Recommended Reading

The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life
by Pedro de Alcantara. A very well written introduction to the Alexander Technique.

Body Learning
by Michael Gelb. Probably the best first book to read on the Alexander Technique. It clearly explains many of the concepts covered in Alexander lessons.

Elements of Skill: A Conscious Approach to Learning
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

The Chair: Rethinking Culture, Body, and Design
by Galen Cranz

The Alexander Technique: How to Use Your Body without Stress
by Wilfred Barlow,MD

Working Without Pain: Eliminate Repetitive Strain Injuries with Alexander Technique
by Sherry Berjeron-Oliver and Bruce Oliver

Use of Self
by F.M. Alexander. The most easily accessible of the four books written by Alexander. It outlines the development of the technique.


Video

This is a video of a lesson given by a teacher in India. It is illustrative of how the Alexander Technique is taught. What is missing is the distinct feeling of the hands of the Alexander teacher and release of tension one feels when working this way.


Links to Amira's Writing

October 2007 Practice - Sitting
There are many elements involved in sitting in a balanced, dynamic way. This practice serves to increase your level of awareness of your lower limbs, a key element in sitting easily.

August 2007 Practice - Awareness
This is a practice to gain more awareness of yourself in your environment. It will help you to bring an appropriate amount of activity to your arms and torso.


Links to Interesting Articles and Research

Randomized controlled study on efficacy of the Alexander Technique to help back pain.
Published in the British Medical Journal, study reports 86% reduction of back pain after 24 lessons. For more details, click here.

Compilation of research articles about the Alexander Technique.
In addition to research articles, this website also includes other information about the Technique.

Summary of a randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease
93 subjects; researched by the University of Westminster School of Integrated Medicine; Peta Sissons Consultancy; and London School of Economics Department of Statistics.

Article about the Alexander Technique on Wikipedia.

The American Society for the Alexander Technique

Ethology and Stress Diseases, the 1973 Nobel Laureate Lecture
by Nikolaas Tinbergen, who shared the prize in medicine for that year. The second half of the lecture is dedicated to a discussion of his experience with the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique: A Way to Effortless, Natural Tennis
The first of four articles by Gary Adelman on the Alexander Technique and how it can be applied to tennis.

Movement and the Alexander Technique
The second of four articles by Gary Adelman on the Alexander Technique and how it can be applied to tennis.

Using the Alexander Technique to Generate Power
The third of four articles by Gary Adelman on the Alexander Technique and how it can be applied to tennis.

The Alexander Technique and the Magic Move: The Key to Ripping Groundstrokes
The fourth of four articles by Gary Adelman on the Alexander Technique and how it can be applied to tennis.



Amira Alvarez, Certified Alexander Technique Instructor
Berkeley, California
510-528-3109
amira.alvarez@gmail.com