ortho-bionomy®
Gentle, Effective, Profound body therapy
Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-intrusive form of bodywork. There are no forceful manipulations or deep muscle probing in this technique.
When there is structural pain, there is often shortening of muscles, compression of joints and inhibition of blood flow. Ortho-Bionomy allows the body to regain balance and alignment without the use of force. The release experienced in sessions is not imposed from without but comes from within. Using gentle movement and position to exaggerate a tension pattern, the sensory motor apparatus of the central nervous system is engaged to bring about a self correction. In other words, by supporting and gently increasing a muscles contraction, the innate mechanisms that maintain balance of opposing muscle groups are triggered to bring that particular structure into a more neutral position with increased range of movement.
During a session a practitioner will gently explore for tender and tight spots while a client is 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. By uncovering restrictions throughout the body, patterns of tension can be recognized, exaggerated to promote a release, integrated and more comfortable options of function explored. Change may take place in minutes and it works on all levels, physical, mental and emotional.
The benefit of gentle bodywork is best expressed by Arthur Pauls, the 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 is highly effective. Clients seek this marvelous technique for chronic pain, misalignment, anxiety, injury resolution and improvement in general well-being.
