What is Ortho-Bionomy?

Ortho-Bionomy is rooted philosophically and scientifically in Osteopathy, a 100-year-old health care system that recognizes the body’s self-healing and self-regulating capacity. The process began in 1964 when American Osteopath Lawrence Jones developed "positional release," a technique using exaggerated body positioning to release pain and tension. Inspired by this work, British Osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls began exploring the principles of non-force corrective techniques.

By 1976 he had developed the Phased Reflex techniques of Ortho-Bionomy, an integration of positional release and energetic methods that enable clients to consciously experience and participate in their body’s ability to self-correct. Ortho-Bionomy is now taught and practiced world-wide. Ortho-Bionomy creates an atmosphere for clients to connect with their inner wisdom by awakening self-corrective reflexes that open the door to healing, awareness and structural balance. During a typical Ortho-Bionomy session, the practitioner tracks the flow of the client’s experience and responds with a variety of techniques.

These techniques include: gentle, conscious contact with the hands, locating and addressing points of tension and sensitivity, comfortable body-positioning for release, with compression into the joints, isometrics, and integrative re-education exercises. The alchemy of Ortho-Bionomy exists within the power of relationship between practitioner and client. The practitioner embodies the principles of Ortho-Bionomy using various supportive techniques, and by remaining present in a way that engages the client’s natural responsiveness and healing awareness.

What is a session like?

During an Ortho-Bionomy session you remain fully clothed. The practitioner does an assessment to determine structural balance and freedom of movement in joints. Gentle movement, positioning, and holding are used to release patterns of tension in the body. Other techniques might include gentle isometrics to engage muscles and further their release as well as posture exercises to increase awareness. An emphasis is put on your comfort.

How is Ortho-Bionomy different from massage?

During massage you are undressed and draped with a sheet. Oil is used on the skin as gliding, friction, and kneading strokes are applied to relieve muscle tension.During Ortho-Bionomy you remain fully clothed. No oil is used. Instead of massage strokes, movement and positioning are applied to release tension and restore balance. Although very gentle and often subtle, Ortho-Bionomy is very deep in it's effect. Most find it's changes last longer. 

How does Ortho-Bionomy Work?

The way Ortho-Bionomy works is rather simple.  The practitioner gently moves and holds the joint, or effected area, in the same direction as the muscles are already pulling.  As a result, the muscle(s) naturally begin to relax.  

The body understands it is no longer necessary to hold that stressed position.  In most cases this treatment provides relief immediately allowing the body to self align taking advantage of our inherent natural healing process.  This re-educating (somatic education) brings the body back into a naturally harmonious state. 

Ortho-bionomy Teacher at Aloha School of Massage in Maui

Aloha School of Massage Therapy
355 Hukilike Street
Suite 203
Kahului, Maui 96732

info@alohamassageschool.com

 808-871-9966

We look forward to hearing from you.