The fundamental aim of the Alexander Technique is to get the body to work according to the way it is designed.  According to F.M. Alexander we humans are psycho-physical organisms, i.e. we have a psychological part and a physical part.  These two parts are constantly affecting and working with each other.  If one part is affected by something then there is an immediate response in the other.  A good example of this is anxiety.  When you are anxious or “stressed out” the body contracts and becomes tense.  It starts in the psyche but the result is stored in the body.  Often a pattern of “holding” is established which becomes a habit.