UNDERSTANDING

BODY ARMOR,
REICHIAN CHARACTER
TYPES
AND FREUDIAN
FIXATIONS

Compiled by
Raphael Rettner, D.C.

This is the title page, which comes after the Cover page.
It could also be the cover itself if your cover graphic is small.

The Three Phases Of Healing

After A Whiplash Injury
By Raphael Rettner D.C.
www.gotneckpain.info
Version 1.00
January, 2009

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Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents
Introduction:........................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 1: Phase I...............................................................................................57
Chapter 2:Phase II...............................................................................................58
Chapter 3: Phase III............................................................................................. 60
Chapter 4: Medical Treatment............................................................................. 61
Chapter 5: Reconstructive Chiropractic Care ...................................................... 62
Conclusion:.......................................................................................................... 63
About the Author.................................................................................................. 64

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Introduction:

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

UNDERTANDING REICH AND FREUD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
History of Wilhelm Reich

...1
Character Types

..3
Body Armor

7
Stages of Childhood Development
...21
Glossary

27

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

HISTORY OF WILHELM REICH

Wilhelm Reich was a figure who presented extraordinary
contrasts. He had an international reputation as a scientist
of integrity, but was often publicly slandered.
Today, more and more people are coming to see that Reich
deserves equal recognition with Freud and Jung. Whereas
they pioneered our understanding of the mind and the spirit,
it was Reich who rooted both in the body. All modern
psychotherapies that work with the body can be traced back
to him.
As a child, Reich had a keen interest in biology. Her grew
up on his fathers farm in Jujinetz, Austria. Reich served in
the Austrian Army from 1915 to 1918 and was promoted to
lieutenant after his first year. In 1919 he was admitted to
the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society while an undergraduate
at the University of Vienna. He graduated medical school
in 1922.
He was recognized by Freud as a brilliant clinician, but was
later excluded from the Psychoanalytic Society when his
views became too socially radical. Reich was the only
student of Freuds to carry his libido theory into
experimental science.
In January 1929, Reich opened six sexual hygiene clinics
for workers and employees. The idea was to give free
advice on abortion, birth control, sexual problems and sex
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

education. Thus Reich fought for the right of every woman

to her own body nearly forth years before such views
became acceptable. He also advocated the right of
adolescents to have access to information on the use of
contraceptives.
As a Marxist, his political activity took the form of
resistance to the Nazis. In 1933, he published The Mass
Psychology of Fascism. Hitler put a price on his head, and
he fled to Denmark. The Danish Communists excluded
him from their party because they felt his book was an
attack on revolutionary politics.
In Oslo he founded a new school of psychosomatic therapy.
His observations led him to the dramatic discovery that all
emotional conflicts and blockages reside in the muscles of
the body, forming what he called body armor. Armor
impedes the flow of breath, life and emotions throughout
the body. Reich reasoned that if character armor, which
contributed to unhappiness, actually resided in the body,
why not try to relieve and dissolve the armor and, therefore,
the neurosis by working directly with the body? He began
to incorporate physical manipulations and breathing
exercises into his therapeutic practice. The healthy person,
according to Reich, was the one who regularly engaged in
lovingly uninhibited sexual exchange leading to an
uninterrupted wave-like motion and a complete discharge
of energy during orgasm.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

In 1941, while in America, Reich discovered a radiation in

the atmosphere. He named in Orgone because the energy
had organic effects. Einstein met with Reich and
confirmed two of his findings. He said it would be a
bombshell to physics if Reichs claims were true.
Reichs books were considered false labels for an
experimental device he called the Orgone accumulator.
The FDA considered it wrong to claim that sitting inside of
it could cure cancer. (Show book burning) Most of Reichs
books, research and Orgone accumulators were seized and
burned in one of the most repressive witch hunts in this
countrys history. He refused to defend himself in a court
of law, saying that the issue was science, and could
therefore only be judged by the scientific community. In
1956, Reich was sentenced to two years in the federal
penitentiary for contempt of court. In November of 1957,
he died in prison of heart failure. But his work lives on.
Today his influence has spread far and wide.
(Show pictures of Pearls and Lowen) In 1951, Fritz Pearls
developed Gestalt Therapy of which many concepts
derived from Reich. In 1956, after training with Reich, Dr.
Alexander Lowen founded the Institute for Bioenergetic
Analysis in New York. By the 1960s Ida Rolf had
developed her system of deep tissue release known as
rolfing. (Show shot of Rolfing or picture of Ida Rolf)
Lowen, Pearls and Rolf taught these techniques at the
Esalen Institute in California.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Reich said before he died that the world of his day was not
ready for his work. He left it to the children of the future.
Today the children of the future have come of age and are
ready to explore his life affirming work.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

CHARACTER TYPES
Neurotic character structures are determined by traumatic
experiences in the early life of the individual. Patients may
have only a few of these traits or a combination of several
from different character types.
1. Passive Feminine Character
The Passive Feminine Character is the result of an
authoritarian father and a mother who pampered him as a
child. The boy was forced to repress his strong feelings of
hostility towards his father and to hide them behind a
feminine, submissive set of character attitudes. The
repression of the aggressiveness towards his father involves
the repression of libido towards women. He may have
been pampered as a child and have a deep attachment to his
mother. He is shy in approaching women sexually. He has
a soft voice, a gentle manner and is polite and cooperative.
He lacks masculine aggression and decisiveness.
2. The Compulsive Character
The Compulsive Characters have a neurotic compulsive
sense of order, living their lives according to a
preconceived pattern. Any change arouses anxiety. Toilet
training was carried out too soon, leading to extreme self
control. They often have an above average capacity for
abstract logical thinking. They are extremely sloppy,
collect things, are frugal and are unable to manage their
money. They often feel self-pity and guilt, and suffer from
indecision, doubt and distrust. The muscles of their pelvis,
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

shoulders & face are often very tense. They are usually
even-tempered and lukewarm in their display of both love
& hate.
3. The Hysterical Character
The Hysterical Character displays strong sensuality. She
has a soft, feminine facial expression in her eyes, and hips
that sway. She is supple and sexually provocative. Not
overt sexual aggression, but sexual enticement of men. It is
wrong to assume that she is expressing genuine sexual
willingness. Her sexual striving is basically sexuality in the
service of defense. She is nervous, anxious and indecisive.
She suffers from a severe sexual disturbance. She has an
intense fear of sexuality and intense but repressed sexual
strivings. She may have irrational, emotional outbreaks,
chaotic behavior and dramatizations. When her sexual
behavior seems close to attaining its goal, she assumes a
passive, anxious attitude.
She has muscle tension in the sub-occipital and upper
thoracic muscles. The sub-occipital muscle spasm is
responsible for her feelings of hopelessness. Her neck is
tight and her head is held erect. Her neck is stiff and her
jaw is set. As if to say, I wont give in to my feelings of
love to you, then you cant hurt me by rejecting me. She
has a tight lower back and a retracted pelvis which may
lead to a sway back.
The main tensions are in her breasts, her vaginal muscles
and in the adductors of the thighs. She has a strong fear of
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

losing control. She seduces men, but doesnt give her

heart. She hopes that an ideal lover will come and liberate
her repression bound female sexuality.
4. The Phallic-Narcissistic Character
The Phalli-Narcissistic Character is confident, energetic,
and impressive in his manner. He is athletic with hard,
sharp masculine lines. However, he often has a baby face.
His jaw is set forward and determined. He has wide
shoulders, a full chest, a narrow waist and tight legs. His
raised and squared off shoulders are a sign of premature
responsibility. His respiration tends to be abdominal; his
chest is held in the inspiratory position. In the back, the
flow of anger into his arms is blocked by tight shoulder
muscles. He has a fixation of the pelvis posteriorward.
This causes a pressure of the bladder. All his muscles, but
particularly those of the pelvis, the shoulders and the face
are in a state of chronic tension.
His behavior is usually arrogant, either coldly reserved or
aggressive and provocative. He often achieves a leading
position in life. Many times he finds a career as an athlete,
pilot, military man, or engineer. Napoleon and Mussolini
belong to this character type. Among the phallicnarcissistic types, one often finds drug addicts, alcoholics
and sex murderers.
He has a derogatory attitude towards women. He looks at
every female as a possible sex object. He brags about his
conquests. The phallic male has difficulty feeling deeply
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

satisfied with one partner. He believes that a new partner

may provide greater pleasure and is forced in to continued
pursuit and conquest. He does this in order to avoid being
deserted.
His mother is very often the stricter parent. Because of
severe childhood disappointments in love, he possesses
sadistic impulses of revenge. Because of this he vacillates
between moods of self-confidence and deep depression.
His capacity for work is likewise severely disturbed.
5. The Masochistic Character
Reich postulated that the masochistic character was the
result of repressed sexual urges that resulted in a fear of
bursting and the inability to release tension. There is
nothing the masochist wants more than to have his tension
discharged in order to relax. His fantasy is Beat me, so
that I can get relaxation without being responsible for it.
The masochist often had forced toilet training, forced
feeding, and spanking during early childhood. The forced
toilet training leads to a hard knot in the stomach, spasms in
the buttocks, medial thighs, and lower lumbars. The
scapula, trapezius, and upper cervical muscles are held
tightly to guard the throat from forced feeding. The
buttocks, genitals and thighs are tensed to guard from being
spanked.
The masochist has an excessive demand for love based on a
fear of being left alone. They have a tendency to self
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

deprecation, feelings of inferiority, despair and

hopelessness. They often complain and whine in order to
let off steam. See how miserable I am. Why dont you
love me? Their longing contained within creates their
suffering. (C.G.: Occiput to C2, T1-3 Hypolordotic
lumbars, hamstrings, calves, and high arch)
6. The Schizophrenic Character
Schizophrenia involves a split in the personality between
the aggressive material drive and spirituality. It is an
extreme withdrawal from an interest in reality into a
fantasy life. Schizophrenics have an excellent grasp on
emotional realities, but have a very low tolerance for any
sudden increase in emotions. They may appear
absentminded, dissociated, and murmur incoherently. Their
speech is considerably slowed down.
Forces haunt the schizophrenic that may be omnipotent and
godlike or maliciously tempting like the devil. These may
become murderous and destructive. They appear to be
under the control of another will.
Their armor in the suboccipital muscles is so strong that
very little of the aggressive impulses get into their brain.
They have an inhibition of aggressive instincts with the
result that their spiritual life is abnormally active. Some of
the energy is deflected out through the eyes causing
hallucinations.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Schizophrenics typically have a far away look of

remoteness when they are overwhelmed by emotion. Their
eyes have a lack of expression and their face is masklike.
They may hear voices and see hallucinations while looking
at walls. The schizophrenic may see the aura around
people. They have a loss of contact with their own body.
Sometimes they have the feeling that they are out of their
body. Their chest appears soft but has very shallow
respiration. Their breathing is blocked in their throat and
suboccipital muscles. Corresponding to the block at the
base of the neck is a severe block in the muscles at the
lumbosacral junction.
They are deeply engrossed in their inner life forces just as
men of great genius. The genius produces lasting
accomplishments out of this contact. The schizophrenic
however, becomes enmeshed in it because he is afraid of it.
Using the gag reflex is often effective in softening the
armor in the face and eyes. This can be used in conjunction
with an intraoral atlas adjustment.
7. The Genital Character
Genital characters are in touch with their primary feelings
and needs and are able to love passionately. They have a
capacity for joy in love & in work. They are capable of
regulating their lives and of solving conflicts in an
unneurotic way. They have a well developed capacity to
act and react rationally. They can fulfill themselves in a
mature way as an adult because they are no longer driven
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

by conflicting urges arising from unfulfilled childhood

needs. They are orgastically potent. In other words they
have an involuntary contraction of the pelvis and an
uninterrupted wave-like motion of the rest of the body prior
to ejaculation.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Body Armor
I.

Feet
collapsed arch; collapse in rest of structure
individual lacking energy to make a firm contact
with reality
utilizes his weakness
rigid, contracted feet-ungrounded, balance and a
sense of support, precarious, uncertain of where we
stand, constant irritation and uncertainty, underlying
insecurity erodes feelings and relaxed flexible foot
good tone, sure sensitive contact with ground firm
yet responsive support, capable of handling changes
encountered through movement.
a) Flat Feet
Flat feet indicate an undergrounded way of relating
to the world, never quite putting down roots,
never quite standing.
A person might have a difficult time staying still in
relation to other people and responsibilities, and
might be motivated by a nervous need to be in
motion.
b) Clutching Feet
Clenched attitude chronically. When this happens,
the muscles of the feet tend to become rigid and
chronically tense.
Unresolved emotional crisis that involved the
possibility of movement or running away. If the

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

impulse to flee is not acted upon, the muscles of

the feet may register the conflict of spastically
clenching the earth.
An overdeveloped need to hold on and to keep
things under control.
c) Weight on Heels
pushover
deep feelings of fear and instability
feel anxious, somewhat afraid
hard time relaxing and feeling comfortable in
spontaneous situations
d) Tiptoers
walking mostly on their toes and hardly put any
weight at all on their heels
to be like fairy princesses
often floaters, dreamers, highly imaginative and
possess artistic abilities
e) Lead Feet
people with lead feet seem to have created lives
that keep them
weighted down
a strong need to be grounded, to be stable, to know
one position in life
a difficulty in dealing with motion and change,
these people are usually more reliable and set
than they are creative and active

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

II. Ankles and Knees

mortice of ankle joint not centered over middle of
foot weight of body falls to inside or outside
uncertainty in taking any step, particularly a new
one
locked knees will not bend, I will not beg
reflect the sense of ease with which we progress
through our lives and move through the world.
When these aspects of our lives are flowing and
open, our ankles and knees are flexible and vital;
when we are stuck, or tentative or conflicted, our
ankles and knees will have a tendency to rigidify
and thereby become more susceptible to injury
III. Legs
a) Weak, Underdeveloped Legs
weakness and frailty of his self-support system
hard for him to stand on his own two feet
b) Massive, Overmuscled Legs
rigid personality
spent a great deal of time holding on
he may have a difficult time with change,
movement, and any form of unstructured,
spontaneous activity
weighed down by his own compulsiveness and
rigidity
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

c) Fat, Underdeveloped Legs

extremely sluggish in his ability to move through
the world
difficult initiating action and following through
d) Thin, Tight Legs
go-getters, intense and vital
this person will probably move through life in a
somewhat erratic and inconsistent fashion,
sometimes with great flow and motivation and
other times with utter clumsiness
this person usually has developed a need to
mobilize himself through the world but has not
fully developed the corresponding ease and
fluidity that would allow him to move in a
integrated and consistent fashion
IV. Pelvis
tucked under, tight buttocks dribbling out of
feeling and emotion
unable to allow the pelvis to swing back emotions
squeezed out
held back a gun cocked and ready to fire, afraid to
let go what will happen if I let go?
fears of sexual promiscuity or violence towards
others

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 pelvis too small or too large relative to the rest of

body: tight contracted small pelvis
feelings of immaturity, lack of development of
feelings of sexuality
a) Pelvis Tipped Upward
causing a flattening of the lower back, there tends
to be a lessening of sexual energy and focus
holding in of sexual feelings
inability to stay focused or grounded in any
emotional activity
the sexual encounter tends to be just another form
of challenge and achievement
feelings are constricted and constrained
frequent leg injuries, sexual dysfunction, bladder
irritability, abdominal tension, hemorrhoids,
lower back pain, and tension headaches
b) Pelvis Tipped Downward
heightening of sexual energy and sexual focus
be very sensual and feeling-oriented and might
even lean toward being obsessed with sexual
contact
seek frequent sexual release
when the pelvis is excessively tipped in this
fashion, it is often accompanied by overdeveloped legs, expressing a strong need for
security
rigid diaphragm, expressing withheld anger, and
a weak chest region
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 eliminative disorders, hemorrhoids, lower back

pain, gastrointestinal stress
chest-related disorders such as asthma, chest
colds, and bronchitis
many authorities feel that the undifferentiated
muscular armor in the pelvic region comes from
toilet training that was forced on the child too
early by the controlling or insensitive parent
sphincter control is not attained until eighteen
months of age so that earlier toilet training (some
mothers star at four months) requires contraction
of the body musculature, especially the muscles
of the thighs , buttocks, pelvic floor, as well as
retraction of the pelvis and further respiratory
inhibition
this is a familiar example of the armoring
process, it effectively diminishes natural
emotional expression, and especially the
pleasurable sensations from the pelvis
c) Pelvis Excessively Wide
great deal of deep warmth
soft, pasty, hips buttocks and thighs
others, while possessing this fundamental trait,
struggle with this
passivity and attempt to overcome their
flabbiness with action
harmony between receptivity and action

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

V.

Buttocks
a) Tight-Ass
holding on to all his expressions and feelings
develop hemorrhoids
lower back pain due to the over contraction of the
muscles of the anus and lower back
b) Pelvic Diaphragm Tightness
along the bottom of the gluteus maximus muscles
usually contracted in conjunction with holding in
the back of the legs (hamstring muscles)
the holding often has to do with controlling ones
position in life in an attempt to create a secure
and comfortable environment in which to
function
restrict sexual functioning
c) Abdominal and the lower back
suppresses his emotions with overemphasized
intellectual control, as a result, the abdominal
muscles, the psoas muscle, and the muscles of the
lower back
lower back pain, blocked feelings, digestive
disorders, sexual dysfunction
backside that looks weak and undeveloped

VI. The Genital Region

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 much that Reich postulated in the twenties and

thirties is just now being recognized and
appreciated
contributions Reich made to the understanding of
the bodymind in terms of character armor and
psychosomatic tension have not been matched by
any other contemporary Western thinker or healer
the healthy person, according to Reich, was the one
who regularly engaged in lovingly uninhibited
sexual exchange leading to a thoroughly satisfying
orgasm
Reich began to pay more attention to the various
ways in which character armor seemed to be related
to physical structure
his observations lead him to the dramatic discovery
that all psycho emotional conflicts and took up
residence in the muscular tissue of the body,
forming what he called body armor
body armor served the function of encasing the
person in his own protective muscular shell, this
shell not only kept out harmful or painful stimuli
but also served
the more armor there was, the less were the feeling
able to flow through the bodymind
armoring served to impede the flow of life through
the organism for if character armor, which
contributed to bodymind unhappiness, actually took
up residence in the body, why not try to relieve and
dissolve the armor and, therefore, the neurosis by
working directly with the body? he began to
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

incorporate physical manipulation and breathing

exercises into his therapeutic practice
armoring diminished the flow of sexual energy or
orgone through the bodymind, thereby thwarting the
completion of the full orgasm cycle
the degree to which his patients had blocked and
armored themselves seemed to reflect the degree to
which they were fully alive and healthy, and ,
therefore, able to experience open and mature love
with another person
Gestalt therapy, encounter, sensory awareness,
Rolfing, primal therapy
VII. Abdomen
relaxed evenly toned belly allows the respiratory
wave throughout, full vitality and openness to
feeling
a) Belly Enlarged in Upper Half
physical labor, rugged, masculine in appearance,
carry about with them the child they once were
b) Lower Half of Belly Enlarged
energy flow into the lower pelvis and legs
strongly blocked
c) Abdominal and the lower back
warm to touch, receptive to flow of breath, good
contact with lower belly center
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

d) Extreme Enlargement in Female

deep unconscious desire for pregnancy
e) Overweight with Heavily Padded Abdomen
lack of contact with belly center, lack of contact
makes for the individual who constantly eats to
fill up
VIII.Lower Back
a) Tight Muscles
feelings of sexuality, self-control, self-support,
and self-stability are among the *****
withheld sexuality
people who are extremely compulsive frequently
have tight muscles in their lower back
b) Flexible Muscles
people who are extremely impulsive usually have
lower back muscles that are relatively flexible
easily detected by asking the person to bend over
toward the floor without locking or bending his
knees, the compulsive person will usually be
severely limited in the degree to which he allows
his lower back to bend and stretch
impulsive person will display a great deal of
flexibility in this bodymind region

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 the overly compulsive person will tend to be too

structured, the overly impulsive person not
structured enough
IX. The Diaphragm
a) Tight Diaphragm
when this region is open and unblocked, energy
flows freely and the bodymind experiences health
and pleasure
when this region is tight or restricted, the result is
a limitation of feelings, breathing potential, and
energetic flow
when the diaphragm is flexible and well
functioning, emotions flow through it naturally
and spontaneously
sever armoring in the potentially violent rage
nervous stomach disorders, nausea, inability to
vomit, peptic ulcer, gall bladder disease, liver
conditions and diabetes
X.

The Lungs
a) Shallow Breathing
Nervous and upset
Breathe is to feel; and conversely, to limit
breathing is to limit feeling
anxiety, breathing difficulty

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 diaphragm against tendencies to sob

XI. The Heart
a) Tension in the Area of the Heart
chronic over-self-protection
armor guards against hurt and attack but also
locks away feelings of warmth and nourishment
left shoulder will often, rotating slightly forward
in a posture that suggests a guarding actions
long-held-fears and pockets of sadness
XII. The Chest
a) Contracted, Collapsed
lack of emotional vitality, low energy level,
deeply hurt, project tiredness, hurt and need for
support
deep breathing brings into contact with hurt
limiting breath avoids pain, once he breathes
more fully and integrates deep hurt, pain and fear
of pain that goes with it, energy level changes
more alive
pectoral muscles are often underdeveloped
insecurity and depression
will be more passive than aggressive
chronic sense of fear and inferiority
asthma, bronchitis, and chest colds and pains
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 taker rather than giver

this person to feel more whole, develop the
breathing and feeling aspects of this region, love,
independence, and self-confidence
fear of being along, and a difficulty in making it
out there in the world
b) Overexpanded
shows little collapse during expansion
heart feelings locked up behind this wall
rigid system of attitudes, logical, intellectual
framework
strong emphasis on performance and success
do not let go easily, when they do, deep sobbing
results, a longing to be free
hard for the chest-expansive person to receive
energy from other people has no trouble
expressing his feelings of power and rage
overpowering need to be in control and to appear
strong, feelings of tenderness and receptivity
chronic anxiousness, hypertension, high blood
pressure
c) Asymmetric Type
lack of balance, splits in attitudes
XIII.Shoulders
a) Forward, Hunched Shoulders
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 attitude of shame, embarrassment, self-protection

reflect a chronic attitude of self-protection and a
fear of being hurt
when the shoulder are rotated in this fashion,
however, the muscles of the chest tighten and
contract, thereby causing them to be even more
vulnerable and sensitive
b) Raised Shoulder
Indicated an attitude of fear
Upward & forward-withdrawing into self, fear,
lack of assertion
c) Retracted, or Pulled-, Shoulders
holding back anger, fear of striking out
someone who looks as though he is forcing
himself not to lose his temper and hit someone
your arms radiate out from your heart and serve
to ground you with respect to the world of people
and things
d) Square Shoulders (overdeveloped)
prepared to take on the challenges of producing
and being a man, having to accomplish
sense of power and self-assurance and an ability
to shoulder the burden
e) Shoulders Too Narrow
feels weak and unable to take action, doing
functions impaired
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

f) Rounded Shoulders
overburdened, great difficulty in self expression
lack of grace or sensitivity in an individuals
means of expression and contact
tend to relate to people in an insensitive way,
treating them as objects
such relationships will suffer from a lack of
honest contact and direct communication
XIV.Arms
a) Weak, Underdeveloped Arms
shows a lack of ability to reach out and take hold
of his life
sense of powerlessness in ones relationships to
people and things
a general lack of initiative
b) Massive, Overmuscled Arms
lack of grace or sensitivity in an individuals
means of expression and contact
tend to relate to people in an insensitive way,
treating them as objects
such relationships will suffer from lack of honest
contact and direct communication
c) Thin, Tight, Muscular Arms

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 reflects a kind of grasping, clawing, clutching

quality about a personss attitudes
although the person is able to reach out and make
contact, he has difficulty holding on to anything
for extended periods of time
d) Fat, Underdeveloped Arms
reflect a deadness or sluggishness of action
difficulty initiating action and sustaining energy
throughout an activity
when this person does reach out, the expression
tends to be overdramatic and clumsy
XV. Back Muscles
the muscles that surround the thoracic region of
the spine hold anger
a) Tight, Tense Back Muscles
chronic state of tension in my back
when I relax my hold on things and allow the
world to flow, I feel relaxed and comfortable
b) Relaxed Back Muscles
trusting and appreciative of others, let go of some
of my control
feelings more balanced, heat more available
XVI.The Neck
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

a) Held Forward
reflects an individual who encounters the world
first with his head, his rations self, and then later
with his body, with his feeling self
the neck and head are bent over forward
this person will have a great deal of difficulty
facing up to the demands and needs of everyday
living
a statement of partial defeat and emotional
exhaustion
driving aggressive attitude
b) Head Tilted Back with a Shortening at the
Base of the Skull
holding energy back
c) Head Tilted to the Right
feeling arrogant and defiant, have a chip on my
shoulder
cannot approach anyone or anything directly-not
being straight
d) Head Tilted to the Left
Projecting a cute and playful attitude
cannot approach anyone or anything directly-not
being straight
e) Long, Graceful Neck
Long, proud attitudes
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

f) Stout, Bull Neck

Indicate a tight, aggressive approach to lifes
demands
XVII.Throat Muscles
a) Tight Throat Muscles
fears of expression
tight throat, shallow breathing prevent a true
belly laugh
XVIII.The Jaw
the bottom of the jaw is often where tears are held
violence and anger are held in the jaw
a) Receding Jaw
weak lack of assertion, unable to take what he
wants, deep seated insecurity regarding ability to
perform
withheld sadness or anger, an urge to scream or
scream
this person might tend to have a great deal of
difficulty speaking up in groups, defending
himself, and voicing his opinion
b) Protruding Jaw
naso-labial fold
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 defiant character attitude

slightly forward it indicates that the person has an
extremely determined way of being in the
world
as the jaw moves farther forward, the attitude
becomes increasingly on eof defiance and
arrogance
c) Clenched Jaw
over-self-control
a great deal that I want to say but I am holding on
to it by clenching my jaw I can swallow or
dissolve the emotion or information that has
made its way to my mouth
XIX.The Face
a) Full of Expression
b) Expressionless
c) Left-Right Split
XX. Ears
a) Hard of Hearing

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

 when you decide that you dont want to hear

anymore, you will withdraw your attention,
diminishing your ability to hear
people often hear just as much as they with to
hear for just as long as they want to hear it; after
that point, they may begin to develop hearing
difficulties
XXI.Eyes
a) Large, Round Eyes
warm, loving personality. caring, usually make
other people feel comfortable in their presence
b) Bulging Eyes
nervous, penetrating way of being in the world
will often make other people uncomfortable and
anxious
c) Deeply Set Eyes
withheld expressions and withdrawn sadness
person spends a large amount of time critically
observing the actions and activities of others
d) Bay Eyes
mammas little boys and daddys little girls
seductive and manipulative
XXII.Vision
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

a) Nearsighted
inwardly focused or shy and highly rational and
introspective
fears of being rejected, unloved, unappreciated
fear of self-rejection
nearsighted person needs to learn to extend
himself more comfortably into the world
b) Farsighted
involving himself with activities that keep his
attention focused away from himself and looking
outward
extroverted, outgoing
extend himself into activities and relationships
and future oriented thinking as a way to avoid
having to engage and develop his inner self
XXIII.The Forehead
a) Tight Frontalis Muscle
superimpose their rationality upon their
spontaneous feelings and excitations, these
muscles can become armored and tense
suppressing feelings with thought and
exaggerated rationality
b) Furrowed Brow
diligence and intense concentration
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

c) Tight-knitted Brow
intense, highly focused way of being in the world
anger
d) Smooth Brow
inner peace, untroubled existence
e) Raised in Fear
deep and permanent, long-felt cares and troubles,
fear for ones loved ones and a way of life
1) The function of the orgasm W.R.
2) Character Analysis W.R.
3) Reich the and his work Boadella
4) Bodymind Ken Dychtwald

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

FREUDIAN FIXATIONS
AND
THE STAGES OF
CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

OVERVIEW
There are two great vital drives the drive for selfpreservation and the drive towards procreation (i.e., the
preservation of the species). The latter, which Freud gave
the name libido or sexual energy, was frequently blocked
by the repressing forces of civilization. Freud originally
meant sex to be understood in the ordinary everyday
sense, but later he decided to use it in a much wider
connotation to apply to any pleasurable sensation relating
to the body functions, and, also, to such feelings as
tenderness, pleasure in work, and friendship. Noting that
three orifices of the body the mouth, the anus, and the
genitals were particularly associated with libidinous
satisfactions, he postulated that interest in them developed
in a definite chronological sequence from the moment of
birth onwards.
I. ORAL
The first infantile stage of development is the oral
phase. This phase extends from birth to approximately 18
months and centers around feeding and the organs
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

connected with that function the mouth, the lips, and the
tongue. The infant obtains life-sustaining nourishment
and also gains pleasure through the act of sucking. To the
new-born child the mouth is the primary organ of pleasure
for it is through the mouth that he makes contact with his
first object of desire, the mothers breast. As the baby
grows older feeling of frustration and anxiety are more
likely to be experienced as a result of scheduled feedings,
increased time lapses between feedings, and eventual
weaning. When the breast is withdrawn or not available
he gains a substitute satisfaction by sucking his thumb.
Gratification of oral needs brings about a state of freedom
from tension and induces sleep. Adults take pleasure in
eating, smoking, kissing, and the more overly sexual acts
connected with the mouth. According to Karl Abraham
(1924) people whose early oral needs have been
excessively frustrated turn out to be pessimists.
Individuals whose oral needs have been gratified tend to
have a more optimistic view of the world.
IA. ORAL SADISTIC PERIOD
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

At this time the baby passes into a second oral phase

after the teeth emerge. This phase is characterized by the
manipulation of others, through such divers means as
biting, cooing, closing the mouth, smiling, and crying.
The babys initial defense against anxiety takes the usual
form of thumb sucking.
Oral needs are gratified in a variety of ways, including
sucking on candy, chewing gum, biting pencils,
overeating, smoking cigarettes, chewing out other
people, and making biting, sarcastic remarks.
II. ANAL
The oral phase is succeeded by the anal phase. It
occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. It is
characterized by an aim to expel aggressively and later the
ability to control the anal sphincter developing towards
the end of the first year.
The disgust that those who train the child and the
shame the child is made to feel may contribute toward a
lowered sense of self-esteem. In reaction, the child may
respond by stubborn assertiveness, contrary
rebelliousness, and the determination to be in control,
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

meticulously clean, excessively punctual, and quite

parsimonious in handling possessions.
II. SADISTIC-ANAL PHASE
Because this period is characterized by satisfaction
gained through aggressive behavior and through the
excretory function, Freud called it the sadistic-anal phase
of development.
The active orientation is often characterized by what
Freud considered the masculine qualities of dominance
and sadism, while the passive orientation is usually
marked by the feminine qualities of voyeurism and
masochism.
IIA.

EARLY SADISTIC ANAL

During the period, the child receives satisfaction by

destroying or losing objects. The child takes revenge on
the parents for initiating the frustration of toilet training.
IIB.

LATE SADISTIC ANAL

A friendly interest towards objects develops, which

stems from the erotic satisfaction experienced during
toilet training. The act of defecating is pleasurable. If the
parents are loving and praise this behavior, the child is
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

likely to grow into a generous adult. If the parents reject

the gift in a punitive fashion, the infant may obtain
another method of obtaining anal pleasure withholding
the feces until the pressure becomes both painful and
erotically stimulating. This lays the foundation for the
anal character who, as an adult, keeps and possesses
objects in an excessively neat and orderly fashion. This
becomes transformed into an anal triad of orderliness,
stinginess and obstinacy.
III. PHALLIC
At approximately age three of four the child enters
into a third, or phallic phase of infantile development, in
which the genital area becomes the leading erogenous
zone.
The childs experiences with masturbation and its
subsequent suppression help to form the foundation of
psychosexual development as did earlier experiences with
weaning and toilet training. The child loves and wants to
possess those who give him pleasure. He hates and wants
to annihilate those who stand in his way and frustrate him.
He becomes curious about sexual differences. He wants
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

to love and be loved, to be admired and to be like those he

admires.
At puberty, there is a reawakening of the sexual aim
and the genital period is begun. The aim of Eros is
usually genital union with a person of the opposite sex.
Also, the vagina finally obtains the same status for girls
that the male organ had for them during infancy.
This is a phase from which fear of the female genital
and envy of the male genital originate.
III.OEDIPUS
The phallic phase begins about the end of the third
year when the boys interest becomes centered upon his
penis. The Oedipus complex finally comes to an end
about the fourth or fifth year, primarily because of the
boys fears that his illicit desires might be punished by his
father with castration (the castration complex), and is
succeeded by the latency period, during which sexuality
becomes virtually dormant or at any rate ceases to show
any further qualitative developments and remains so right
up to the period of puberty.
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Freud believed that preceding the phallic stage, the

infant boy forms an identification with his father he
wants to be his father, he wants to have his mother.
Inevitably, identification takes on a tone of hostility.
The father is seen as a rival and the boy desires to do
away with him and to possess the mother in a sexual
relationship. This condition of rivalry toward the father
and the incestuous feelings toward the mother is known as
the Oedipus complex. During the Oedipal period, his
feminine nature may lead him to display affection toward
his father and hostility toward his mother, while at the
same time, his masculine tendency disposes him toward
hostility for father and lust for mother.
To Freud, the castration complex begins after the
young boy, who has assumed that all other people,
including girls, have genitals like his own, becomes aware
of the absence of a penis on girls. This becomes the
greatest emotional shock of his life. He is forced into the
conclusion that the girl has had her penis cut off. He may
develop castration anxiety the threat of castration. The
boy represses his impulses toward sexual activity,
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

including his fantasies of carrying out a seduction of his

mother.
This interest soon gives rise to a feeling of sexual
attraction towards the mother associated with the feelings
of jealousy or resentment directed against the father, who
has thus become the boys rival in his mothers affections.
This is the Oedipus complex, named after the king in
Sophocles play Oedipus Rex who killed his father and
married his mother.
IV. ELECTRA
The Electra complex, from a Greek myth in which
Elektra connives at the death of her mother Clytemnestra
who had murdered her father Agamemnon only occurs
when she had renounced the hope of masculinity and
reconciled herself to castration as an accepted fact. In
Freuds interpretation the masculine Oedipus complex is
resolved by the castration complex and is given up
because of castration anxiety, while the feminine complex
is brought about by the castration complex, when out of
the disappointment over the lack of penis the girl turns her
love towards the father and rejects the mother. Freud
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

prior to 1910 believed that each type of neurosis was the

result of the regression of libido which had been dammed
up by a frustrating environment and therefore flowed back
to an earlier stage at which during the course of
development it had been partially fixated. Frustration
may bring about regression to a stage that was more
successfully experienced in the past, one at which large
amount of libido remains fixated, and in each neurosis
there is assumed to be a specific point of fixation such that
the hysteric is said to have regressed to the phallic level,
the obsessional to the anal.
Penis Envy She discovers that boys not only possess
different genital equipment, but apparently something
extra. She becomes envious of this appendage, feels
cheated, and desires to have a penis. Penis envy is often
expressed as a wish to be a boy, or later it may show itself
as a desire to have a man, carried over into a wish to have
a baby.
Female Oedipus complex desire for sexual
intercourse with the father and accompanying feelings of
hostility for the mother.
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

It is possible that the girl will refuse to recognize her

femininity, hold permanently to the masculine complex
and resist attempts to suppress masturbation. Or, the girl
will completely inhibit her masculine disposition,
renounce masturbatory activity, turn away from the
mother, and repress the greater part of all her sexual
instinct.
The female Oedipus complex is only incompletely
resolved by a gradual realization that the girl may lose the
love of her mother and that sexual intercourse with her
father is not forthcoming.
V. LATENT
From the fifth of sixth year until puberty there is a
standstill in sexual development. This period in the
childs life is the latency stage.
When there is a particularly strong and persistent
attachment to libidinal gratification from a particular
object of infancy, one speaks of fixation. Fixations are
usually unconscious and often serve as a focus for
symptom formation later in life. Conflicts or difficulties
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

experienced at these stages may lead to fixation of libido

at this point or at a later perios cause a regression to it. 1,2,3

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. CURRENT PSYCHOTHERAPIES, Corsini and
wedding, F.E. Peacock Publishers, Inc., 1989
2. FREUD AND THE POST FREUDIANS, J.A.C. Brown
Penguin Books, 1961
3. THEORIES OF PERSONALITY, Jess Feist, Holt,
Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1985

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

GLOSSARY
The following abbreviations are used to indicate primary
associations: (B) Bioenergy; (J) Analytical Psychotherapy;
(PA) Psychoanalysis; (PC) Person-Centered Therapy;
(TA) Transactional Analysis.
Actualizing Tendency (PC). An innate human
predisposition toward growth and fulfilling ones
potential.
Adapted Child (TA). An ego state with two functions,
either conforming or rebelling. Ones adapted child is
highly complex and contains ones script.
Agape. Unconditional love for humanity (literally, love
between friends).
Anal Phase (PA). Freuds second phase of psychosexual
development, extending roughly from the ages of 18
months to 3 years, in which libidinal pleasure is derived
from retaining and expelling feces.
Anima (J). The feminine component of the male
personality.
Animus (J). The masculine component of the female
personality.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Archetypes (J). Primordial images that serve as the

building blocks of the collective unconscious. Examples
include the Wise Old Man, The Earth Mother, the Anima,
the Animus, and the Shadow.
Catharsis (PA). The expression and discharge of
repressed emotions.
Character Structure (B). Ones habitual way of being or
common way of behaving; the five major types are oral
(dependent, fearful of abandonment), schizoid (thought
and emotion split off from one another), narcissistic
(sense of superiority), masochistic (submissive, fearful of
emotional expression), and rigid unable to give, holding
back).
Ego (PA). The part of the mind that mediates between
external reality and inner wishes and impulses. The ego
or self, the prime function of which is to test reality in
order that organisms reaction shall be in terms of what is,
rather than uncoordinated responses or those aiming at
direct or immediate satisfaction.
Electra Complex (PA). Erotic attraction of the female
child for the father, with accompanying hostility for her
mother; the female equivalent of the Oedipus complex.
Empathy. Accurately and deeply feeling someone elses
expressed emotions, concerns or situation.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Eros (PA). The life instinct, fueled by libidinal energy

and opposed by Thanatos, the instinct.
Genital Stage (PA). The final stage of psychosexual
development, usually attained in the late adolescence, in
which sexual gratification occurs through intercourse and
is not limited to specific body areas.
Hidden Agenda. The actual goal of an interaction
between people which is different from what superficially
appears to be the goal.
Id (PA). The sum total of biological instincts, including
sexual and aggressive impulses. At birth, the id represents
the total personality. The new-born baby is a seething
mass of impulses or instinctual drive entirely lacking in
any directing or guiding consciousness, and because of its
impersonal nature is described as the id. Freud leaves
little doubt about his belief in a collective unconscious
mind. Thus, the id which is capable of being inherited,
are harboured residues of the existences of countless egos.
Inferiority Complex (A). An exaggeration of feelings of
inadequacy and insecurity resulting in defensiveness and
neurotic behavior. It is usually, but not always abnormal.
Latency Period (PA). An inactive time in psychosexual
development that follow the phallic stage and lasts till
puberty.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Libido (PA). The basic driving force of personality in

Freuds system. It includes sexual energy but is not
restricted to it.
Fixation (PA). A strong attachment to a source of
gratification in infancy that persists in adulthood.
Free Child (TA). That part of personality that is
spontaneous, eager, and playful. People who possess too
much Free Child lack self-control.
Natural Child (TA). A form of the Child ego state that is
impulsive, spontaneous and creative. Contrast with
adapted child.
Negative Ego. This is the part of your ego that feels
better than or worse than everyone else. It will do
anything to destroy love and relationships.
Oedipus Complex (PA). Erotic attraction of the male
child for his mother, accompanied by hostility toward the
father.
Oral Phase (PA). The earliest phase of psychosexual
development, extending from birth to approximately 18
months, in which most libidinal gratification occurs
through biting, sucking and oral contact.
Persona (J). A disguised or masked attitude useful with
interacting with ones environment but frequently at
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

variance with true identity, e.g., the super sweet mask we

put on when beginning a new relationship.
Phallic Phase (PA). The third stage of psychosexual
development in which libidinous gratification occurs
through direct experience with the genitals. This phase
occurs between the stages of three and seven and involves
a desire to possess the parent of the opposite sex and to
replace the parent of the same sex.
Self-actualization (PC). A basic human drive toward
growth, completeness and fulfillment.
Shadow (J). That aspect of the unconscious that contains
the opposite of what we feel ourselves to be. The shadow
is that part of ourself to which we are not sufficiently well
related.
Superego (PA). A portion of the personality structure that
grows out of the ego and reflects early moral training and
parental injunction. It arises out of the need to face
societys moral prohibitions.
Thanatos (PA). An instinct toward death and selfdestruction, posited by Freud to oppose and balance Eros,
the life instinct. Suicide is a failure to preserve the self by
forms of self-damage from unconsciously motivated
accidents, self-inflicted diseases, addictions, and failures,
to the more dramatic but not infrequent crimes committed
with the unconscious intent of being found out.
Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 1: Phase I
The Acute Inflammatory Phase: The initial reaction to injury is
inflammation. Joints become swollen and tender. We refer to this as
the acute inflammatory phase, which may last up to 72 hours. Signs
of inflammation include heat, pain, swelling and redness.
Inflammation results from damage to nerves, muscle tissue and
ligaments. Ligaments are fibrous tissue that attach bones together.
Torn ligaments allow excessive movement which can create pinching
of nerves. This in turn can cause weakness, pain, tingling and
numbness. Completely destroyed nerve cells cannot regenerate.
Consequently, muscle fibers that attempt to grow cannot mature in
the absence of nerve supply.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 2:Phase II
The Repair or Regeneration Phase: This lasts from 72 hours to
eight weeks. During this phase the body seems to lay down scar
tissue to correct the injury. Its laid down in an irregular pattern
different from that of the original injury. The repair tissue is thus less
elastic and less flexible. This results in stiffness and pain. Rigid scar
tissue can interfere with the growth of nerves. The lack of nerve
supply results in useless muscle tissue

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 3: Phase III

The Remodeling Phase: The scar tissue takes its final form in the
remodeling phase. This last stage takes from three weeks to 12
months to complete healing process. Scar tissue initially forms to help
muscles withstand stress but can continue to contract up to six
months following an injury. Unless continually mobilized, the scar
tissue fibers can stick together inhibiting movement. An inactive
lifestyle can further lessen mobility and range of motion.
Summary: To summarize, the initial reaction to injury is inflammation.
Repair of damaged tissue begins within 72 hours. Scar tissue, rigid
and less flexible can interfere with nerve supply, resulting in weak and
useless muscle. Finally, the collagen fibers composing the repair
tissue contract to protect the muscles from additional stress. This
results in less and less range of motion. Although standard
emergency room treatment may be necessary following an accident,
chiropractic reconstructive care is essential to recovery.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 4: Medical Treatment

Medical Treatment is usually limited to immobilization of the injury
with a cervical collar. Pain medication, muscle relaxants and bed rest
are often prescribed. Scar tissue formed in an immobile state results
in sore, weak less flexible and more sensitive muscles. There is an
increased chance of flare ups and re-injury. Lack of motion in one
level of the spine causes excessive motion in other areas.
According to studies, 39% of whiplash victims develop degenerative
disc disease or thinning of the discs. This results in osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis forms in the neck as a result of disc degeneration. It
can cause pain and stiffness and limitation of motion. Degenerative
disc disease caused by immobile scar tissue ensures future pain and
disability.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 5: Reconstructive Chiropractic Care

Reconstructive Chiropractic Care is essential for total recovery and
ideally begins within eight weeks of injury. Mobilization of the joints of
the neck aids in the laying of collagen which enables fibers to glide
rather than stick. Looser scar tissue allows for greater freedom of
movement. Whats unique about chiropractic care is spinal
manipulation. That is gentle realignment of the parts of the spine to
restore good posture and natural movement. Pettibon fulcrum
exercises use foam wedges to allow you to stretch injured areas.
Isometric exercises can be used to increase range of motion in the
ligaments of the neck. Deep tissue and trigger point massage can
soften and relaxed tight, stiff muscles. Chiropractic Biophysics,
cervical tractioning and regular adjustments can help to restore
normal curvature of the neck and improved posture. Ligament
rehabilitation is not complete until the muscles spanning the joint are
fully restored to their former power. The goal of soft tissue
rehabilitation is recovery of full strength, normal range of motion and
freedom from pain.

Depending on the severity of the damage,

chiropractic care may be needed up to one year following your injury
to keep scar loose you and maintain range of motion.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Conclusion:
Whiplash injury can be dangerous and debilitating. Chiropractic care
seeks to restore normal range of motion and full muscle strength.
Freedom from pain, improved posture and the prevention of disc
generation are the direct results of your commitment to honor your
chiropractors plan for healing. Honor your body. Take the time to
explore chiropractic care for your whiplash injury and recover the right
way.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

Dr. Raphael Rettner, a Palmer College of Chiropractic West graduate
and in practice since 1982, is dedicated to providing compassionate,
quality health care. The Healing Center is a place where you can get
assistance in dealing with your health issues. He is motivated to assist
you in attaining and maintaining optimal health and uses chiropractic
to take away interferences from the nervous system so your body can
heal itself.
The result of a thorough examination is to determine what is causing
your spine to be unstable, so you won't have to keep coming back for
the same problem. Gentle, effective adjustments result in optimal
performance and relief from pain without having to be painful. Dr.
Rettner is committed to getting results. He is dedicated to finding the
cause of your health problem rather than just treating the symptoms.
A partnership, with specific goals, is formed between Dr. Rettner and
each patient, thus sharing the responsibility of an individual's health.
This creates a process whereby both parties become committed to
achieving their health related goals. Corrective postural exercises and
yoga are incorporated into the treatment, allowing you to take an
active part in your healing process.
Dr. Rettner is one of the most highly skilled and respected
chiropractors in the United States. He has made numerous radio and
T.V. appearances, is the author of Vegetarian Cooking for People with
Allergies and has produced several DVDs including: Applied Trigger
Points, Advanced Healing Techniques, Cranial Osteopathy, Nurturing
Massage and Twelve Causes of an Unstable Spine. He has studied both
force and non-force techniques such as Advanced Biostrucural
Correction, Activator, Applied Kinesiology, Pettibon, Vector Point Cranial
and over a dozen others. With a combination of creative thinking and
an insatiable quest for knowledge, Dr. Rettner has developed several
new and exciting chiropractic techniqes. Since 1994 he has taught
these in his Applied Trigger Points seminar to chiropractors all across
the United States, Australia, Canada and England.
You can reach Dr. Rettner at [email protected]

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2009 Raphael Rettner D.C. All Rights Reserved.