Reich eye segment exercises how to perform correctly. Body Oriented Therapy: Muscular Exercises by Wilhelm Reich

Author: Elena Vladimirovna Emelyanova, Deputy Director of the Center for Emergency Psychological Assistance of the Committee on Labor and social development Administration of the city of Saratov, member of the Council of RATEPP, consultant, psychologist-supervisor.

When we express emotions, the resource prepared by the body is used in a timely manner and the muscles relax. But more often than not, we do not know how to express anger or fear in a way that does not harm ourselves or others, we do not want to know about these feelings and the feelings of our loved ones, preferring to suppress them.

The body cannot be deceived, and what we hide from others and from our own consciousness remains in it in the form of tension. This chronic tension of the muscles of the body is called "muscle shell". Gradually, it ceases to be noticed, and a person lives without even knowing about it.

The muscular shell imperceptibly does its evil deed:

• he spends a large number of energy, which means that a person constantly experiences a lack of it;
• tense muscles pinch the blood vessels, and in those places where the muscular shell is located, the tissues of the organs constantly receive less nutrients and oxygen carried by the blood, the metabolism is disturbed, which, in turn, leads to weakening of the organs and to various diseases;
• the human body becomes split.

A person charged with energy radiates cheerfulness, he is less sensitive to climate change, does not depend on weather conditions. A person who experiences an energy deficit necessarily reacts to rain, to pressure drops, and to a change in length. daylight hours. It is known that people who are prone to depression feel worst in winter and early spring, when even a strong body is somewhat depleted.

The unproductive expenditure of energy to maintain the muscle shell leads to the fact that a person unconsciously seeks to save energy. To do this, he reduces his communication, fenced off from the outside world.

Movement, posture, characteristic facial expression - all this is developed gradually as a result of the most often used combination of muscle tension and muscle relaxation, which has become habitual. And all this expresses our main life positions, thoughts, attitudes, expectations and beliefs, which, in turn, cause a very specific emotional state.

The following exercises help to relax muscle clamps and are quite affordable for self-fulfillment. However, they won't help if you only do them a few times. Make it a rule to do them daily and dedicate at least half an hour to them. Of course, you don't have to deal with everything at once. Do it a few times first. Then set for yourself the sequence in which you will deal with them, and master in turn. Later you will understand which activities give the greatest effect and are more necessary for you.

Let's start with the top ring of clamps that goes through the mouth and throat.

1. Mouth

A clenched mouth blocks all transmission of feelings. But it is the mouth that is the very first channel of communication. We kiss those to whom we want to express our tenderness and love.

When we forbid ourselves to feel longing for love, based on sad experience that tells us that love can only bring pain and disappointment, this retention of a natural human need is reflected in the clamping of the mouth area.

The same thing happens when we forbid ourselves to express our feelings in words. A clenched mouth also leads to a disruption in communication, and all together - to dissatisfaction with life.

To relax the blocks around the mouth, you must systematically perform the following exercise.

Lie down in the fetal position, that is, lying on your side, pull your knees up, fold your arms, crossing them over your chest. This pose is also referred to as "curl up". Start making sucking movements with your lips. Do this for as long as possible - as long as the lips can suck. After that, relax and lie down a little more.

During this exercise, many people begin to cry. This happens because long-suppressed longing for caress and security rises and begins to come out. By no means hold back. Sobbing with the whole body is beneficial. It helps to defuse the accumulated negative tension not only around the mouth, but throughout the body. Babies always cry whole, from head to toe. And then they are taught to restrain themselves.

The ring of tension in the throat area corresponds to the unconscious defense against the forced "swallowing" of something unpleasant from the outside. At the same time, this is an unconscious preservation of control over the feeling of fear, protection from those feelings and reactions that, in the opinion of a person, may be condemned and unacceptable to others.

Clenched jaws block out any sound that tries to break through. The vocal cords are clamped with the same ring. The sound of the voice gives the impression that the person is speaking tensely, it is difficult for him to give sound different intonations. Sometimes the voice becomes monotonous, sometimes hoarse or hoarse, and sometimes too high. This happens because the muscles involved in sound production become inactive.

Clenching the lower jaw is tantamount to the words "they will not pass." It is as if a person does not want to let unwanted people near him, but he also does not want to let go of those who live in the soul. He is closed and cannot accept the changes that are inevitable in life.

When the body needs more energy, such as when tired or sleepy, the mouth should be opened wide for fuller breathing. That is why we yawn. When yawning, the ring of tension, which includes the muscles that move the jaw, is temporarily released, and this acts on the mouth, pharynx and throat, opening them wide to let in the required air. Therefore, to relax the jaw, it is necessary to yawn.

Open your mouth wide and yawn. Do this in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Blocks in the jaws arise from the pent-up desire to bite, which is on psychological level means restraining the impulses of anger.

Take a moderately elastic and moderately soft ball. You can use dog toys specially designed for this purpose. You can take a rolled towel. Bite with all your might. At the same time, growl, pull the toy out of your own teeth, but do not loosen the bite. Put into this process all the rage, all the anger that has gathered in your soul. When you are tired, relax your jaws. At this time, the lower jaw will drop, the mouth will be slightly open.

Here are two more ways to relieve tension in the lower jaw.

1. Drop your lower jaw. Press on the chewing muscles at the angle of the lower jaw. If the muscles are very tense, it can be painful. Regularly squeeze, promyat these muscles, which helps them to relax.

2. Push your chin forward and hold it in this position for 30 seconds. Move your tense jaw to the right, to the left, keeping it pushed forward. Then open your mouth as wide as possible and notice if you can open it enough to fit three middle fingers of the palm one above the other between the teeth.

During this exercise, you may feel anxiety or rising anger. This is good. Many people are hesitant to unblock their emotions out of fear of not being able to handle the surging feelings. But it is the ejection of feelings in special conditions(for example, when doing an exercise) makes this process safe and very useful. For many people, the tension of the chin muscles does not allow them to open their mouth wide.

The jaws are energetically connected with the eyes. Tension in the lower jaw reduces the flow of energy to the eyes and reduces visual capabilities. The expression "dark eyes" has a literal meaning: a lack of nutrients, in particular due to blockages in the jaw, affects the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eye, and it becomes less shiny. And in reverse direction: Chronically suppressed crying leads to tension in the jaw. That is why doing the exercises to release the clamps is often accompanied by crying.

Because of the suppressed desire to scream in pain and fear, there are blocks in vocal cords. Therefore, the best way to unblock the clamps in the throat is to scream loudly and continuously.

If you have the opportunity to scream at the top of your lungs (for example, in the forest or in the country, when there is no one around), scream. Cry out your suffering, your anger and frustration. You don't have to say the words. Let it be a single sound coming out of your throat with force.

Often such a cry turns into a sob. This is due to the unblocking of emotions and is very beneficial. Many people can't afford to scream - the conditions don't allow it, or the clamps are so strong that they can't scream. Then you can do the next exercise.

Place thumb right hand one centimeter below the angle of the lower jaw, and the middle finger in a similar position on the other side of the neck. Maintain this pressure continuously and begin to make sounds, first quietly, and then increasing the volume. Try to maintain a high tone.

Then move your fingers to the middle of the neck and repeat the long sound of the middle tone. And then repeat the same, squeezing the muscles at the base of the neck, while making low sounds.

However, throat exercises alone cannot remove all blockages caused by holding on to emotions. The next belt of muscle clamps is at chest level.

3. Chest and breathing

For many people, the chest does not move with breathing. And the breath itself is superficial and frequent or superficial and uneven. There are delays in inhalation or exhalation. Alexander Lowen said that puffing out the chest is a form of defiance, as if the body is saying:

"I won't let you get close to me." In other people, the chest is compressed and never expands completely. In the language of body metaphor, this means: "I am depressed and cannot take from life what it offers me."

Clamps on the chest belt cause breathing problems. And any difficulties in the respiratory process also cause fear. When a person does not realize the true cause of fear, he becomes anxious and looks for this cause in the world around him.

To check if you have breathing problems, do the following exercise.

While sitting on a chair, say in your normal voice: "Ahhh" while looking at the second hand of the clock. If you are unable to hold the sound for 20 seconds, it means that you have breathing problems.

You can relax the muscle ring around the chest with breathing exercise. This method of breathing is named after Lowen, a psychotherapist who developed many different techniques for body-oriented therapy.

There is a special chair for such breathing. But at home, you can perform Lowen breathing as described in the exercise. Experience has shown that this does not make it less effective.

Lie across the couch with your bare feet flat on the floor and your buttocks hanging slightly. Place a roller under your lower back (for example, you can tightly roll a cotton blanket with a roller) so that the chest is maximally deployed, the head and back are below the waist. Place your hands above your head with palms up.

Start deep and rarely breathe. You can’t breathe often, this will be another breathing technique, which is performed only with an assistant, as side effects may occur. Breathe like this for 30 minutes. If suddenly you start crying, or sobbing with your whole body, or laughing - do not get confused. This is a good reaction, indicating the release of repressed emotions blocked in muscle clamps. When the muscle clamps relax, the energy is released and tends to come out. That is why it is so important not to restrain the reactions that arise, but to let them flow freely. After all, if you restrain them, they will not react again and again form a muscle clamp. You may feel dizzy - lie still after doing the exercise until the dizziness passes. At first, you may want to sleep after doing this exercise - fall asleep if possible, but only after doing the exercise. Your feelings or reactions may change. There may be tingling, twitching and other sensations in the arms, legs, back. You may want to tap your feet. In general, sensations and reactions can be very different. Don't resist them, just watch them.

Do this exercise every day for the duration of your self-therapy. After a while, you yourself will feel what positive impact provided by this breathing technique.

4. Aperture and waist

The next ring of muscle clamps is located around the diaphragm and waist. This ring splits the human body into two halves.

The diaphragm is a muscle that is involved in breathing; it contracts whenever a person experiences fear. If fear becomes chronic, the diaphragm is in constant tension, creating breathing problems and provoking a predisposition to experience fear. Thus arises vicious circle. Fear creates diaphragmatic congestion, and constriction creates anxiety.

The diaphragm is located above the waist, which connects the chest to the abdomen and pelvis. Muscular constrictions in this area interfere with the flow of blood and senses to the genitals and legs, causing anxiety, which in turn leads to respiratory failure. And then again the same vicious circle.

There is only one conclusion from all this: it is necessary to relax chronic clamps and release the accumulated fear.

In order to check how tight or loose your waist is, do the following exercise.

Do this exercise while standing. Place your feet parallel, knees slightly bent, the weight of the body is slightly shifted forward. Raise your arms with bent elbows to shoulder height. The brushes hang freely. Turn your body to the left as far as possible and hold in this position for about a minute. Then turn your body to the right and stay in that position for about a minute. Pay attention to the tension in the muscles of the back and waist. Are you able to breathe in this position? bottom belly?

If breathing is disturbed and the muscles are too tense or you experience pain in them, then you have developed a muscular shell around the diaphragm and waist.

To relieve chronic muscle tension in the waist area the best way is Lowen breathing, the technique of which you already know. In addition, it is useful to systematically perform the following exercises.

1. Lie on the floor on your back, arms out to the sides, palms up, feet together. Bend your knees at a 90° angle. Turn both legs first to the left, so that the lower (left) leg lies completely on the floor, and the right one lies on it; the legs remain bent at the knees. Then turn your legs to the right in the same way. In this case, the back to the waist remains pressed to the floor. Repeat the exercise up to 10 times.
2. Now do the previous exercise, making it more difficult. Turn your head as you turn your legs opposite side. Do this exercise up to 10 times.
3. Get on all fours, knees at an angle of 90 °, keep your arms straight on which you are leaning. Bend your back at the waist down as far as possible, and then arch your back up as much as possible. Do up to 10 of these movements.
4. Get on all fours as described in the previous exercise. Then slowly stretch your straightened arms and body forward, sliding along the floor until they almost completely lie on the floor. Your posture will resemble that of a stretching cat. Stay in this position for a while and slowly bring your arms back to the starting position. Do this exercise several times (as many as you can).
5. Sit on the floor with your legs slightly bent at the knees and slightly apart. Place your palms on the back of your head. Tilt your torso to the left, trying to get your elbow as close to the floor as possible (ideal if it touches the floor). Stay in this position for a while. Then slowly straighten up and repeat the same to the right side.

Although these exercises help to release the clamps around the waist, they are not enough to release the “clusters” of fear impulses. Fear can only be released through the release of blocked anger. The work of unlocking the emotion of anger, the most condemned in society, is of particular concern to many people. What if it breaks out in an uncontrolled flow? What if the consequences are many times worse than emotional distress and depression?

In fact, it is the ejection of anger outward in special ways that makes it safe, since it no longer accumulates, but is discharged in a timely manner. The blocking belt of clips around the waist violates the integrity of the processes occurring in the body, making it divided. The upper and lower parts seem to belong to two different people. Some top part the body is well developed, and the pelvis and legs are small, as if immature. In others, the pelvis is full and round, but the upper half of the body is small and narrow. Or the top half can be hard and resilient, while the bottom half is soft and passive. This development of the body indicates the inconsistency of the "upper" and "lower" feelings.

Reich believed that:

- the mind and body are a single whole, each character trait of a person has a corresponding physical posture;
- character is expressed in the body in the form of muscle rigidity (excessive muscle tension, from lat. rigidus - hard) or muscular shell;
- chronic tension blocks the energy flows that underlie strong emotions;
- blocked emotions cannot be expressed and form the so-called COEX systems (systems of condensed experience - specific clumps of memories with a strong emotional charge of the same quality, which contain condensed experiences (and related fantasies) from different periods of a person's life);
- the elimination of muscle clamp releases significant energy, which manifests itself in the form of a feeling of warmth or cold, tingling, itching or emotional uplift.

Reich analyzed the patient's postures and physical habits to make him aware of how vital feelings are repressed in various parts body.

All patients said that in the course of therapy they went through periods of their childhood when they learned to suppress their hatred, anxiety or love through certain actions that influenced vegetative functions (breath control, abdominal muscle tension, etc.).

The reason for the increase in muscle tension in adults is constant mental and emotional stress.

Targeting is the state of modern man.

Imposed ideals of material well-being and comfort, the conditions for their achievement, focus on the end result, and not on life in this moment- keep people in constant tension.

Hence muscle clamps > spasm of blood vessels > hypertension, osteochondrosis, peptic ulcer, etc. etc.

Everything else is secondary.

The function of the shell is protection from displeasure. However, the body pays for this protection by reducing its capacity for pleasure.

The muscular shell is organized into seven main segments, consisting of muscles and organs. These segments are located in the eyes, mouth, neck, chest, diaphragm, abdomen and pelvis.

Reichian therapy consists in opening the shell in each segment, from the eyes to the pelvis.

The elimination of muscle clamps is achieved through:
* accumulation of energy in the body;
* direct effect on chronic muscle blocks (massage);
* expression of released emotions, which are thus revealed;
* spontaneous movements, dance therapy, relaxation exercises, yoga, qigong, holotropic breathing, etc.

1. Eyes. The protective armor is manifested in the immobility of the forehead and the "empty" expression of the eyes, which seem to be looking from behind a motionless mask. Opening is done by opening the eyes as wide as possible to engage the eyelids and forehead; eye gymnastics.

2. Mouth. This segment includes the muscle groups of the chin, throat, and back of the head. The jaw can be both too compressed and unnaturally relaxed. The segment holds the expression of crying, screaming, anger. Muscle tension can be relieved by imitating crying, lip movements, biting, grimacing, and massaging the muscles of the forehead and face.

3. Neck. Includes deep neck muscles and tongue. muscle block keeps mainly anger, screaming and crying. Direct impact on the muscles in the depths of the neck is impossible, therefore, screaming, singing, gagging, sticking out the tongue, tilting and rotating the head, etc., allow eliminating the muscle clamp.

4. Thoracic segment: broad muscles of the chest, muscles of the shoulders, shoulder blades, chest and arms. Laughter, sadness, passion are restrained. Breath control is a means of suppressing any emotion. The shell is opened by working on breathing, especially by exhaling completely.

5. Aperture. This segment includes the diaphragm, solar plexus, internal organs, muscles of the vertebrae of this level. The shell is expressed in the forward curvature of the spine. Exhalation is more difficult than inhalation (as in bronchial asthma). Muscle block holds strong anger. One has to pretty much unravel the first four segments before moving on to unraveling this one.

6. Belly. Abdominal muscles and back muscles. Tension of the lumbar muscles is associated with fear of attack. Muscle clamps on the sides are associated with the suppression of anger, hostility. Opening the shell in this segment is relatively easy if the upper segments are already open.

7. Taz. The last segment includes all the muscles of the pelvis and lower extremities. The stronger the muscle spasm, the more the pelvis is pulled back. The gluteal muscles are tense and painful. The pelvic shell serves to suppress arousal, anger, pleasure.

Muscle shell Recognize your problems

You feel for a long time a feeling of tension, stiffness in certain groups ah muscle? On you - " muscular armor, constricting parts of your body or almost your entire body? If you find yourself "wearing" one muscular "shell", then this is not only a reason to see a doctor, but also an appeal of the body to your mind realize your problems.

is the universal equivalent of suppressing our emotions. This shell manifests itself in rigidity, rigidity during probing (palpation), chronic tension of certain muscle groups. " ”is a defense mechanism for hiding actual emotional experiences.

Our character is an individual state and a combination of our stable psychological characteristics. Character determines the behavior typical for a given person in certain life circumstances. Also character largely determines the gait, posture, gestures, facial expressions.

Wilhelm Reich, the founder of body-oriented psychotherapy, proposed in 1929 the expression " muscular armor". And the defense mechanisms used in hiding, disguising actual emotional experiences, Reich called "armor of character."

"blocks the free flow of vital energy in the body (Reich considered it libidinal), and the relaxation of the" shell "releases blocked energy, helps to resume its circulation and release emotions.

Occurs mutual influence: remove " clamps»releases emotions, and gratification of emotions removes « clamps". certain muscle " clamps» (blocks) are interconnected with certain emotions.

" comprises seven major segments(there are others) - bodily " clamps"located on different levels body. " clamps”(segments of the“ shell ”) are schematically approximately horizontal rings located at right angles to the spinal column. Level " clamps” in the body echoes the presence of yoga chakras, the number of which is also seven.

Upper bodily "clamp» located in the eye area ( eye " clamp» ). At this level, protective shell"It is manifested by low mobility of the skin of the forehead, an" empty "expression of the eyes, migraine-like pains (which are poorly relieved by painkillers), tension in the neck muscles at the base of the skull.

The main reason for the emergence of this "clamp" is a person's overcontrol in relation to himself and others. Overcontrol (the desire to control everything and everything) begins to form under the influence of appropriate upbringing in childhood.

The existence of an eye "clamp" in a person for a long time leads to the appearance of visual impairment in him.

Maxillary " clamp» (oral) includes the muscles of the chin, throat, occiput. At the same time, the jaws of a person can be both unnaturally tightly compressed, and too relaxed. You can check the activity of the jaw "clamp" by palpating (feeling) the masticatory muscles. If the probing of these muscles is painful, then the jaw " clamp" occurs.

The cause of the jaw “clamp” is in the unspoken, suppressed manifestations of emotions (screaming, anger, crying, and so on). It is often formed from childhood: a ban on the manifestation of emotions, parents unnecessarily put a pacifier in the child's mouth, in the cold season they unnecessarily cover their mouth with a scarf).

In childhood, manifestations of the "clamp" are diseases of the "cold character" (tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis). Other manifestations: crumbling teeth, fillings, sleeping, grinding teeth in a dream.

Close to jaw clamp» in the neck - cervical " clamp» . It includes the muscles of the neck and tongue. This segment of the "shell" restrains crying, screaming, anger.

The prolonged existence of this "clamp" can lead to dysfunction of the thyroid gland.

Thoracic (cardiac) segment of the "shell"includes the muscles of the shoulders, chest, shoulder blades, as well as the entire chest and arms. Blocks manifestations of anger, sadness, laughter, passion, feelings of love, guilt, jealousy, aggression.

Manifestations of a long-term clamp: lung diseases, diseases of the cardiovascular system (cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction), diseases of the spine in the thoracic region, chest injuries, hematopoietic disorders, immune disorders.

Holding the breath is a means of suppressing the manifestation of any emotions.

The main reason leading to this "clamp" is the prohibition on the manifestation of one's feelings and the rejection of the feelings, emotions of other people, or the excessive "splashing" of one's emotions, the inability to refuse anything to other people.

You can check the presence of this bodily "clamp" by probing the sternum, the area where the ribs are attached to the buzz. The sensation of soreness, other unpleasant sensations indicates the presence of a "clamp".

Within the boundaries of the thoracic segment may form shoulder " clamp» (some authors treat it as a separate " clamp»).

Main psychological reason its occurrence is super-responsibility (that is, attempts to answer not only for oneself, but also for many others). When cultivating this feeling in children - subsequently formed: scoliosis, osteochondrosis, overweight with a significant deposition of fat in the abdomen.

Checking for a Shoulder Clamp: Feeling the Muscles shoulder girdle. The increased tone of this muscle group indicates a "clamp" at this level (segment).

In addition, in the speech of such people one can often hear the words: "I (you) must / must, must / are obliged."

The next segment of the "shell" is diaphragmatic(includes diaphragm, solar plexus, back muscles). The more pronounced clamp”, the more the spine is curved forward (in this department). This bodily clamp» holds mostly strong anger.

» in the lumbar and abdomen ( « clamp» in the abdomen and lower back) is manifested by the tension of the corresponding muscles. Associated with various fears, feelings of anxiety, suppression of anger, feelings of hostility.

Manifestations of "clamp": diseases of the urinary tract (since the projection on the body of anxiety is the area of ​​the kidneys), when "jamming" fear, excess weight is formed.

And finally, the lower segment of the "shell" - pelvic (genital) clamp» . This segment includes all the muscles of the pelvis and lower extremities. Genital " clamp"is responsible for the suppression of sexual arousal, pleasure, anger and is closely related to the thoracic segment of the" shell ".

The reason for the formation of this bodily "clamp" is suppression, rejection of one's masculine / feminine principle, or the switching of sexual energy into excessive labor activity (workaholism). If the image “I am a man” is blocked in men, then they are more likely to have potency disorders, prostate adenoma, prostatitis. If women block the image “I am a woman”, “I am future mom”, they are more likely to develop uterine fibroids.

It is quite possible not only to “dissolve” the formed “ muscular armor”, but also to prevent its formation. How to withdraw bodily "clamps" Or prevent them from appearing? More on that in one of the next blog posts.

Let's summarize. " ”is a defense mechanism for hiding actual emotional experiences. " "blocks the free flow of vital energy in the body, and the relaxation of the" shell "releases the blocked energy, helps to resume its circulation and release emotions. The presence of a certain protective segment indicates the presence of corresponding psychological problems. Chronic shell"First of all, it blocks such conditions as anger, anxiety, sexual arousal and manifests itself, in addition to muscle tension and rigidity, by various diseases.

” is formed not in an instant, but for a long time. Detection of bodily clamps"- a serious reason to think about the reasons for their appearance, to identify, realize your problems. Problems are better solved! If you have any questions, ask them in the comments under the article, or on the "Feedback" page.

Carry out a self-diagnosis ... Reflect: is there something to think about? So, there is a reason to work on yourself.

Muscular shell according to Wilhelm Reich

Reich believed that:

• mind and body are one, each character trait of a person has a corresponding physical posture;


• character is expressed in the body in the form of muscular rigidity (excessive muscle tension, from lat. rigidus - hard) or muscular shell;


• chronic stress blocks the energy flows that underlie strong emotions;


• blocked emotions cannot be expressed and form the so-called COEX systems (systems of condensed experience - specific clumps of memories with a strong emotional charge of the same quality, which contain condensed experiences (and related fantasies) from different periods of a person's life);


• the elimination of muscle clamp releases significant energy, which manifests itself in the form of a feeling of warmth or cold, tingling, itching, or emotional uplift.

Reich analyzed the patient's postures and physical habits in order to make him aware of how vital feelings are being suppressed in various parts of the body.

All patients said that in the course of therapy they went through periods of their childhood when they learned to suppress their hatred, anxiety or love through certain actions that influenced autonomic functions (breath control, abdominal muscle tension, etc.).

The reason for the increase in muscle tension in adults is constant mental and emotional stress.

Targeting is the state of modern man.
The imposed ideals of material well-being and comfort, the conditions for achieving them, the focus on the end result, and not on life at the moment, keep people in constant tension.
Hence muscle clamps > spasm of blood vessels > hypertension, osteochondrosis, peptic ulcer, etc. etc.

Everything else is secondary.

The function of the shell is protection from displeasure. However, the body pays for this protection by reducing its capacity for pleasure.

The muscular shell is organized into seven main segments, consisting of muscles and organs. These segments are located in the eyes, mouth, neck, chest, diaphragm, abdomen and pelvis.
Reichian therapy consists in opening the shell in each segment, from the eyes to the pelvis.

The elimination of muscle clamps is achieved through:

• accumulation of energy in the body;


• direct effect on chronic muscle blocks (massage);


• expression of released emotions, which are thus revealed;


• spontaneous movements, dance therapy, relaxation exercises, yoga, qigong, holotropic breathing, etc.

1. Eyes. The protective armor is manifested in the immobility of the forehead and the "empty" expression of the eyes, which seem to be looking from behind a motionless mask. Opening is done by opening the eyes as wide as possible to engage the eyelids and forehead; eye gymnastics.

2. Mouth. This segment includes the muscle groups of the chin, throat, and back of the head. The jaw can be both too compressed and unnaturally relaxed. The segment holds the expression of crying, screaming, anger. Muscle tension can be relieved by imitating crying, lip movements, biting, grimacing, and massaging the muscles of the forehead and face.

3. Neck. Includes deep neck muscles and tongue. Muscle block holds mainly anger, screaming and crying. Direct action on the muscles in the depths of the neck is impossible, therefore, screaming, singing, gagging, sticking out the tongue, tilting and rotating the head, etc., can eliminate the muscle clamp.

4. Thoracic segment: broad muscles of the chest, muscles of the shoulders, shoulder blades, chest and arms. Laughter, sadness, passion are restrained. Breath control is a means of suppressing any emotion. The shell is opened by working on breathing, especially by exhaling completely.

5. Aperture. This segment includes the diaphragm, solar plexus, internal organs, muscles of the vertebrae of this level. The shell is expressed in the forward curvature of the spine. Exhalation is more difficult than inhalation (as in bronchial asthma). Muscle block holds strong anger. One has to pretty much unravel the first four segments before moving on to unraveling this one.

6. Belly. Abdominal muscles and back muscles. Tension of the lumbar muscles is associated with fear of attack. Muscle clamps on the sides are associated with the suppression of anger, hostility. Opening the shell in this segment is relatively easy if the upper segments are already open.

7. Taz. The last segment includes all the muscles of the pelvis and lower extremities. The stronger the muscle spasm, the more the pelvis is pulled back. The gluteal muscles are tense and painful. The pelvic shell serves to suppress arousal, anger, pleasure.

Reich's belts - 7 segments of the muscular shell.

neck area

The neck is a very important area, a kind of barrier and bridge between the conscious (head) and the unconscious (body). The rationality inherent in Western culture sometimes makes us rely too much on our own reason. According to American studies that studied how people perceive their body (the so-called "body image"), the size of the head in the internal representation takes an average of 40-60% of the size of the body (whereas objectively, anatomically - about 12%). This "distortion" is caused by excessive mental activity, the incessant "mental chatter", giving the feeling that the head is full, and it is impossible to either recover or relax. At the same time, the texts generated by the head “do not reach” the body, and the body is simply ignored by consciousness - a situation of “separation” arises, a kind of “Professor Dowell's head”. In this case, it is important to focus the client's attention on the signals given by the body so that thoughts connect with sensations.

There is also a reverse version of the “neck barrier”: sensations in the body exist, and they are quite vivid, but they are not interpreted, they do not reach the level of awareness. This situation is characterized by various pains of psychosomatic origin, paresthesia, etc., the causes of which the person does not understand.

Throat zone

Localized in the area of ​​the jugular notch and associated with the blocking of emotions. This reflects the problems of interaction with other people (communication) or with oneself (authenticity). Such a block can occur if a person finds himself in a situation where it is impossible to admit to himself some unpleasant truth or do something that threatens to violate his identity (“if I do this, it won’t be me”). This zone also reflects the impossibility, the prohibition on the realization of some important truths (that is, the prohibition on pronouncing a meaningful text or the prohibition on certain actions: “if I say / do this, it will not be me”). Long-term problems in this area threaten the development of thyroid diseases, asthma, bronchopulmonary disorders.

Middle of the sternum

This area is located behind the protruding bone of the sternum, below the jugular notch, and the zone of resentment is localized in it. Subjectively, sensations here can be perceived as a lump, a ball, a clot, a “stone on the heart”. In this case, the overload of the pericardial canal really occurs, and cardiac disorders occur. For a person with such a problem, a specific facial expression is also characteristic - pronounced nasolabial folds, lowered corners of the lips - all this adds up to a mask of distrust of the world, resentment.

chest center

By Eastern tradition, in the middle of the chest at the level of the heart is the heart chakra, anahata - the focus of love and emotional openness to the world. If there is no place for love in a person's life, then another basic feeling arises - longing, which causes a pulling, sucking sensation in this area. Also, clients may describe it as the presence of a callous, compressed, cold, dark "substance". The defeat of this zone, as a rule, is associated with large-scale psychotraumas received in childhood - first of all, with the coldness of parents, child abandonment, etc.

Diaphragmatic zone

It captures the zone of the diaphragmatic muscles and the epigastric region. In body-oriented therapy, this area is associated with blocking, a ban on the expression of any emotions - both good and bad. Also rooted here are fears of financial distress and social maladaptation. When working with this zone, retraction can be felt even with a voluminous abdomen. The tension here is similar to the feeling after a blow “in the stomach” - breathing becomes less deep, emotions, crying, laughter “freeze”. The protective reaction of the body to the formation of a clamp (which is associated with stagnation of blood, lymph, etc.) is often the formation of a fat pad. Also, psychosomatic stomach ulcers, liver problems (in China, the liver was considered a source of anger), and gallbladder problems often occur. The clamp in the diaphragmatic zone is typical for people who seek to control everything, keep it in themselves. For them, such turns of speech are typical, such as “I can’t allow myself to do this”, “you have to pay for all the pleasures”, etc. Also, such people tend to constantly discuss what is happening, generate mental constructions, see life through the prism of schemes.

Umbilical zone

This is the zone of fear, which corresponds to the so-called "Reich belt", which includes the projection of the kidneys. The Chinese called the kidneys the "graveyard of emotions" and the source of cold. After working in this zone (and long “squeezing” movements are used here), the client can feel the redistribution of cold throughout the body.

pelvic clamp

From the back, this is the region of the sacrum, buttocks, iliac crests, in front - the lower abdomen and internal surfaces hips. Reich associated the pelvic clamp with blocked sexuality. If as a result sexual life there is no deep discharge, which gives a sense of integrity, then there is a deep spasticity, fat, congestion in the pelvic area. In the presence of a pelvic clamp, many techniques for working with fatty deposits are ineffective, since, as already mentioned, they are formed as a protective reaction of the body.

• forehead clamp- (helmet of a neurosthenic), with constant, prolonged stress, general overwork.


• jaw clamp- Jaws clench (aggression).


• Neck area- degitality - concentration of sensations, ambivalence > duality.


• chest clamp- Bronchitis, asthma, zone of conflict between want and need. The middle of the chest is the zone of resentment.


• diaphragm clamp- blocks emotions (keeps everything in itself, zone of psychosis).


• zone of fear- Fear affects the kidneys and bladder.


• Pelvic clamp m - Lower abdomen, gluteal muscles.

To relax the bodily “armor”, a number of techniques have been developed, including: direct manipulations with the body; imitating and provoking emotional states; performance of special movements and physical exercises; work on the release of sound during emotional stress.

What is a character?

According to Reich, character consists of positions and attitudes familiar to a person, as well as reactions to various situations. The character includes conscious attitude and values, a unique style of behavior for each (shyness, aggressiveness, etc.), manners of movement, various habits. Our “manners”, as a form of communication, are always an order of magnitude true to what we say. Each of us can tell a lie, but making our body lie is a task that only a few can do. The concept of character first appeared to Freud in 1908 in his work Character and Anal Eroticism. Reich developed this concept and became the first analyst to use the nature and functions of character in his work with his patients instead of analyzing the symptoms.

Characteristic carapace

Character - creates a defense against anxiety, which is caused in the child by intense sexual feelings, accompanied by fear of punishment. The first defense against this fear is suppression which temporarily curbs the sexual impulses. When these ego defenses take root, become permanent, automatic, a characteristic or characteristic armor is established. Reich's idea of ​​a characteristic shell includes all the overwhelming defensive forces, organized into a more or less coherent ego pattern. "The establishment of a characteristic ... points to the resolution of the problem of regression: it either renders the process of repression unnecessary, or turns the repression, once established, into a relatively rigid ego-accepted formation."

“The conflict that operated in certain period life, always leaves its traces in the character, in the form of rigidity”

Characteristic features are not neurotic symptoms. development, consists in the fact that neurotic symptoms (such as irrational fears and phobias) are experienced as alien to man, as alien elements in his soul, while neurotic characteristics (such as an exaggerated love of order or anxious shyness) are experienced as integral parts of the personality. One may complain of shyness, but this shyness does not seem senseless or pathological, like neurotic symptoms. Characteristic defenses are very well rationalized by a person and are experienced as part of himself, therefore they are very difficult to remove.

Release (opening) of the muscular shell

Reich believed that every characteristic attitude of a person corresponds to a physical posture and that a person's character is expressed in his body, in the form of muscular rigidity or muscular armor. He began to work directly with the relaxation of the muscular armor in conjunction with analytical work. In his work, he found that the relaxation of the muscular shell releases considerable libidinal energy and aids the process of psychoanalysis. Reich's psychiatric work moved more and more into the release of emotions (pleasure, anger, excitement) through body work. He found that this led to a much more intense experience of the infantile material revealed in the analysis.

"Rigidity of the muscles is the somatic side of the suppression process and the basis of its continued existence."

Reich began by applying the technique of character analysis to physical postures. He analyzed in detail the patient's postures and physical habits in order to make the patients aware of how they suppress the vital feelings of various parts of the body. Reich asked patients to intensify a certain clamp in order to become more aware of it, to feel it and to identify the emotion that is associated with this part of the body. He saw that it was only after the repressed emotion found expression that the patient could completely give up chronic tension or constriction. Gradually, Reich began to work directly with the contracted muscles, kneading them with his hands to release the emotions associated with them. “In the end I could not avoid the impression that physical rigidity was in fact the most essential part of suppression. All patients, without exception, said that they went through periods of their childhood when they learned to suppress their hatred, anxiety or love through certain actions that influenced autonomic functions (breath control, abdominal muscle tension, etc.). “The shell can be superficial or deep, soft as a fur coat, or hard as iron. In any case, its function is protection from displeasure. However, the organism pays for this protection by losing a significant part of its capacity for pleasure.” ... Again and again one is amazed how the release of rigid muscles not only releases vegetative energy, but also brings back the memory of a situation in early childhood when this clamp was used for a certain suppression. In his work on the muscular shell, Reich found that chronic muscle contractions blocked three major biological arousals: anxiety, anger, and sexual arousal. He came to the conclusion that the physical (muscular) and psychological armor are one and the same.

“The armor of character turns out to be functionally identical with muscle strain, muscular armor. This functional identity means nothing more than the fact that muscle patterns and characteristics serve the same function in the mental apparatus; they can influence each other and replace each other. Essentially they cannot be separated; they are identical in function.
genital character

For Freud, the term "genital character" determined the level of psychosexual development. In the specific interpretation of Reich, this means the achievement of orgastic potency. “Orgasmic potency is the ability to surrender to the flow of biological energy without any suppression, the ability to completely discharge the accumulated sexual excitement in involuntary, pleasurable body movements.” Reich found that as his patients loosened their narcissus and developed orgastic potency, many aspects of the personality changed spontaneously.

“I speak on the basis of a great clinical experience that only in a few cases in our civilization is sexual intercourse based on love. Interfering anger, hatred, sadistic emotions and competitiveness are completely inseparable from the sexual life of modern man.

Instead of rigid, rigid neurotic control, individuals develop the ability to self-regulate. Reich contrasted the natural self-regulation of individuals with forced morality. The natural individual acts according to his own inclinations and feelings, and does not follow an external set of requirements set by others.

After Reichian therapy, patients who had previously been prone to neurotic promiscuity (sexual promiscuity) gained greater sensitivity, capacity for attachment, and spontaneously began to strive for longer and more fulfilling relationships.

“You don't 'fight' to get your heart beating or your legs move, just as you don't 'fight' to find the truth. Truth is in you, it works in you just like your heart or your eyes work - for better or worse, depending on the state of your body.

Those who had been in barren, loveless marriages found that they could not have sex out of a sense of duty alone. The genital character is not imprisoned in its armor and psychological defenses. He is able to defend himself if necessary in a hostile environment. But this protection is carried out more or less consciously and can be withdrawn when it is no longer necessary.

Reich wrote that the genital character is a person who has worked through his Oedipus complex in such a way that this material is not suppressed and does not have a strong charge. “The superego becomes 'sexually assertive' and thus acts in harmony with the id. The genital character is able to freely and fully experience sexual orgasm, completely discharging the existing libido. climax sexual activity characterized by the ability to surrender to sexual experience, involuntary movements that are not blocked, in contrast to the forced, even violent movements of an individual protected by a shell.
Bioenergy

In working with the muscular shell, Reich found that the release of chronically tight muscles often produces special physical sensations - a feeling of warmth or cold, tingling, itching, or emotional uplift. He believed that these sensations arise as a result of the release of vegetative or biological energy.

Reich also believed that the mobilization and discharge of bioenergy are essential steps in the process of sexual arousal and orgasm. He called it the "orgasm formula", a four-part process that is characteristic of all living organisms: mechanical tension - bioenergetic charge - bioenergetic discharge - mechanical relaxation.

As a result of physical contact, energy accumulates in both bodies, which is eventually discharged in an orgasm, which is essentially a phenomenon of biological discharge:

• sexual organs are filled with liquid - mechanical stress;
• as a result, intense excitation occurs - a bioenergetic charge;
• sexual arousal is discharged in muscle contractions - bioenergetic discharge;
• physical relaxation occurs - mechanical relaxation.

Orgonic energy

Interest in the physical functioning of patients led Reich to laboratory experiments in physiology and biology, and, ultimately, to physical research. He came to believe that bioenergy in individual organisms is only one aspect of the universal energy “present in all things. In the term "orgone", "organic energy", he connected the roots "organism" and "orgasm". “Cosmic orgonic energy functions in living organisms as a specific biological energy. In this capacity, it governs the whole organism and is expressed in emotions as well as in purely biophysical movements of the organs.

Reich's extensive research on orgonic energy and related topics has been ignored by most critics and scholars. His discoveries contradicted many accepted theories and axioms of physics and biology; in addition, there are experimental weaknesses in his work. However, his results have never been refuted or even carefully checked and seriously considered by any of the respected scientists. One of the psychologists who worked with Reich notes: “For more than twenty years since Reich announced the discovery of orgonic energy, there was no report of a credible repetition of a single definitive experiment that would disprove Reich's results ... The fact is that despite the ridicule, reproach and attempts by the orthodox to “bury” Reich and orgonomics (and partly thanks to them), not one scientific publication there is no refutation of his experiments, much less a systematic refutation of a huge scientific work confirming his position.

Orgonic energy has the following main properties:

1. it is free of mass, has neither inertia nor weight;
2. it is present everywhere, albeit in varying concentrations, even in a vacuum;
3. it is the medium of electromagnetic and gravitational interactions, the substratum of most fundamental natural phenomena;
4. she is in in constant motion and can be observed under appropriate conditions;
5. a high concentration of orgonic energy attracts orgonic energy from a less concentrated environment (which "contradicts" the law of entropy);
6. orgonic energy forms units that become centers creative activity. It can be cells, plants and animals, as well as clouds, planets, stars, galaxies.

Psychological growth

Reich defines growth as the process of dissolving the psychological and physical shell, gradually becoming a freer and more open human being, gaining the ability to enjoy a full and satisfying orgasm. Reich argued that the muscular armor is organized into seven main protective segments, consisting of muscles and organs of the corresponding functions of expression. These segments form a row of seven approximately horizontal rings at right angles to the trunk and spine. The main segments of the shell are located in the areas of the eyes, mouth, neck, chest, diaphragm, abdomen and pelvis.

Orgone energy naturally flows up and down the body parallel to the spine. The rings of the carapace form at right angles to these flows and prevent them. Reich points out that it is no coincidence that in our Western culture an affirmative movement of the head up and down, in the direction of the flow of energy through the body, has formed, while the negative movement of the head from side to side is a movement of shell formation, protection, crossing the flow.

“You can get out of the trap. However, to get out of prison, you need to understand that you are in prison. The trap is emotional structure man, his characteristic structure. There is little use in inventing systems of thought about the nature of the trap; the only thing you need to get out is to know the trap and find a way out.”

Protection serves to limit as a free flow. energy and free expression of emotions in the individual. What first appears as a defense against overwhelming feelings of tension and arousal becomes a physical and emotional straitjacket. “In the protective shell of the human body, orgone energy is bound in chronic muscle clamps. After the opening of the armored ring, the orgone in the body does not immediately begin to flow freely ... As the first armored blocks open, we find that orgone flows and sensations, the expression of “pressure”, “giving back” develop more and more. However, there is still a defense that prevents full development.”

Reichian therapy consists first of all in opening the shell in each segment, beginning with the eyes; and ending with the pelvis. Each segment is more or less independent and can be handled separately.

“Ultimately, in self-awareness and in the pursuit of perfection of knowledge and full integration of biological functioning, the cosmic orgone energy becomes aware of itself.”

Three types of agents are used to open the shell:

1) the accumulation of energy in the body through deep breathing;

2) direct action on chronic muscle clamps (through pressure’, pinching, etc.) to relax them;

3) maintaining cooperation with the patient in openly addressing the resistances and emotional limitations that this brings to light.

Eyes.

The protective shell in the eye area is manifested in the immobility of the forehead and the “empty” expression of the eyes, which seem to be looking from behind a motionless mask. Opening is done by opening the eyes as wide as possible (as in fear) to mobilize the eyelids and forehead in forced emotional expression, and free movements eyes, rotation and looking from side to side.

The oral segment includes the muscles of the chin, throat, and occiput. The jaw can be both too compressed and unnaturally relaxed. This segment holds emotional expression crying, screaming, anger, biting, sucking, grimacing. The protective shell can be relaxed by the patient by imitating crying, making sounds that mobilize the lips, biting gagging and through direct work on the relevant muscles.

This segment includes the deep muscles of the neck and the tongue. The protective shell keeps mainly anger, screaming and crying. A direct effect on the muscles in the depths of the neck is not possible, therefore screams, screams, gagging, etc. are an important means of opening the shell.

Breast.

The thoracic segment includes the broad muscles of the chest, muscles of the shoulders, shoulder blades, neck: chest and arms with hands. This segment holds back laughter, sadness, passion. Breath control, which is an important means of suppressing any emotion, is largely carried out in the chest. The shell can be loosened by working on the breath, especially by exhaling completely. Arms and hands are used for a well-aimed blow, to tear, to destroy, to beat, to passionately achieve something.

Diaphragm.

This segment includes the diaphragm, solar plexus, various internal organs, muscles of the lower vertebrae. The protective shell is expressed in the forward curvature of the spine, so that when the patient lies down, there is a significant gap between the lower back and the couch. Exhalation is harder than inhalation. The shell here holds mostly strong anger. One must loosen the first four segments to a large extent before proceeding to dissolve the fifth segment through work with the breath and the gag reflex (people with strong blocks in this segment are practically unable to vomit).

Stomach.

The abdominal segment includes the broad muscles of the abdomen and the muscles of the back. Tension of the lumbar muscles is associated with fear of attack. The protective shell on the sides creates a fear of tickling and is associated with the suppression of anger, hostility. Opening the shell in this segment is relatively easy if the upper segments are already open.

The last segment includes all the muscles of the pelvis and lower extremities. The stronger the protective shell, the more the pelvis is pulled back, sticking out backwards. The gluteal muscles are tense and painful. The pelvis is rigid, "dead" and non-sexual. The pelvic shell serves to suppress arousal, anger, pleasure. Excitation (anxiety) arises from the suppression of sensations of pleasure, and it is impossible to fully experience pleasure in this area until the anger in the pelvic muscles is discharged. The shell can be released by mobilizing the pelvis and then kicking and hitting the couch with the pelvis.

“... the main criterion of mental and vegetative health is the body's ability to act and respond as a whole, in terms of the biological functions of tension and discharge ... disturbances in self-perception really disappear only after the orgasmic reflex develops fully."

Reich found that as patients become capable of total "genital giving", their whole being and lifestyle changes fundamentally. “When the unity of the orgastic reflex is restored through therapy, the sense of depth and sincerity that was previously lost returns with it. In this regard, patients recall the period of early childhood, when the unity of body sensation was not yet lost. Deeply moved, they tell how as young children they felt one with nature, with everything around them, how they felt “alive”, and how later it was broken into pieces and destroyed by training.

“The snake - a symbol of the phallus and at the same time a biologically primary movement - invites Eve to tempt Adam ... “Whoever eats from the tree of knowledge will know God and life, and will be punished,” we are warned. Knowledge of the law of love leads to knowledge of the law of life, and knowledge of the law of life leads to knowledge of God.

Such people begin to feel that the rigid morality of society, which previously seemed to them for granted, is becoming alien and unnatural. Their attitude to work also changes markedly. Those who have done their work mechanically begin to look for new, more lively work that suits their inner needs and desires. Those who are interested in their profession acquire new energy, interest and ability.

Growth barriers. Protective shell

The protective shell is the main obstacle to growth according to Reich. “Clamped by his protective shell, the individual is not able to dissolve it. He is also incapable of expressing the simplest biological emotions. He knows only sensations of tickling, not of orgonic pleasure. He cannot let out a sigh of pleasure or imitate one. If he tries, it will be a groan, a strangled growl, or an impulse to vomit. He is incapable of uttering an angry cry or even imitating a fist on the couch.”

“I have found that people react with intense hatred to any attempt to disturb the neurotic balance maintained by their protective shell.”

Reich believed that the process of creating a protective armor created two false intellectual traditions that form the basis of civilization: mystical religion and mechanistic science. Mechanists are so well protected that they have lost all sense of their own. life process and inner nature. They are struck by a deep fear of deep emotionality, vitality, spontaneity, and tend to create rigid mechanical ideas about nature, being interested mainly in the external objects of the natural sciences. “The car must be perfect. It follows that the thinking and actions of a physicist must be "perfect". Perfectionism is an essential characteristic of mechanistic thinking. It does not recognize mistakes, uncertainty of uncertainty, obscure situations are avoided ... But when applied to nature, this inevitably leads to error. Nature is inexact. Nature does not act mechanically, but functionally.”

Mystics are not so completely enslaved by their defenses, they remain partly in touch with their life energy and are capable of great insights through this partial contact with their inner nature. However, Reich considered these insights to be distorted by the ascetic and anti-sexual tendencies of the mystics, their denial of their own physical nature and loss of contact with one's own body. They denied the origin of the life force in own body and placed it in a hypothetical soul, which they believed to be only loosely connected with the body.

“Only mystics, distant from scientific views, have always maintained contact with the function of life. Therefore, life has become a sphere of mysticism, serious natural Sciences refused to do it."

“The destruction of the unity of bodily feelings through the suppression of sexuality and the constant thirst for restoration of contact with oneself and with the world is the subjective basis of sex-denying religions. God is the mystical idea of ​​the vegetative harmony of the self with nature.”
Suppression of sexuality

Another obstacle to growth is the social and cultural suppression of natural instincts and sexuality in the individual. Reich considered it the main source of neuroses. This suppression is carried out during the three main phases of life: in early childhood, during puberty and during adult life. Infants and young children enter a neurotic, authoritarian, and sex-repressive family environment. Regarding this period of his life, Reich reproduces Freud's observations concerning the negative effect of parental demands regarding toilet education, self-restraint, "keeping oneself in hand", "good" behavior.

During puberty, adolescents are deprived of a real sex life; masturbation is prohibited. More importantly, society as a whole prevents teenagers from finding meaningful, meaningful work. The unnatural lifestyle makes it especially difficult for teenagers to grow out of their infantile attachment to their parents.

"The destructiveness inherent in the character is nothing but anger at frustration in general and deprivation of sexual satisfaction in particular."

Finally, as adults, most people are trapped in a forced marriage for which they are not sexually prepared due to the requirement of premarital chastity. Reich also points out that marriage in our culture contains inevitable conflict. “Every marriage is internally destroyed as a result of the growing conflict between sexual and economic. needs. Sexual needs can only be satisfied with the same partner for a limited time. Economic dependence, moral requirements and customs, on the other hand, force the relationship to continue. This conflict is the basis of family suffering.” The resulting family situation creates a neurotic atmosphere for the next generation.

Reich argues that individuals raised in an atmosphere that denies life and sex create in themselves the fear of pleasure, represented by their muscular carapace. "The shell of character is the basis of loneliness, helplessness, the search for authority, fear of responsibility, mystical aspirations, sexual suffering, impotent rebellion, as well as the obedience of unnatural pathological types." “That which is alive is, in itself, intelligent. It becomes a caricature if it is not allowed to live.”

Reich was not optimistic about the possible effect of his discoveries. He believed that most people, due to their powerful defenses, would not be able to understand his theory and would distort his ideas. “The Teaching of Living Life, picked up and distorted by a man in a protective shell, will be the last misfortune for all mankind and its institutions… poisonous genital pleasure will destroy human society.”

The protective shell cuts us off from our inner nature, but also from the social suffering around us. “Because of a crack in modern human nature nature and culture, instinct and morality, sexuality and success are considered incompatible. The unity of culture and nature, work and love, morality and sexuality remain an unrealizable dream as long as a person rejects the satisfaction of the biological requirements of natural (orgastic) sexuality. Under these conditions, true democracy and responsible freedom remain an illusion…”.