What is Reichian Therapy?
Jun 15, 2018

Max Lopez
Core Spirit member since Dec 24, 2020
Reading time 2 min.

Reichian therapy is the name given to a type of therapy developed by Wilhem Reich, often also referred to as Orgone Therapy, Orgonomy Therapy, or Orgonomy. It is an alternative, holistic therapy, that has found increasing interest over the past few decades, and is one of the major alternative therapeutic modalities in the West.

Wilhelm Reich was born at the end of the 19th century in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His early life on a farm was filled with sexual openness and experimentation that would influence much of his later work. Reich fought in World War I, and then went to school in Vienna, studying Freud, and becoming a part of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Association by the time he was 23. At 25 he set up his own private practice, and by his mid-30s he had developed a great deal of theories which would later underpin Reichian therapy.

This style of therapy basically holds that our capacity to experience joy and fully-realized lives is constricted by walls and armor we put up to protect us from the world. It looks at the attitudes patients use to close themselves off, and helps the patient analyze them and eventually break them down, in order to live more expressive, open lives.

Reichian therapy begins with some sort of character assessment. The therapist looks at everything from how the patient interacts with them, to how they hold themselves and move in the world, to begin to understand the mode in which the patient is operating. The therapist endeavors to build a genuine, trusting, and friendly relationship with the patient, supporting them and actively engaging them at every opportunity.

Therapy in the Reichian style is somewhat innovative in its integration of physical bodywork with psychological assessment. Deep tissue massage plays a large role in it, helping the patient to relax and open themselves more fully. Guided breathing exercises further help the patient of Reichian therapy relax and realize their expansive potential.

Reichian therapy also utilizes a number of traditional psychoanalytic approaches to find root causes of closure in patients. Dream analysis is used by a number of Reichian practitioners, as is a prolonged set of analysis sessions designed to uncover deeply hidden issues and walls.

Traditionally, Reichian therapy acted from the understanding that all neurosis grew out of sexual frustration and repressed sexuality. This was a very Freudian view, and one no doubt influenced largely Reich’s personal experiences. Many modern Reichian therapists, however, believe that while sexuality plays an important role in neuroses, other causes may also play a role. Usually this difference of opinion is acknowledged by referring to Orthodox and Neo-Reichian therapy. Orthodox practitioners continue to practice from the belief that sexuality is the root cause of neuroses. Neo-Reichian practitioners believe that other causes, such as abandonment or non-sexual physical abuse at an early age, may also cause neuroses later in life.

by Wise Geek


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Relaxation Massage

Overview

Relaxation massage is a gentle and soothing massage technique that aims to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It involves long, flowing strokes, kneading, and circular movements to help release tension and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

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Individuals who work high-stress jobs, such as executives, healthcare workers, or first responders, who may be in need of a therapeutic, stress-relieving massage to help them relax and unwind.

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Reduce stress and anxiety, boost immune function, improve circulation, promote better sleep, reduce muscle tension and pain

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•Consultation: Before the session begins, the I will ask you about any specific areas of the body you would like to focus on, as well as any injuries, medical conditions, or concerns you may have.
•Setting the atmosphere: I will create a relaxing atmosphere, dimming the lights and playing soft music to help you feel at ease.
•Comfortable positioning: You will derobe to your comfort level and lie down on the massage table, covered by a sheet or blanket, in a comfortable and supportive position. Nothing will be exposed except the areas I'm working on.
•Application of oil or lotion: I will apply a light oil or lotion to your skin to help facilitate smooth and soothing massage strokes.
•Gentle massage strokes: I will use gentle and flowing massage strokes, such as effleurage, kneading, and circular movements, to help promote relaxation and release tension.

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Erica Turner
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Utilizing many massage modalities to support your body throughout its healing process with a hands on approach.

Working with infants to the elderly, all ages can experience bodywork to support their physical body.

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Remedial Massage

Remedial Massage Therapy is the manual application of deep pressure massage therapy in the aim to release tight muscles, restore spinal balance and reduce muscle pain, joint stiffness and nerve symptoms.

Massage pressure is often firm to release trigger points and sometimes more gentle for relaxation purposes for stress and anxiety.

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Sports massage is suitable for all, not just athletes. People often think of massage as a nice way to occasionally pamper themselves, but regular massage provides a powerful tool to help you take care of your health and wellbeing. Clinically based musculoskeletal and neural techniques are used to provide a bespoke treatment targeting muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia and the pressure may vary from a light stroking or kneading to deep pressure. Regular massage can improve your quality of life and aid recovery from training. Kinesiology taping is also offered to support injury recovery.

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