Muscle Armoring and Chronic Tension Patterns Flashcards

What term did Wilhelm Reich use to describe the physical manifestation of psychological defenses in the body?

Answer: Character armor

Reich coined 'character armor' to describe chronic muscular tension that reflects and maintains psychological defense mechanisms.

Which of Reich's seven body armor segments is associated with the eyes and forehead?

Answer: Ocular segment

The ocular segment includes the eyes, forehead, and scalp, and is the topmost of Reich's seven segments of body armor.

According to bioenergetic analysis, chronic tension in the jaw and throat area is most associated with which psychological dynamic?

Answer: Suppressed crying and unexpressed grief

The oral/cervical segment holds tension related to suppressed crying, unexpressed grief, and withheld verbal expression.

What is the primary goal of bioenergetic therapeutic work with muscle armoring?

Answer: Releasing chronic muscular tension to restore energy flow

The primary goal is to dissolve chronic muscular tension and restore the natural flow of bioelectric energy through the body.

In bioenergetic analysis, which area of the body is considered the primary site of grounding and connection to earth?

Answer: The legs and feet

The legs and feet are considered the primary site of grounding in bioenergetic analysis, connecting the person to the earth and their sense of physical support.

What does Reich's concept of 'segmental armor' describe?

Answer: Armor that forms in horizontal rings across the body

Segmental armor forms in horizontal rings or bands across the body perpendicular to the spine, organized into seven main segments from the ocular to the pelvic.

In bioenergetic analysis, the pelvic block refers to:

Answer: Chronic contraction in the pelvic area that restricts energy flow

Pelvic block refers to chronic, unconscious contraction in the pelvic area that inhibits healthy energy flow and restricts full emotional and sexual expression.