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About Ortho-Bionomy®
What is Ortho-Bionomy?
Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive,
osteopathically-based form of body therapy which is highly effective in working
with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and
structural imbalances. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of
the body to facilitate the change of stress and pain patterns. A strong focus is
placed on the comfort of the individual, no forceful manipulations are used. The
practitioner also suggests home exercises that individuals can do to further
facilitate the neuromuscular re-education process begun in the session.
Ortho-Bionomy is very effective in helping alleviate both acute and chronic pain
and stress patterns by reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing the joints,
increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body.
Ortho-Bionomy was developed by Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, a
British osteopath, who wanted to find a way to work with the body which honored
the body's inherent wisdom. From his experience as a Judo instructor and through
his training as an osteopath, he found ways of working with the body by
exaggerating the body's preferred postures, thereby permitting the body's
self-healing process to create greater balance and alignment. He discovered that
by working WITH the body and not against it, the body could find balance on its
own without having to use force to correct it. Dr. Pauls began teaching this
work in the US in 1976, and has taught Ortho-Bionomy extensively throughout
Europe.
The term "Ortho-Bionomy" comes from "ortho" meaning
correct or straight, "bio" meaning life, and "nomy" meaning the laws of or study
of. Dr. Pauls defined the term then as "the correct application of the laws of
life." He stated "[Ortho-Bionomy] is really about understanding your whole life
cycle. Naturally, we focus on the structure because that is the literal skeleton
upon which our life is built. When your structure works right, your circulation
works better, you feel better, you think better." (Kain and Berns, 1992)
How does Ortho-Bionomy work?
Ortho-Bionomy stimulates the body's self-correcting and
self-balancing reflexes by way of the proprioceptive reflexes located in our
joints and muscles. The practitioner uses movement and gentle compression to
find positions of comfort which allow the body to change the stress and pain
patterns which are causing the discomfort.
Ortho-Bionomy also employs the homeopathic concept that
what cannot be cured from within cannot be cured from without. Using gentle
positioning and light touch, Ortho-Bionomy stimulates inner awareness to awaken
within the individual a sense of natural balance and well-being, both physically
and emotionally. The inner wisdom of the body is recognized and affirmed. Self
healing occurs as the person remembers their natural ability to move away from
pain and toward ease.
Ortho-Bionomy Code of Ethics
Share Guide: The Holistic Health Magazine and Resource Directory - Ortho-Bionomy
Massage Magazine Article on Ortho-Bionomy®
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