 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Bioenergetics is a body-oriented form of psychotherapy developed in the US in the 1960s by Dr. Alexander Lowen. An individual's history of dealing with stress or trauma is thought to be "programmed" into the muscles, and practitioners believe that posture and physical tension provide clues to mental attitudes and psychological problems. Bioenergetics exaggerates, then releases, tensions linked with buried memories, enabling past traumas to be explored. Known as Bioenergetic Analysis in North America, where most practitioners are based, bioenergetics is also practiced in Europe and New Zealand.
MAIN USES
Stress-related conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, migraines, asthma & fatigue. Some mental health problems. Persistent pain. Personal development.
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Stress
HISTORY
The term "bioenergetics" was first coined by Dr. Alexander Lowen, an American psychotherapist practicing in the 1960s. He was a student of Wilhelm Reich, a follower of Freud who believed that the body, mind, and emotions are closely interrelated. To develop bioenergetics, Dr. Lowen adapted some of Reich's ideas, including his theory of "body-armoring" (adopted defensive postures because of past events). Someone hurt a child, for example, might hold herself as if warding off blows. Following Freud's practice of encouraging people to relive repressed traumas, Dr. Lowen devised exercises from sources such as t'ai chi ch'an and Pilates.
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER
After an initial one-to-one assessment, the practitioner may recommend individual therapy sessions, joining a group, or a combination of the two approaches. A session may last roughly 50 minutes, and comfortable clothing should be worn.
Workshops usually contain between 12 and 20 people, and may begin with warm-up movements before a sharing of experiences. Exercises focus on tense areas, such as a "frozen" chest, "locked" pelvis, and tension in the jaw. Attention is paid to "grounding" - the way you stand and balance; practitioners believe that if you are in firm touch with the ground, you will also be in touch with your body and emotions. Key "stress positions", like lying backward over a stool, are often used to build up and unlock emotional energy. Repressed memories may surface, and there may be outpouring of emotion.
EVIDENCE & RESEARCH
A number of papers on bioenergetic theories and practice have been published by psychotherapeutic journals, but most evidence is anecdotal: six sessions can be life-changing for some people, while others continue for years.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL OPINION
If body and mind are as closely linked as practitioners suggest, then the theory of bioenergetics seems plausible. Any conventional practitioner would appreciate that strong feelings may manifest physically - we talk of "tension" headaches, "irritable" bowel, and "nervous" stomachs. But the defenses that lead to feelings being expressed through the body, rather than verbally, are very important, and should be dismantled only at a pace that the patient can handle.
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH LINKS
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Accessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
