Who was Frederick Matthias Alexander?

As a young man, F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was a Shakespearean actor touring in Australia and Tasmania. A chronic hoarse voice interrupted his burgeoning career, and he lost his voice while performing. When no medical treatment helped him, he looked at his own use for the source of his vocal trouble. Through nine years of rigorous self-observation and experimentation, he solved his problem, developed a full, rich voice and discovered what he named the Primary Control.

Alexander observed that the relationship between the head, neck, and torso is primary in controlling movement and function. Compressive movement habits interfere with the body's ingenious design. Having control over the primary control restores the innate postural reflex - a natural, dynamic force that counters gravity and easily guides the torso upward.

Leaders in the field of mind/body medicine and behavioral science throughout this century have supported Alexander's innovative research. Clinical studies have shown that the Technique improves breathing capacity and posture, modifies stress responses and is, for those who suffer from chronic pain, the preferred method for long-term relief.