Ortho-Bionomy Class Descriptions

Introduction | Phase 4 | Phase 5 | Phase 6 | Phase 7 | Isometrics | Ethics | Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes | Post & Posture | Demonstration Skills | Practitioner Training Seminar | Exploration of Movement Patterns

Ortho-Bionomy (OB) 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. 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.

Phase 4: This class covers the history, and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy and provides the basic release techniques for each major joint in the body. Movements and positions of comfort are demonstrated to facilitate the release of muscular tension and overall stress by stimulating the inherent, self-corrective reflexes of the body which help the body create structural alignment and balance from within. Phase 4 classes are primarily hands-on with emphasis placed on preparing the student to use techniques immediately upon return to their practice. Phase 4 classes do not have a prerequisite.

Phase 5: The focus of Phase Five is to move to a more subtle level of awareness of the practice and principle of Ortho-Bionomy. Specific techniques develop and increase the student's understanding and proprioceptive sensitivity to the self-corrective movements initiated by the client. Through the practice of observing, following and supporting subtle movement patterns, muscular tension is released, range of motion is increased and pain is reduced. In Phase Five, students are encouraged to do less and let the client be the guide for his/her exploration of change.

Phase 6: This class is designed to help participants access and track sensation and energetic perception in themselves and in their clients, and to learn how to make contact without necessarily engaging physically. Techniques will be presented that monitor and acknowledge the inter-relationship between energetic, emotional and physical levels, and that demonstrate how energetic shifts can affect changes in physical patterns. Prerequisites: One Ortho-Bionomy Class.

Phase 7: This class demonstrates the principles and applications of the Phase 7 pattern to assist with self-correction. The pattern addresses all levels of human experience and teaches participants a non-forceful, elegant way to approach problems of many kinds. This class is primarily a class on energy healing both in person and at a distance. This is a highly refined and powerful Western form of energy healing. Students will learn:

Use of energy to promote balance and healing in-person

Use of energy to promote balance and healing at a distance (distance healing)

Use of symbols in healing

Recognition of energy patterns

Isometrics: Isometric and isotonic techniques for working with inefficient muscular tension patterns as well as underdeveloped muscle tone are presented and practiced. Through the use of restraining movement while the muscle is engaged, self-correcting reflexes are stimulated and habitual holding patterns can be released. Participants learn how the conscious use of obstacles can help promote change from rigid physical patterns to greater mobility and allows the client to actively participate in the session. Great for clients that always try to "help". Students will learn:

Isometric and Isotonic muscular release and balancing

Pelvic balancing - releasing pelvic tilts and rotations

Restoration of balanced leg length

Lumbar and Sacral isometric release

Releasing Forward Head Posture (FHP)

Isometric Rib releases

Exploration of Movement Patterns: adds a dynamic dimension to the positional release techniques. Participants will learn to recognize and palpate patterns of joint and muscle movement in order to facilitate increased range of motion to promote a general sense of well-being in the body. By gently exploring and supporting preferred patterns of movement or stillness, the client is invited to actively participate and recognize their patterns. Prerequisite: Phase Four or Instructor Permission

Ethics and Emotional Issues: Participants learn skills for addressing emotional responses that may arise during a session in an appropriate and professional manner. In addition, participants discuss the guidelines for professional conduct and review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International's Code of Ethics. This is a required class for the Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner Training Program and is appropriate for all Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers. This class meets the Ethics requirement for NCTMB.

Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes: This class presents the Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes system of identifying and stimulating reflex points to facilitate lymphatic drainage and the balancing of the organs. The class also focuses on the relationship between the neurolymphatic reflexes and the endocrine system and its affect on structural balance as well as the individual's physical and emotional well-being.

Postural Re-Education and Post Techniques: In this class participants learn to evaluate and address inefficient postural habits through accurate observation and simple exercises. Techniques to work with spinal curvatures and scoliosis are presented and practiced. Post techniques focus on assessing and releasing areas of tension as well as integrating the work done in a session. In addition, exercises are taught to facilitate the client's ability to maintain balance through the neuro-muscular re-education of postural habits. Prerequisite: One Phase Four Class or Permission of Instructor.

Demonstration Skills: In this class participants learn how to describe and present Ortho-Bionomy to family, friends and the public in general. Participants are encouraged to find ways to communicate the "unexplainable" and practice presenting Ortho-Bionomy in a clear and accurate way. Techniques for building confidence and for improving public speaking and presentation are included. Prerequisite: Phase Four

Practitioner Training Seminar: This seminar addresses issues and questions that arise for individuals completing the Practitioner Training Programs and helps participants synthesize their entire training experience. The class format includes time to discuss questions or problems that arise during a session, an opportunity to receive feedback and supervision about difficult cases, and information on how to best structure a session, set fees, and communicate with clients. Participants can also discuss their changing role in the community as they move from being a student to becoming a professional in the health care field. Prerequisite: Phase Four