Dysponesis

Abstract

Dysponesis, from the Greek dys, meaning bad, and ponesis, meaning exertion, refers to misplaced efforts. For example, say you are giving a speech and find your arms tightened and shoulders braced. These actions of tightening and braeing are dysponetic or nonefficacious in that they do nothing to further and, in fact, may interfere with the intended activity.² The importance of this concept lies in the fact that dysponetic activity may be either a causative or an aggravating factor in pathological symptoms. Continuing with the above example, chronic bracing of the shoulders may lead to or aggravate tension headaches or fatigue. In this lab, you will explore this concept by learning to identify dysponetie activity, to inhibit this response (i.e., retraining of habitual patterns), and to generalize these awareness skills into other areas of your life.

Mind/body integration, pp. 379–410