Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: The growing complexity of contemporary psychophysical distress calls for therapeutic approaches that transcend the Cartesian mind-body dualism by integrating the physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual dimensions of the person. Bioenergetic massage, mindful movement, and body awareness practices represent three modalities that, when integrated, can offer a transformative path toward the person’s well-being.
Objective: This study aims to develop an integrative theoretical model—“The Body as a Bridge”—that connects bioenergetic massage, mindful movement (ANIMETRA), and body awareness practices, offering a theoretical and operational framework for promoting psychophysical well-being and personal transformation.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for the period 2000–2026. The search strategy utilized combined search terms related to bioenergetic massage, mindful movement, Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT), body awareness, and integrative models. The analysis included theoretical studies, reviews, empirical research, and clinical contributions exploring the integration of these different fields.
Results: The review highlights how the various fields of inquiry are converging toward a holistic understanding of the human being. Bioenergetic massage has been confirmed as effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and pain (Fabbroni et al., 2025; Molinari et al., 2025), thereby improving psychophysical well-being. Mindful movement and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) demonstrate significant effects on depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and emotional regulation (Morales & Fandiño, 2025; Zafeiroudi et al., 2025). The Summa Aurea® Method, through the use of scalar waves and bioenergetic techniques, works to rebalance the psychophysical system at the energetic and informational levels (Fabbroni, 2025; Fabbroni & Pedrazzini, 2026). The proposed model, “The Body as a Bridge,” is structured around three fundamental pillars: 1) Bioenergetic Massage as Realignment—physical contact as a tool to release tension and restore energy flow; 2) Movement as an Expression of the Soul—conscious movement as a language to integrate experiences and foster transformation; 3) Awareness as Integration—mindful presence as the key to connecting body, mind, and spirit.
Conclusions: The “The Body as a Bridge” model represents a new paradigm for psychophysical well-being, one that transcends the limitations of traditional approaches by offering a comprehensive and unified view of the person. The integration of bioenergetic massage, mindful movement, and body awareness practices opens new perspectives for health promotion, the prevention of distress, and personal transformation, integrating science, art, and spirituality into a coherent and practical framework.

Key words: Bioenergetic massage, mindful movement, Summa Aurea® Method, psychophysical well-being, mind-body integration, Movement Therapy, body awareness, therapeutic relationship