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).

• Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Methods

• How to Know What Is Safe: Choosing and Using Dietary Supplements

• The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management

• Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management

• Placebo Effect

• Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer

• Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

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