Biodynamic massage is a form of psychotherapeutic touch that works on all levels of the human experience, from the physical, to the emotional and the spiritual. The therapist is closely attuned to the client and works with a range of movements that invite relaxation and integration. Under these favourable circumstances our body has the innate capacity to heal and regulate itself.

Biodynamic massage can be used in conjunction with biodynamic body psychotherapy or as a stand alone therapeutic tool: rather than communicating with words, the biodynamic therapist talks to the client with touch, the language of the body. This can be a profound experience that literally goes ‘beyond words’ and that can bring a deeper understanding of one’s own physicality and spirituality: by touching the body we are also communicating with the mind and the soul.

During a massage, a biodynamic therapist will usually work with a stethoscope placed on the client’s abdomen, carefully monitoring their ‘psychoperistalsis’. The function of the gut is central to the biodynamic work: in addition to digesting food our intestines also have the function of digesting the physical residues of emotional stress embedded in our muscles, bones and tissues. Psychoperistalsis enables the therapist to profoundly attune their touch to the client’s body and their emotions, creating a very safe and nurturing space that is essential to promote healing.

Most people can benefit from biodynamic massage, and it has been helpful with conditions like chronic pain, IBS, muscular tension, depression, anxiety, stress, physical and emotional trauma. It is also a powerful tool for those who simply wish to relax or deepen their connection between mind and body.

Biodynamic massage and psychotherapy were developed by Gerda Boyesen, a clinical psychologist and physiotherapist who worked in London for most of her life. She was a pioneer in her field and she was one of the first people who understood the importance of the gut as a tool for self-regulation in our emotional well-being.