The energetic processes of the body are related to the state of aliveness of the body. The more alive one is, the more energy one has and vice versa. Rigidity or chronic tension diminishes one's aliveness and decreases one's energy. We cannot avoid the rigidity that comes with age. What we can avoid is the rigidity due to chronic muscular tensions resulting from unresolved emotional conflicts.
Every stress produces a state of tension in the body.
Normally the tension disappears when the stress is relieved. Chronic tensions, however, persist after the provoking stress has been removed as unconscious bodily attitude or muscular set. It becomes necessary then to relieve this chronic tension if the person is to regain his full aliveness and emotional well-being. This is bioenergetics. Alexander Lowen, M.D. Founder Excerpt from The Way to Vibrant Health by Alexander Lowen, M.D. and Leslie Lowen.