Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Or perhaps you clench your jaw when stressed, or hold your breath in tense situations. These physical reactions might be more than just nervous habits; they could be signs of something deeper – body armoring.
What is Body Armoring?
Body armoring is a concept introduced by Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. He was a student of Sigmund Freud but later developed his own ideas, which diverged significantly from traditional psychoanalytic theory. Reich proposed that individuals develop physical and psychological defense mechanisms in response to various traumas and societal pressures. These defense mechanisms, result in the chronic tension and constriction of muscles throughout the body, creating what he termed “body armoring.”
According to Reich, this body armoring serves as a protective barrier against emotional pain and other threats, but it also restricts the individual’s ability to experience pleasure and authentic emotions. This chronic muscular tension is believed to manifest in specific patterns throughout the body, and to contribute to various physical and psychological ailments. These areas, known as the Belts of Tension, restrict our energy flow and limit our emotional expression. We work with these Belts of Tension in our Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release sessions, and for those new to the concept, we will outline below each of the 7 Belts.
Here’s a closer look at the 7 Belts of Tension and how they can manifest:
- Ocular Segment (Eyes): Tension in the scalp, forehead, eyes, and ears can indicate difficulty focusing or being overwhelmed by sensory input.
- Oral Segment (Jaw): Clenched jaw, teeth grinding, or tight facial muscles might point to suppressed anger, frustration, or difficulty expressing oneself.
- Cervical Segment (Neck): A stiff neck or difficulty turning your head could symbolize resistance to change or a fear of intimacy.
- Thoracic Segment (Chest): Tightness in the chest, shallow breathing, or hunched shoulders might be related to unexpressed grief, sadness, or difficulty letting go.
- Diaphragmatic Segment (Diaphragm): Restricted breathing due to a tight diaphragm can be linked to suppressed anger or a feeling of being suffocated.
- Abdominal Segment (Belly): Holding tension in the belly area may indicate a fear of vulnerability or difficulty trusting others.
- Pelvic Segment (Pelvis and Legs): Tightness in the hips, buttocks, and legs could be connected to unexpressed sexual energy, or a sense of being ungrounded.
Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release (BBTR) facilitators work with clients to release Belt of Tension. Through gentle techniques and breathwork, clients can release the physical constriction and access the underlying emotional energy trapped within.
This process can lead to:
- A deeper connection with your emotions and body sensations
- Increased sense of self-awareness
- Improved ability to express yourself authentically
- Greater sense of relaxation and well-being
Closing Thoughts
By understanding the Belts of Tension and working towards their release, we can shed the armor that holds us back and embrace a more authentic and emotionally-connected life. If you would like to release Belts of Tension and trauma and open yourself up to a more connected, healthy, and joyous life, then we invite you to join us at one of our in-person training workshops, or at our Free Online Community Breathwork sessions.