Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-intrusive form of bodywork
that is safe even in cases of acute injury and pain. Ortho
means correct, bio means life and nomy is law. The name
signifies a technique which is harmonious with laws of
nature. There are no forceful manipulations or deep muscle
probing in Ortho-Bionomy. Rather the client is placed in
positions of comfort to allow innate reflexes in the body
to bring about a self correction.
Our cental nervous system is like a spider web, finely tuned to the slightest contact. A spider in one corner of the web can register the movement of a tiny flea in the opposite corner. So it is with our body. The gentle touch of Ortho-Bionomy is registered by a highly sensitive, webbed central nervous system (CNS).
When there is pain, there is often shortening of tissue, compression of joints, and inhibition of blood flow that is registered through the sensory motor feedback system of the CNS. By supporting and slightly exaggerating the postural position of imbalance, sensory motor impulses to the CNS are heightened and the pattern of tension is clarified and emphasized. It is as though we are saying to the CNS, "Look here! This is a clear picture of how this tissue is being held." The body then coordinates the appropriate response to bring about a self correction.
Ortho-Bionomy allows the body to regain balance and
alignment without the use of force. The release experienced
in sessions comes from within and is generally long
lasting. The principles of Ortho-Bionomy are similar to
homeopathy: a pattern is exaggerated to stimulate the
bodys self healing reflexes (like cures like), the
adjustment used is the smallest necessary to bring about a
healing response (the minimum dose), effects may take place
in minutes and it works on all levels, physical, mental and
emotional.
What happens in a session?
Reasons for seeking body therapy usually include pain,
restricted movement and loss of function due to structural
issues. However, people also seek body therapy for pain and
impaired function associated with systemic disorders such
as fibromyalgia, migraines, RSD (reflex sympathetic
dystrophy), arthritis, spinal stenosis, Stickler syndrome,
secondary effects of diabetes, surgical trauma and
breathing disorders.
A practitioner will gently access a clients body for tender
and tight spots while standing and again as they lie,
wearing comfortable clothes, on a massage table. Areas of
restricted mobility and pain are gently moved to uncover
positions which bring about a lessening of pain and a
feeling of comfort. The position is held and possibly
exaggerated by mild compression into the joint until the
muscles release and a rebound, or pushing out, is felt. The
change is integrated by rocking the entire area, whether it
be the shoulder, hip or leg and the next area of tension is
addressed and released. By moving throughout the body,
patterns of tension can be recognized, exaggerated to
promote a release, integrated and more comfortable options
of function explored.
The benefit of gentle body work is best expressed by Arthur
Pauls, a British osteopath who developed Ortho-Bionomy. He
states "Most manipulative practices are based upon forceful
approaches." It has been proven that the body responds
better when it is given the correct motive for change.
Change can only come about when the instincts of the body
are summoned up in such a way that the body does not resist
this change. Anything beyond this is force, which when
applied too much, leads only to rebellion of the self
instead of a reunification of the harmonious whole."
Ortho-Bionomy® and the Sand Dollar design are registered traademarks of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and are used with permission.
