Rosen Method Bodywork | Goals, Techniques, and Health Benefits

The Rosen Method Bodywork (aka Rosen Method) is a bodywork modality characterized by its gentle hands-on techniques that work with muscles and breath to bring about relaxation. It was created by the physical therapist Marion Rosen (1914 – 2012).

The Rosen Method believes that body tensions and constrictions can come about not only by physical traumas like injuries or disease, but also by mental factors such as suppressed emotions, childhood memories, or harmful attitudes.

The main concept behind the Rosen Method is that people protect themselves from past painful experiences and trauma through tightening muscles in the body that are involved in emotional expression and suppression, notably in the diaphragm, the main muscle of breathing.

Rosen Method Bodywork helps clients to become aware of internal sensations and emotions that arise when areas of the body are gently touched with a so-called “listening touch.” The goal of the therapist is not to manipulate the body, but rather to support clients in noticing areas of tension, contraction, numbness, and stillness. Typically, the therapist will talk with the client and encourage them to describe their feelings.

Achieving relaxation is an important goal within the sessions, because then traumatic feelings and memories may emerge, which can induce the release of habitual tensions and old patterns. This is thought to help clients to experience personal growth and a greater sense of overall wellbeing.

Some of the claimed health benefits of the Rosen Method bodywork are relief of headaches, back pain, muscle tension, joint pain, injuries, stress, insomnia, and chronic conditions like asthma and chronic fatigue.

It’s also thought that the Rosen Method can improve overall psychological health and support life changes, being a helpful tool for people seeking emotional healing and for survivors of trauma or abuse.

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