Bioenergetic Analysis was developed by Alexander Lowen, M.D. as a modification and extension of Wilhelm Reich's character analytic technique of vegetotherapy.

Lowen studied under Reich while he was in America in the 40s. Lowen became a reichian therapist as a result of this study. Over time he found the need to expand the treatment types of reichian therapy to physical approaches. Lowen began to have patients stand up and perform physical exercises. He began to refer to his new techniques as bioenergetic analysis. Lowen eventually founded the International Institute for Bionerergetic Analysis in the 1950s.

BA has continued to grow and evolve over time. Today’s BA practitioners believe that blocks to emotions and wellness form psychosomatically. The body serves as a conduit for the minds problems.