HISTORY
This
approach was developed in the 1960s by Gerda Boyesen, a Norwegian born
psychologist and physiotherapist. She subsequently discovered that her ideas
were similar to those of Wilhelm Reich (see page 89). According to his theory
of "armoring," suppressed emotions can cause muscular tensions, trapping
energy. This may be released by working simultaneously on the body and mind. In
1975 Boyesen founded an institute in London to train practitioners and treat
patients; centers later opened in Europe and in Australia. However, this
therapy is not well known in the US.
KEY PRINCIPLES
Coming soon.
EVIDENCE & RESEARCH
Coming soon.
MEDICAL OPINION
The idea that the gut reacts to emotions is
familiar, but some psychotherapists and doctors find the use of bowel noises to
monitor psychological changes unusual.
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER
Practitioners
believe that the intestine digests not only food, but stress and trauma, a
process known as "psychoperistalsis," which, they claim, can be
improved with massage. You lie undressed on a massage table, covered by a
blanket. Swedish massage is combined with techniques such as
"lifting" the limbs to detect and free trapped "bioenergy,"
which is released through the abdomen. A stethoscope is applied to the abdomen
to monitor progress the more gurgles the better. Talking is encouraged if the
practitioner feels the massage is raising any issues.
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Compatibility
