A student of Wilhelm Reich in the 1940s and early 1950s in New York, Lowen developed bioenergetic analysis, a form of mind-body psychotherapy, with his then-colleague John Pierrakos.

Building upon the work of Reich (as well as some of his own previous publications), Lowen upholds that a key to existential well-being is the ability to release emotionally (syncing mind and body) via the orgasm.

[11] Lowen argues that problems in body posture or incoordination often stem from childhood trauma and that bioenergetic therapy can help treat neuroses.

[12] He suggests somatic methods of therapy, including some involving touch (e.g. to represent a parent), warning the caregiver against taking personal (especially sexual) advantage of the relationship (such betrayals likely resulting in relapse).

He shares diagrams of the apparent flow and congestion of "energy", especially regarding the visual system, but without scientific discussion of the responsible mechanisms.