety show that included the declaiming of Shakespeare. Episodes of crippling hoarseness became increasingly frequent until he was forced to quit and seek a solution to the problem. His discovery that he tended to pull his head back, thereby depressing the larynx, during the act of declaiming led him to develop his technique for a stress-reducing alignment of the head, neck, and back. In addition to greater ease in his public speaking, he noticed an improvement in his overall health and well-being. He devoted the rest of his life to the teaching and propagation of his technique. A course for training teachers in the Alexander technique was established in London in 1931.

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Al·ex·an·der technique (al″eg-zanґdər) [Frederick Matthias Alexander, Australian actor, 1869–1955] see under technique.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • alexander technique — n. a technique for controlling posture as an aid to improved well being. Etymology: F. M. Alexander, physiotherapist d. 1955 * * * Alexander technique 7 [ˌælɪɡˈzɑːndə tekniːk] [ˌælɪɡˈzændər tekniːk] noun singular, uncountable …   Useful english dictionary

  • Alexander technique — a therapeutic technique based on the idea that postural changes can correct certain deficiencies, especially voice and breathing problems, as in actors and musicians. * * * …   Universalium

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  • Alexander technique — noun a system designed to promote well being by retraining one s awareness and habits of posture to ensure minimum effort and strain. Origin 1930s: named after the Australian born actor and elocutionist Frederick Matthias Alexander …   English new terms dictionary

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  • Alexander technique — /æləgˈzændə tɛknik/ (say aluhg zanduh tekneek) noun a system of posture modification which aims to promote the unimpeded relationship between body and mind, resulting in better performance in acting, musicianship, etc., and in the relief of such… …  

  • Alexander technique — Al|ex|an|der tech|nique, the trademark a system of sitting, standing, and moving, which some believe can help to improve general health …   Dictionary of contemporary English

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