Rosen and Science
Rosen and Science
Marion Rosen pioneered a new method of healing at the body-mind interface, based on observations with her clients. Science has since confirmed Marion’s findings and Rosen Method is becoming more and more recognised as an evidence-based care modality. Studies have shown improvements in physical health, emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships. The results of one such study, by Hoffren-Larsson et al. (2009) on 53 Rosen clients in Sweden, is summarized below:
Area of improvement | Type of change |
Psychological health | Increases in happiness, harmony, well-being and self-confidence, and reductions in depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and stress |
Physical health | Reduction in pain, tension, head and back aches, more relaxed breathing, and improved digestive function |
Awareness of body-mind connection | Awareness of how body tension and emotion link to daily life and prior symptoms |
Support for personal growth | Awareness of previously repressed problems and memories. and the ability to move beyond them |
Self-initiated life changes | Resetting priorities, making self-affirming choices |
Other clinical studies have found:
- increased levels of oxytocin through Rosen touch (Holt-Lundstad, Birmingham & Light, 2008). Oxytocin is often referred to as the “bonding” or “love hormone”, as it evokes contentment, trust and attachment between individuals, as well as reducing anxiety and stress;
- reductions in perceived pain and pain medication dosage (da Silva, 2009);
- activation of neural networks in the brain, through present-moment awareness of body states and emotions (accessing this state being a core principle of Rosen), which enable better functioning of heart rate, blood flow, respiration, digestion, movement and immune system (Fogel 2009).
For further contributions and studies on Rosen, see:
Rosen Journal – www.rosenjournal.org.
‘Body Sense: The Science and Practice of Embodied Self-Awareness’, (Norton paperback, 2013, and Kindle e-book), by Alan Fogel, professor of psychology at the University of Utah, and Rosen Method teacher and practitioner. The book is based on his research work and Rosen Method clinical experience.
Click here to download Alan Fogel’s full article on the practice and science of Rosen Method.