BODY ARMOURING AND BREATHWORK

When we explore a deeper, more connected breath style, what can often arise is feeling of numbness.  This is generally read in Breathwork as the surfacing of psychological patterns of control. 

Wilhelm Reich in the 1930's delivered his theory on "character analysis" in the body.  His main tenet was concept of material from a patient should be enlarged to include not only the content, but also the form of the patient's communications. Reich was convinced that the non-verbal behavior of the patient - his look, facial expressions, dress, bodily attitude - was not only underestimated but often completely overlooked by many analysts. 

Additionally, Reich emphasised an early concept of Freud's.  When Freud first studied hysterical patients with Josef Breuer in the 1880's, he used hypnosis.  He found that unless a traumatic event was re-experienced, not simply remembered, under hypnosis in all its emotional vividness, there was no alleviation of symptoms.  (M Sharaf 'Fury on Earth' 1983)

As a Breathwork practitioner, whenever people complain of feeling numb or frozen this is a good indicator that a major release of emotion is not far away.  This is where Breathwork is very good at by-passing the defence mechanism of the muscles and fascia - and allows deep feelings to flow.  Once the emotional tension is released there is more room for 'streaming', and feelings of pleasure and joy are much more available to us when return to our ordinary state of consciousness. If the client cannot move past the feelings of numbness, then bodywork sessions may be indicated to help break down the body armouring.