Orgone energy is the name the Austrian physician and psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957) gave to a life energy he believed flows through living bodies and the atmosphere. His work on how emotions are held in the body as “armor” of muscular tension and restricted breathing became a foundation of modern body-oriented psychotherapy, and his accumulator and cloudbuster remain famous today.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
Reading time: about 15 minutes
How we wrote this guide: this guide was written by Saj Ali. Every research claim below links to the original study, its DOI or an official record.
Quick answer: what is orgone energy?
- It is Wilhelm Reich’s name for life energy. Reich coined the word “orgone” in Oslo in the 1930s to describe an energy he observed in his laboratory research (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
- It grew out of his work on emotions and the body. Reich saw that emotional defences are held in “chronic muscular tension, restricted breathing, and characteristic postures”, a pattern he called armor (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
- Reich built the orgone accumulator. It is an enclosed box of alternating organic and metallic layers, designed to concentrate orgone energy inside (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
- His ideas shaped body-oriented therapy. His clinical insights “anticipated much of what is now central to somatic psychotherapy and trauma research” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
- Related research is encouraging. Reviews of body-oriented psychotherapy (Röhricht, 2009) and breathwork (Fincham et al., 2023) report helpful effects on stress and wellbeing.
Contents
- What Is Orgone Energy?
- Who Was Wilhelm Reich?
- Body Armor and the Energy of Emotion
- The Orgone Energy Accumulator
- How to Try a Reich-Inspired Breath and Body Practice
- The Cloudbuster and Atmospheric Orgone
- Reich’s Legacy in Body-Oriented Therapy
- What the Research Shows
- What People Use Orgone Ideas For
- Orgone Energy Compared with Similar Approaches
- Tips for Exploring Orgone Energy
- Watch, Listen and Follow
- Frequently Asked Questions About Orgone Energy
- Key Takeaways
- Explore More on Self Help Supermarket
- Sources
What Is Orgone Energy?
Orgone energy is the life energy described by Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian physician, psychoanalyst and natural scientist. The Wilhelm Reich Museum describes him as someone “whose work crossed boundaries that few of his contemporaries were willing or able to cross” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Reich’s path to orgone began in the therapy room. He noticed that his patients’ emotional struggles showed up physically, and he came to believe that emotional life has a real, measurable energetic basis. Later, in his laboratory, he described an energy that did not behave like electricity. He called it orgone, “a word he coined to mark its origins in his orgasm research and its capacity to charge organic materials” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Reich went on to describe orgone as present not only in living things but in the atmosphere too. He designed devices to concentrate it and to work with it in the sky. Today, the term is used both for Reich’s original research and for a wide range of later ideas and products inspired by it.
Orgone Energy at a Glance
| Developed by | Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957), Austrian physician and psychoanalyst |
| Term coined | In Oslo, during his bion research in the late 1930s |
| Key ideas | Body armor, the energetic basis of emotion, atmospheric orgone |
| Famous devices | The orgone energy accumulator and the cloudbuster |
| Main legacy | Body-oriented and somatic psychotherapy |
| Where to learn more | The Wilhelm Reich Museum at Orgonon, Rangeley, Maine |
Details are from Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich.
Who Was Wilhelm Reich?
Wilhelm Reich was born on 24 March 1897 in Galicia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After serving in the First World War, he studied medicine at the University of Vienna and received his MD in July 1922 (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Reich and Freud
Even as a student, Reich was drawn to psychoanalysis. In October 1920 he was admitted to the Vienna Psychoanalytic Association, “an unusual distinction for someone of his age”, and he soon became one of Sigmund Freud’s most promising students (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
From 1922 he worked at Freud’s Psychoanalytic Polyclinic in Vienna, rising to Vice Director. It was there that he developed the ideas he is best known for as a clinician. His book Character Analysis (1933) “became one of the foundational texts of modern psychotherapy and remains in print today” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Scandinavia and America
Reich moved to Oslo in 1934, where his research turned to the body’s energy. In August 1939 he sailed to the United States to teach at the New School for Social Research in New York (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
In 1940 he discovered the Rangeley Lakes region of western Maine, and in November 1942 he bought a hill farm of more than 280 acres there. He named it Orgonon and built a Students’ Laboratory and the Orgone Energy Observatory (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Reich’s later years were overshadowed by a long legal dispute with the US Food and Drug Administration over the accumulator, and he died in November 1957. The museum describes the events of this period as “among the most troubling episodes in the history of American science” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Body Armor and the Energy of Emotion
Reich’s most lasting contribution was his idea of armor. At the Vienna Polyclinic, he observed that his patients’ symptoms “were not simply mental phenomena but were held in the body — in chronic muscular tension, restricted breathing, and characteristic postures” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
He saw character itself as continuous with these physical patterns. The implication was profound: “working with the body and working with the psyche were not two procedures but one” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Pleasure and anxiety
In Oslo, Reich set out to test this idea. He measured electrical potentials on the skin and found that “the charge varied systematically with feeling: it rose during pleasurable sensation and fell during anxiety” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
From this he formed a simple principle: “pleasure is the movement of biological energy toward the periphery of the organism; anxiety is its movement back toward the center” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
From bions to orgone
Reich noticed that the energy he measured “moved slowly, in wave-like fashion” rather than like ordinary electricity. In his laboratory he then studied tiny pulsating vesicles, which he named bions, and reported a radiation from them that he called orgone (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
The Orgone Energy Accumulator
The orgone energy accumulator is Reich’s best-known invention. His observations suggested that organic materials such as cotton, wool and plastic “attract and absorb orgone energy, while metallic materials attract and rapidly re-radiate it” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
So he built “an enclosed box of alternating organic and metallic layers, with metal lining the inner walls”. This, he found, created “a higher concentration of orgone energy inside the box than in the surrounding air” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
What Reich reported observing
- A persistent temperature difference between the air inside and outside the accumulator.
- A slower rate of electroscope discharge inside than outside.
- Visual phenomena that could be seen through specially designed openings.
These observations are from Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich.
A person typically sits inside the accumulator, which looks like a small cabinet or booth. Reich himself was careful in how he described his work with very ill patients, telling them clearly that the experimental treatment “was not a cure” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
How to Try a Reich-Inspired Breath and Body Practice
Reich believed that emotions are held in the body through tight muscles and shallow breathing (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich). This simple practice draws on that idea and on body-oriented approaches developed by his followers, such as Alexander Lowen’s bioenergetics. Go gently and stay within what feels comfortable.
- Lie down comfortably. Lie on your back on a mat or bed with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Let your arms rest by your sides.
- Notice your breathing. Breathe naturally and notice where the breath moves. Is it high in the chest, low in the belly or barely moving at all? Simply observe.
- Soften the jaw and eyes. Let your jaw drop slightly and your eyes soften. Reich saw the eyes and jaw as places where tension is often held.
- Breathe into the belly and chest. Let the breath slowly deepen, so the belly rises first and then the chest. Let the out-breath be long and easy, perhaps with a gentle sigh.
- Release tension in waves. As you breathe out, let your shoulders, chest and belly soften a little more. If a part of your body feels tight, imagine the breath flowing into it.
- Ground through your feet. Press your feet gently into the floor and notice the support beneath you. Some people like to let their legs tremble or shake lightly, which bioenergetic teachers use for grounding.
- Rest and notice. Let your breathing return to normal. Notice any warmth, tingling or sense of flow, and any feelings that came up. Rest for a few minutes before getting up slowly.
Reich observed in his Oslo experiments that pleasure involves a movement of energy “toward the periphery of the organism” and anxiety a movement “back toward the center” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich). Many people find that a practice like this leaves them feeling warmer, more open and more relaxed.
The Cloudbuster and Atmospheric Orgone
In the summer of 1940, observing the clear skies over Mooselookmeguntic Lake in Maine, Reich “became convinced that orgone energy was present not only in living organisms but in the atmosphere itself” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
He later developed the cloudbuster, “an experimental instrument intended to influence atmospheric orgone distribution and, through it, weather patterns”. It used hollow metal pipes connected by cables to a body of water (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
The most famous episode came in the summer of 1953. Blueberry farmers in the Rangeley region, facing drought, asked Reich for help. He began a cloudbusting operation, and, according to the museum, “rain began within hours and continued over several days. The local press credited him; the crop was saved” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
Orgonite and modern orgone products
Today, many people know orgone through “orgonite”, decorative pieces of resin mixed with metal and crystals, often shaped as pyramids. These are a much later development inspired by Reich’s ideas, rather than designs Reich made himself. Many people enjoy them as part of their home, meditation or crystal healing practice.
Reich’s Legacy in Body-Oriented Therapy
Reich’s influence on therapy has been wide and lasting. The museum notes that his clinical work “has come to be recognized as a foundational influence on what is now called somatic psychotherapy and on the broader understanding of the body’s role in emotional life and in the treatment of trauma” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
His students and followers developed many approaches that are still practised today. The best known is bioenergetic analysis, created by Alexander Lowen, which uses breathing, grounding and expressive movement to release tension. Other body-oriented therapies, from Somatic Experiencing to many forms of breathwork, share Reich’s core idea that the body holds our emotional history.
The Wilhelm Reich Museum
The Wilhelm Reich Museum opened to the public in 1960 in the Orgone Energy Observatory at Orgonon, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Reich’s archives were opened to qualified researchers in 2007 (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich). Visitors “are invited to walk the grounds, see the laboratory and observatory Reich built, and form their own impressions” (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
What the Research Shows
Orgone energy is rooted in Reich’s insight that emotions live in the body and that breathing and muscle tension shape how we feel. The approaches that grew from this insight, body-oriented psychotherapy, somatic therapy and breathwork, have been studied and show encouraging results.
Body-oriented psychotherapy
A review of body-oriented psychotherapy, the family of therapies that grew from Reich’s work, found that “practice based clinical evidence and a few empirical studies point towards good efficacy”, especially for body-related conditions, post-traumatic stress and somatoform disorders (Röhricht, 2009).
Breathing and stress
Reich saw restricted breathing as a central part of body armor. A meta-analysis of 12 randomised controlled trials with 785 adults found that breathwork lowered self-reported stress (g = −0.35), as well as symptoms of anxiety (g = −0.32) and depression (g = −0.40). The authors concluded that “breathwork may be effective for improving stress and mental health” (Fincham et al., 2023).
Somatic therapy and trauma
A randomised controlled trial of Somatic Experiencing, a body-focused trauma therapy, found large improvements in post-traumatic stress symptoms (Cohen’s d = 0.94 to 1.26) and depression (Brom et al., 2017). Researchers describe how attention to inner body sensations and movement is a core part of this approach (Payne et al., 2015), echoing Reich’s view that the body and mind work as one.
What People Use Orgone Ideas For
- Stress and tension – using Reich-inspired breathing and body awareness to relax. See stress management.
- Emotional release – letting feelings held in the body move and soften. See trauma recovery.
- Anxiety – deepening the breath and grounding the body. See anxiety.
- Vitality and burnout – restoring a sense of energy and flow. See burnout.
- Energy practices – alongside Reiki, chakra healing and other energy approaches.
Orgone Energy Compared with Similar Approaches
| Approach | Main idea | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Orgone energy | A life energy in the body and atmosphere, and emotional armor | Developed by a physician, with devices and body therapy |
| Somatic Experiencing | Releasing trauma through body awareness | Focused on the nervous system rather than an energy |
| Reiki | Universal life energy channelled through the hands | Japanese origin; uses gentle touch |
| Chakra healing | Balancing energy centres in the body | Rooted in Indian traditions |
| Wim Hof Method | Breathing, cold exposure and commitment | Uses powerful breathing and cold |
| Yoga | Postures, breathing and meditation | Works with prana through movement |
Tips for Exploring Orgone Energy
- Start with the body. Reich’s core insight was about breathing and tension. A simple breath and body practice is an easy way in.
- Read Reich himself. Character Analysis remains in print and is widely available (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
- Visit the museum. The Wilhelm Reich Museum at Orgonon in Rangeley, Maine, welcomes visitors (Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich).
- Explore bioenergetics. Grounding and breathing exercises from Lowen’s tradition are a practical way to work with Reich’s ideas.
- Go gently. Deep breathing can bring up strong feelings. Rest when you need to.
- Combine with relaxation. Pair breathwork with relaxation or meditation.
Watch, Listen and Follow
Watch documentaries about Wilhelm Reich and orgone, visit his museum at Orgonon and try Reichian breathing and bioenergetic exercises.
Videos
- Wilhelm Reich Orgone Energy – Documentary – Floating Lodge. A documentary about Wilhelm Reich and orgone energy.
- Wilhelm Reich Documentary Film Project -Trailer – TheLowenFoundation. A film trailer about Reich from the Alexander Lowen Foundation.
- Wilhelm Reich’s Legacy: What I Found at His Museum – Gustavo’s World. A visit to the Wilhelm Reich Museum at Orgonon.
- Willhelm Reich Museum 2015 – WSKI TV 17 Snowfields Productions. A tour of the Wilhelm Reich Museum.
- Wilhelm Reich and Orgone Energy – Dr. Allison Merkey. Dr Allison Merkey talks about Reich and orgone.
- Who Was Wilhelm Reich? The Theory and Practice of Reichian Therapy with Dan Lowe and Acid Horizon – Zer0 Books and Repeater Media. A discussion of Reichian therapy and the body.
- IBMP Exercise 1 “Reichian Breathing” – Energetics Institute – Psychotherapy and Counselling. A guided Reichian breathing exercise.
- Bioenergetic stress relief – Shaking and Grounding – Deeper Into Life. Bioenergetic shaking and grounding exercises.
- Alexander Lowen on ‘Breathing’ – TheLowenFoundation. Alexander Lowen on the importance of breathing.
Books by Wilhelm Reich
- Character Analysis (1933) – his foundational work on character and body armor.
- The Function of the Orgasm – his account of the energetic basis of emotional life.
- The Cancer Biopathy – his description of orgone research and the accumulator.
- Ether, God and Devil – his reflections on orgone and natural science.
Organisations
- Wilhelm Reich Museum, Biography of Wilhelm Reich – the museum at Orgonon in Rangeley, Maine, run by the Wilhelm Reich Infant Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orgone Energy
What is orgone energy?
Orgone energy is the name Wilhelm Reich gave to a life energy he believed flows through living things and the atmosphere. It grew out of his clinical work on how emotions are held in the body.
Who discovered orgone energy?
Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957), an Austrian physician and psychoanalyst who studied with Sigmund Freud, coined the term in Oslo in the late 1930s.
What is an orgone accumulator?
It is an enclosed box made of alternating organic and metallic layers, with metal lining the inside. Reich designed it to concentrate orgone energy, and a person sits inside it.
What is a cloudbuster?
The cloudbuster is an instrument Reich developed to influence orgone in the atmosphere and, through it, the weather. It uses hollow metal pipes connected by cables to water.
What is body armor in Reich’s work?
Armor is Reich’s term for emotional defences held in the body as chronic muscle tension, restricted breathing and habitual posture.
Is orgonite the same as Reich’s orgone work?
Orgonite pieces made of resin, metal and crystals are a later development inspired by Reich’s ideas, rather than designs he made himself.
What research relates to orgone energy?
Reich’s ideas led to body-oriented psychotherapy, which reviews describe as showing good efficacy. Related research also shows breathwork can lower stress and somatic therapy can ease trauma symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- Orgone energy is Wilhelm Reich’s name for life energy.
- Reich trained in Vienna and was one of Freud’s most promising students.
- His idea of body armor links emotions to muscle tension and breathing.
- He built the orgone accumulator and the cloudbuster.
- His work shaped modern body-oriented and somatic psychotherapy.
- The Wilhelm Reich Museum at Orgonon in Maine preserves his legacy.
Explore More on Self Help Supermarket
Use these guides alongside this one:
- Somatic Experiencing – body-based healing
- Reiki – energy healing
- Chakra healing – balance your energy
- Spiritual healing – heal body and spirit
- Sound healing – heal with sound
- Crystal healing – energy of crystals
- Wim Hof Method – breath and cold
- Yoga – body and breath
- Stress management – ease stress
- Burnout – restore your energy
- Trauma recovery – heal from trauma
- Anxiety – ease worry
- Browse all self-help techniques – compare every method on Self Help Supermarket.
Sources
- Wilhelm Reich Museum. Biography of Wilhelm Reich. https://wilhelmreichmuseum.org/about/biography-of-wilhelm-reich/
- Röhricht, F. (2009). Body oriented psychotherapy. The state of the art in empirical research and evidence-based practice: A clinical perspective. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, 4(2), 135–156. https://doi.org/10.1080/17432970902857263
- Fincham, G. W., Strauss, C., Montero-Marin, J., & Cavanagh, K. (2023). Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 13, 432. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y
- Brom, D., Stokar, Y., Lawi, C., et al. (2017). Somatic experiencing for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled outcome study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(3), 304–312. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22189
- Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093
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