Discovering the Biodynamic Massage

Biodynamic massage is a gentle type of body therapy created by Gerda Boyesen, a Norwegian psychotherapist. It’s not like regular massage that just works on muscles. This special massage helps both your body and your feelings.

The main idea is simple: our bodies hold onto stress and emotions. When we’re upset or stressed, our muscles get tight. Biodynamic massage helps release this tension using very light touch.

What makes it unique? The therapist sometimes uses a stethoscope to listen to your stomach sounds. These sounds (called “psycho peristalsis“) show when your body is letting go of stress.

The Story Behind Biodynamic Massage

Gerda Boyesen started this massage in the 1950s. While working as a physiotherapist, she noticed something interesting. When patients relaxed during massage, their stomachs made gurgling sounds. She believed these sounds showed emotional release.

Boyesen studied with Wilhelm Reich, who taught that emotions get trapped in our muscles as “armour.” She took these ideas further and created her own approach.

How a Session Works

When you go for biodynamic massage, here’s what happens:

1. You talk briefly with the therapist about how you feel.
2. You lie down on a massage table.
3. The therapist uses gentle strokes and light touch.
4. Sometimes they place a stethoscope on your belly to listen.
5. The session ends with quiet time to rest.

The touch is always respectful and gentle. It’s not about pushing hard on muscles. Instead, it’s about creating a safe space for your body to relax deeply.

Special Techniques Used

Biodynamic massage uses several gentle techniques:

• Basic Touch. Light contact to connect with your body
• Emptying. Helps release stuck energy
• Deep Draining. Works on deeper muscle tension
• Energy Work. Sometimes working just above the body
• Holding. Simply resting hands on tense areas

The therapist chooses what you need that day. Some days you might need very gentle work. Other days, you might need more direct touch on tight muscles.

The Stomach Sounds: Why They Matter

The stomach sounds (psychoperistalsis) are a key part of this massage. Boyesen called the stomach the “psychic intestine” because she believed it processes emotions just like it processes food.

When the therapist hears gurgling, it means:

• Your nervous system is relaxing.
• Emotional stress is being released.
• Healing is happening.

Not everyone makes these sounds right away. It might take several sessions before your body trusts enough to let go.

Who Can Benefit?

Biodynamic massage can help many people, especially those with:

• Stress and anxiety.
• Muscle tension and pain.
• Sleep problems.
• Digestive issues.
• Feeling disconnected from their body.
• Past trauma or emotional pain.
• Low energy or burnout.

It’s gentle enough for most people, including those who are very sensitive or in pain.

Physical Benefits

The physical benefits include:

• Less muscle tension.
• Better sleep.
• Improved digestion.
• More energy.
• Less pain.
• Better breathing.
• Lower blood pressure.

Many people feel lighter and more relaxed after just one session. With regular sessions, these benefits grow stronger.

Emotional Benefits

The emotional benefits can be just as powerful:

• Feeling calmer.
• Less anxiety.
• Release of old emotions.
• Better mood.
• More self-awareness.
• Feeling more “in” your body.
• Greater sense of peace.

Sometimes people cry, laugh, or shake during a session. This is normal and shows that emotions are being released.

How It Helps Your Nervous System

One of the biggest benefits is balancing your nervous system. We have two main nervous system states:

1. Fight-or-flight. When we’re stressed or scared.
2. Rest-and-digest. When we’re relaxed and healing.

Many of us get stuck in fight-or-flight mode from daily stress. Biodynamic massage helps shift us into rest-and-digest mode, where healing happens.

The Vasomotoric Cycle

Biodynamic massage works with something called the vasomotoric cycle. This is the natural way our bodies respond to and recover from stress:

1. We feel stress (tension builds).
2. We respond to the stress (action).
3. We release the tension (letting go).
4. We rest and recover (relaxation).

Many of us get stuck in the tension phase. Biodynamic massage helps complete this cycle so we can fully relax.

What Makes It Different from Regular Massage?

Biodynamic massage is different from regular massage in several ways:

• It’s gentler, with very light touch.
• It focuses on emotional release, not just muscle work.
• It uses a stethoscope to listen to stomach sounds.
• The therapist follows what your body needs, not a set routine.
• It works with your nervous system.
• It connects body sensations with emotions.

The goal isn’t just to feel good for an hour-it’s to help your body remember how to relax and heal itself.

What You Might Feel During a Session

Everyone’s experience is different. You might feel:

• Deep relaxation.
• Warmth or tingling.
• Stomach gurgling.
• Emotional release (tears, laughter).
• Memories or images.
• Insights about yourself.
• Energy moving through your body
• A sense of peace.

Sometimes you might feel very little during the session but notice changes in the days after.

Is It Safe?

Biodynamic massage is very safe for most people. Because it’s so gentle, it rarely causes any problems. However, it’s always good to check with your doctor if you have serious health issues.

Tell your therapist about any:

• Health conditions.
• Medications.
• Recent surgeries.
• Pregnancy.
• Mental health concerns.

The therapist will adjust the session to make it safe for you.

Finding a Good Therapist

To get the most benefit, find a properly trained biodynamic massage therapist. Look for someone who:

• Has completed a recognized training program.
• Has experience with biodynamic massage specifically.
• Makes you feel comfortable and safe.
• Listens to your concerns.
• Explains things clearly.
• Respects your boundaries.

A good therapist will never push you to do anything that doesn’t feel right.

What to Expect After a Session

After a session, you might notice:

• Feeling very relaxed or sleepy.
• Needing to drink more water.
• Having more energy.
• Sleeping better.
• Digesting food better.
• Feeling more emotional.
• Having clearer thoughts.

These effects can last for several days. Some people notice bigger changes after having regular sessions for a few weeks or months.

Tips for Your First Session

If you’re trying biodynamic massage for the first time:

• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Don’t eat a big meal right before.
• Arrive a few minutes early to settle in.
• Be honest about what you’re comfortable with.
• Know that you can ask the therapist to stop at any time.
• Try to stay open to the experience.
• Drink water afterward.
• Give yourself time to rest after the session.

Remember that healing is a process. One session is a good start, but regular sessions often bring the best results.

 

Common Questions

1. Will it hurt?

No, biodynamic massage is very gentle.

2. Do I have to take off my clothes?

You can keep some clothes on if you prefer.

3. Will I have to talk about personal things?

You only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

4. How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your needs. Some people benefit from just a few sessions, while others choose to go regularly.

5. Is it like therapy?

It’s a body therapy that can have emotional benefits, but it’s not talk therapy.

Conclusion

Biodynamic massage offers a gentle way to release tension, process emotions, and find balance. Through light touch and careful attention to the body’s signals, it helps restore our natural ability to relax and heal.

Unlike many other approaches, it respects the body’s wisdom and works with it rather than trying to force change. This makes it especially helpful for those who feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by stress.

By helping complete the natural stress cycle and bringing the nervous system back into balance, biodynamic massage supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. It’s a simple yet powerful approach to healing that honours the deep connection between body and mind.