What is De-armouring?
De-armouring, a term coined by psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich in the 1930s, is a powerful somatic treatment that works with various body systems to release tension, trauma, and negative emotions. This transformative practice combines soft touch, sound therapy, breathwork, and energy healing to help you reconnect with your body's innate wisdom.
Why De-armouring Matters
Our bodies store memories of stress, trauma and unexpressed emotions, creating "armour" in our soft tissues.
This armour can:
Block the flow of life-force energy (qi or prana).
Desensitise us to pleasure and pain.
Create chronic tension and physical discomfort.
Contribute to anxiety, stress, and overwhelm.
Your Path to Nervous System Regulation
De-armouring is an effective treatment for managing stress and regulating the nervous system. It works with key elements of your body:
Vagus Nerve: The main component of the "rest and digest" parasympathetic nervous system
Psoas Muscle: The primary "fight or flight" muscle that contracts during stress
Brainwaves: Balancing alpha (relaxation) and beta (problem-solving) waves for optimal mental health
To learn more on this in topic you may want to read this post Understanding Emotional Regulation Causes, Signs, and the Path to Balance
Benefits of De-armouring
Releases negative patterns and self-sabotaging behaviours.
Increases self-esteem and confidence.
Eliminates limiting beliefs and emotions.
Re-sensitises your body to experience more pleasure and joy.
Reduces anxiety, stress, and overwhelm.
Improves sleep quality, focus, and concentration.
Boosts energy levels and overall vitality.
Enhances body connection and intuition.
De-armouring uses a combination of different techniques
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Touch
The Gaia Method of De-armouring uses ‘invitation only’ soft touch. It respects the boundaries of the body and never pushes beyond what it is ready for.
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Sound
Sound can be a way to access locked memories, emotions and to release energy blockages from the body.
When the vibration and frequency of a sound meet the same frequency in the tissues of the body it can open frozen energy.
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Breath
Conscious breathing and breathwork bypass the conscious mind and deactivate’s the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). Tantric breathwork is also used to bring the body into a state of bliss. Once the body is in a relaxed state, it can freely express emotions or physical movements that arise.
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Energy
Working with a person's energy is one of the ways to remove armour from the body. Energy, like sound waves, is made up of vibrations and frequencies.
When blocked energy in the body gets activated it can trigger old memories. Which can create impulses that the body still holds and needs to express.
What People Are Saying
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“As soon as I stepped into the space Binta created, I felt so held and welcomed and was able to drop in. Binta holds a beautiful balance of authenticity and professionalism in her sessions. Her level of presence, everything she is and everything she brings into a session allows deep healing and transformation to take place. The throat de-armouring we did released lots of emotions for me. I felt so safe that emotions were naturally flowing. It also loosened the tension around my whole jaw and throat area which were around my expression. I was so surprised how I was able to release so much.
Isik Tlabar, Intuitive Coach & Breathwork Facilitator
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“At first, I was sceptical and apprehensive regarding what I saw as ‘ alternative therapies’. However, I’m so glad that I embraced the opportunity to work with Binta. Through her calm, knowledgeable and intuitive approach I was gradually able to resist trying to understand everything, pull it apart to try to find out the magic secret and instead just trust in the process and reap the benefits. As a result, I have been able to release both physical and emotional tension. Sessions were delivered with compassion and integrity, enabling me to develop a deeper emotional intelligence, particularly towards nurturing and nourishing my own needs and helping me to reach out to others in a more grounded and rational way. It has been a revelation.”
Julie Humpharis, Retired Teacher
A Typical Session - What to Expect
Embarking on a de-armouring session can be transformative, but it's natural to have questions about the process. Here's what you can expect during a typical session:
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Sessions are conducted in person and last approximately 2 hours.
A comfortable, private space is provided to ensure your safety and relaxation.
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We begin by discussing your reasons for seeking de-armouring, your expectations, and any boundaries or health concerns you may have.
This open dialogue helps tailor the session to your specific needs and ensures your comfort throughout the process.
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The session may start with exercises designed to regulate your nervous system.
These might include tension release techniques, gentle shaking, breathwork, or sound practices
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Before diving into bodywork, we may focus on establishing and reinforcing personal boundaries.
This foundational step is crucial for creating a safe environment for deeper work.
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For body-focused sessions, you may be asked to wear underwear, as oil might be used during the process.
Unlike a passive massage, you'll be an active participant, staying attuned to your body's sensations and experiences.
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Your body may naturally express itself to release stored tension or emotions.
This could manifest as trembling, shaking, vocalisation, or emotional release.
Our space is judgment-free, honouring your body's innate wisdom and healing process.
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Each session concludes with a period of integration, allowing your body and mind to process the experience.
We'll take time to discuss your experience, ensuring you feel grounded before leaving.
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Like coaching, de-armouring often benefits from multiple sessions.
This allows for deeper work and progressive removal of layers of armour over time.
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The cost for a 2-hour de-armouring session is £250.
This investment reflects the in-depth, personalised nature of the work and the extensive time dedicated to your healing journey.
Every individual's journey is unique. These sessions are designed to meet you where you are, respecting your pace and boundaries.
Resources
Insights
Trauma and the Nervous System: A Polyvagal Perspective gives a basic introduction and overview of how trauma and chronic stress affect our nervous system and how those effects impact our health and well-being.
When trauma gets stuck in the body | This article explains why the body shakes or tremors when it releases a block. |
What happens when you add sound waves to anything that matches the same frequency | This video will help explain how sound removes blockages in the body.
Stress, Anxiousness, and the Brain Wave Connection | This article explains how a healthy brain works and the importance of the brain wave connection.
Practices
TRE® (Trauma and Tension Release Exercises) | This is one of the exercises we use in a session to help regulate the nervous system.
Toning is a great way to self de-armour, once practised with a practitioner. I do not recommend that you use it alone if you have trauma. | I use the Washington Monument Frequency Pack of both 33and7 (Male/Female) which costs USD11.11 to download. Note: Don’t be put off by the website.
7 Energy Centers Breathing Intensified breathing practice to activate the life force energy and raise it up through the energy centres to the crown. (at 56mins 40secs)
How to Change Your Mind by Dr Joe Dispenza This YouTube video discusses how our past experiences impact our current reality.
Books
The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine PhD
No Bad Parts - Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C. Schwartz PHD