Primary Control

The Primary Control is a term invented by the Alexander Technique. It is used to describe a relationship between the head, neck and spine. Proponents of the Alexander Tecnique claim that the "quality" of that relationship determines the quality of our overall movement and functioning. When the neck is not overworking, the head balances lightly atop the spine, the torso expands and breath comes more easily. We restore the efficacy of the postural reflex - a natural, dynamic force that counters gravity and easily guides the torso upward.

According to the theory, one elicits the body's primary control by developing three interlocking skills:

Awareness - awareness of habitual tendencies is supposed to assist understand how the body works best.

Inhibition - Though we often tend to think we're not doing enough, Alexander claimed that habits of tension and compression interfere with the body's design. By catching oneself as one moves with compression and reducing excess muscular effort, it is possible to inhibit (or stop) compressive habits and stress responses. More can be accomplished by doing less.

Direction - According to the Alexander Technique, everyone has the capacity to visualize movement and mentally guide the flow of force through the body. Rather than gunning the motor and muscling ones way through an activity, it is possible to use the mind to direct - or envision - dynamic expansion while moving. By doing so, the body's reflexive coordination seems to handle the action by itself, gracefully and effortlessly.

Source

-- definition by Joan Arnold & Hope Gillerman Certified Teachers of the Alexander Technique with Terry Zimmerer

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