Search
Search for Bioenergetics practitioners, schools, and associations worldwide:
Search for Bioenergetics practitioners, schools, and associations worldwide:
Healing Systems
In this section:
Your Tools:
|
Print this page |
|
Email this page |
|
Search Bioenergetics articles |
|
Submit your own article |
|
Sign up as a practitioner |
BioenergeticsWhere Did Bioenergetic Therapy Originate?
Bioenergetic Therapy evolved from psychoanalysis (a therapeutic method, originated by Sigmund Freud, for treating mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the patient's mind and bringing repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious mind).
Wilhelm Reich, a student of Freud’s, began to work directly with the body by using reichian psychotherapy techniques in the 1930’s, subsequently naming this technique “vegetotherapy.” Vegetotherapy is based on the suppression of emotions which creates muscular stress and rigidity within a person. Reich termed this rigidity “body armor.” His focus was on intensifying the emotional experience and liberating the emotions which caused the stress and rigidity.
In 1950s, psychiatrist Alexander Lowen, MD and John Pierrakos further developed and expanded this method into what is today called bioenergetic analysis. Dr. Lowen became a therapist after taking the training under Dr. Reich and he later completed his medical education at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. The International Institute of Bioenergetic Analysis (IIBA) was created by Dr. Lowen in 1956. The IIBA is a membership organization which certifies Bioenergetic Analysis practitioners, and provides continuing education for the profession and advancement of bioenergetic analysis.
Recent Bioenergetics Submissions
There are no recent articles for this topic.
| The information in this website is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice, nor used to replace, diagnose, prescribe, or treat any ailment, nor does it replace consultation with your medical doctor and practitioner. It is intended only to enhance your knowledge in healing therapies. Please use it wisely. We care about your well-being. |