The Inseparable Dance of Mind and Body

At the heart of the Alexander Technique lies a revolutionary idea: the human organism cannot be divided into "mind" and "body." This principle, known as psychophysical unity, asserts that every thought, emotion, and physical action is part of an indivisible whole. Pioneered by F.M. Alexander in the early 20th century, this concept challenges centuries of Cartesian dualism, popularised in the West by René Descartes (1596-1650), and offers a more holistic approach to well-being. Although the British poet, satirist and member of Parliament Andrew Marvel (1621-1678) imagined the body and soul as enslaved, it's not a view that took hold in popular consumption, quite probably due to the influence of the Church. 

"A soul hung up, as 'twere, in chains of nerves and arteries and veins." - Andrew Marvel

Let's explore the origins, applications, and profound implications of psychophysical unity in the Alexander Technique. 

F.M. Alexander, a Shakespearean actor plagued by chronic vocal issues, discovered psychophysical unity through self-observation. He realized his physical misuses—like tensing his neck while reciting lines—were inseparable from his mental habits, such as anxiety or rushed thinking. This led him to conclude:  

“The so-called ‘mental’ and ‘physical’ are not separate entities; all human activity is psycho-physical.”

Alexander’s insights predated modern neuroscience. He argued that attempts to treat "physical" or "mental" ailments in isolation were flawed, comparing the human organism to a machine whose parts cannot function independently . His work gained recognition from thinkers like John Dewey, who credited Alexander for transforming abstract theories of mind-body coordination into practical reality.

The Alexander Technique translates this philosophy into actionable principles:

Inhibition involves stopping automatic reactions—like slouching when stressed—to create space for conscious choice. For example, a pupil with chronic back pain might habitually tense their neck muscles. By "inhibiting" this reflex, they learn to release tension through mindful redirection. 

"Direction" uses spatial thinking to guide the body toward balance. A teacher might ask a student to imagine "lengthening the spine" or "freeing the neck," leveraging the mind’s power to reorganize posture. This isn’t about forcing movement but allowing the body’s innate coordination to emerge. It's an intention that can become a new habitual way of being.

Alexander teachers use touch to help pupils sense unconscious tension. For instance, a teacher’s hands might gently guide a student’s head into alignment, creating a visceral experience of ease that reshapes both physical and mental patterns.

• Chronic Pain: A 2008 BMJ study found that 24 Alexander lessons reduced back pain by 85%, demonstrating how re-educating psychophysical habits alleviates physical suffering.  
• Performing Arts: Actors and musicians use the Technique to overcome performance anxiety and overcome habitual tension patterns that interfere with performance . By addressing the mental roots of physical tension (e.g., clenched jaws or shallow breathing), they achieve fluidity and presence on stage.  
• Stress Management: By recognising and undoing the physicality of stress patterns, mental states can become more manageable leading to greater agency.

Psychophysical unity extends to our interaction with the world. The Neo-Confucian concept of Cheng—the "integrated cohesion of natural systems"—captures this idea. Just as mind and body influence each other, our posture and mindset shape how we engage with our surroundings. For example, slumping at a desk isn’t just a physical issue; it reflects and reinforces a mental state of disconnection or resignation. It also highlights that you don't have personal functioning, that functioning is a relationship with your environment. You can't swim without water! As a shorthand we call Psychophysical Unity a Self, and depending on the context I call Self/environment unity Functioning, or Being. You can't function without Being, and you be without Functioning.

Modern research supports Alexander’s claims:  

• Postural Reflexes: Studies show that releasing neck tension (a key focus in lessons) improves global movement coordination by restoring natural gravity reflexes.  
• Neurological Rewiring: fMRI scans reveal that Alexander training alters brain activity, enhancing body awareness and reducing habitual stress responses.  
• Executive Function: The practice strengthens inhibitory control, helping individuals resist "end-gaining" (rushing toward goals at the expense of process).

In modern research the idea of Psychophysical Unity is studied under the name Embodied Cognition. A key figure in studying embodiment is University of California at Berkeley professor George Lakoff.

Psychophysical unity isn’t a static concept but a dynamic practice. As Alexander wrote, “We can throw away the habit of a lifetime in a few minutes if we use our brains” . Whether you’re recovering from injury, seeking artistic freedom, or striving for everyday ease, the Alexander Technique invites you to rediscover the wholeness that modern life often fragments. 

"You translate everything, whether physical or mental or spiritual, into muscular tension." - FM Alexander

• The Use of the Self by F.M. Alexander   
• The Alexander Principle by Wilfred Barlow   
• British Medical Journal studies on back pain and AT   

Interested in experiencing psychophysical unity? Book a session with a me to begin your journey.