At the heart of Tōrō lies a symbol you’ll see throughout our designs, our products, and our philosophy. Simple at first glance, yet profound in its meaning, this mark is more than just a logo—it’s a living reminder of how your body, your mind, and your energy are meant to move.
This symbol was originally developed by Wilhelm Reich, a visionary thinker whose work inspires much of what we do at Tōrō. We use this mark not because it is ours, but because we deeply believe in what it represents: the essential rhythm of life.
Rooted in Reich’s pioneering work, the symbol embodies the fundamental pulsation between two polar states: expansion and contraction.
The Science Behind the Symbol
Reich was a radical thinker who bridged the gap between psychology, biology, and energetic science. One of his greatest contributions was his understanding of the autonomic nervous system—the part of us that regulates everything from heartbeat and digestion to emotional response.
This system has two main branches:
- The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Governs relaxation, openness, pleasure, and creativity.
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The Sympathetic Nervous System: Governs contraction, protection, defense, and action.
Reich discovered that health, both physical and emotional, comes from the healthy pulsation between these two states. Expansion and contraction. Inhale and exhale. Charge and discharge. It's a natural rhythm present in all life.
“The living organism is not static; it moves, it expands and contracts. This pulsation is the basis of life.”
— Wilhelm Reich
Decoding the Symbol
Take a closer look at the symbol:
- The crown-like shape at the top signifies expansion—a state of openness, receptivity, and flow.
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The central vertical line descending from the crown represents the energetic shift inward—from a state of openness toward grounding, stillness, or protection.
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The central intersection is the space of transformation, the meeting point where energy pivots.
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The solid circle at the base signifies grounding, embodiment, and the material world.
This isn’t just theory. You feel it every day. When you breathe deeply and relax, you expand. When you brace yourself or hold tension, you contract. This is life’s language.
“Emotional health is the ability to surrender to the natural flow of biological energy.”
— Wilhelm Reich
Why It Matters to Tōrō
At Tōrō, we design tools to help you reclaim your energy, your rest, and your inner authority. We believe that true power comes not from staying in one state, but from moving fluidly between them. This symbol, passed down from Reich’s legacy, is a visual compass for that journey.
Whether you’re using a Tōrō Pillow to support deep rest, or simply pausing for breath during your day, we invite you to reflect on this mark. It asks a simple question:
Am I expanding or contracting?
And more importantly:
Can I choose when to shift?
This is the foundation of sovereignty. This is the rhythm of a life in alignment.
Welcome to Torō.
