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Other common
name(s): bioenergetic therapy, bioenergetic medicine,
bioenergetic analysis
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Bioenergetics is a complementary therapy that involves
psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, and gentle touch to relieve
muscle tension. The term "bioenergetic" is sometimes used in describing
other types of complementary therapies that do not use the techniques
described here. The term is also used by scientists to talk about
cellular energy.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that
bioenergetics therapy is effective in treating cancer; however, some
patients report it is useful as a relaxation method.
How is it promoted for use?
Supporters of bioenergetics believe the body "records"
negative emotional reactions and stores them in the form of muscle
tension and stiffness, poor posture, and low energy levels. To release
these trapped emotions and return the body and mind to a balanced,
healthy, peaceful state, patients must first release muscle tension and
correct physical imbalances. Proponents further claim that
bioenergetics can offer relief from the side effects of cancer
treatment and even strengthen the body’s ability to fight
disease.
Bioenergetics practitioners claim they can "read" a
patient’s muscular movements, tone of voice, breathing,
posture, and emotions to determine his or her physical and
psychological problems. They also believe disease is a part of the life
process, and serious illnesses (including cancer) are symptoms of
underlying imbalances caused by factors such as poor diet, exposure to
toxins, genetic history, and repressed emotions. They claim that by
balancing electrical and energy disturbances within the patient and
eliminating toxins, the body will heal itself (see the document, Electromagnetic Therapy).
What does it involve?
Bioenergetics therapists use a combination of psychotherapy,
gentle body movements, massage, deep breathing, and exercises that
involve crying, screaming, and kicking in an effort to help patients
"release" their emotional memories. The therapy may also include
aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, herbal medicine,
homeopathy, acupuncture, and nutrition.
What is the history behind it?
Bioenergetics was developed by psychiatrist Alexander Lowen,
MD, in the 1950s. He based his work on Reichian therapy, a practice
developed by Wilhelm Reich, MD, that theorized that a
person’s repressed emotions are transformed into muscle
tension and rigidity, what Dr. Reich called "body armor." Dr. Lowen,
who first earned a law degree in New York, became a therapist under Dr.
Reich’s training and then completed medical school at the
University of Geneva in Switzerland. In 1956, Dr. Lowen created the
Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis.
What is the evidence?
Some patients may feel more relaxed and at ease after a
bioenergetics therapy session. However, available scientific evidence
does not support bioenergetics as a useful treatment for cancer or any
other disease. Since it is usually practiced by psychotherapists, it is
difficult to evaluate apart from the psychotherapy itself.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
People with cancer and chronic conditions such as arthritis
and heart disease should talk to their doctor before using any type of
therapy that involves herbs or manipulation of joints and muscles.
Treatment should be given by a skilled professional psychotherapist.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Bioenergetic analysis. New York Society for Bioenergetic
Analysis Web site. Accessed at http://www.bioenergetics-nyc.org/ on May
23, 2008.
Cassileth B. The
Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to
Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY: W.
W. Norton; 1998.
National Institutes of Health. Alternative Medicine: Expanding
Medical Horizons: A Report to the National Institutes of Health on
Alternative Medical Systems and Practices in the United States.
Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 1994. NIH publication
94-066.
What is bioenergetic analysis? International Institute for
Bioenergetic Analysis Web site. Accessed at
http://www.bioenergetic-therapy.com/iibamain/about/1frm_about.htm on
May 23, 2008.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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