Ortho-Bionomy

The Academy prides itself in offering a quality, formally structured Ortho-Bionomy educational program that is unique in the United States.

Ortho-Bionomy® is rooted philosophically and scientifically in a 125-year-old health-care system known as Osteopathy, which recognizes the body’s self-healing and self-regulating capacity. In 1964, American Osteopath Lawrence Jones developed the “positional release” technique using exaggerated body positioning to release pain and tension. British Osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls followed with the principle of “non-force corrections.” By 1976, he had developed the “Phased Reflex Techniques” of Ortho-Bionomy, integrating positional release and energetic methods enabling clients to consciously participate in their body’s ability to self correct.

“Studying Ortho-Bionomy has helped to bring depth and clarity to my life and practice. Philosophically, physically and spiritually, it has eased my way of being. My gratitude goes out (and in) for the vision of the founder, profoundly capable guidance of the teachers, as well as the support I have received on my way to learning this beautiful style of bodywork.”

- Lisha Hengeveld, Santa Fe, NM

Positioning, movement and energetic contact create a framework in which to understand the principles at work. 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 convenience and value of studying for a committed length of time within an academic setting, supervised and supported by Advanced Instructors Ursula Hofer and Christina Montes de Oca, is beyond measure. For their full bios More...

Our comprehensive course consists of seven one-week modules including a required 7-day Residential at a retreat in the Southwest/Rocky Mountain area. Space permitting, students not enrolled in the program may take classes as Continuing Education. In addition, the Academy may accept up to 100 hours of transfer credit.

Ortho-Bionomy may be practiced on its own, or is easily integrated with other modalities. Graduates of our Ortho-Bionomy program are eligible for certification by the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International.

Ortho-Bionomy and the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International are the registered trademarks of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and are used with permission. Download the Ortho-Bionomy Trademark guidelines. Learn more about the Associate Membership.

Learn more about the two Ortho-Bionomy programs offered by The Academy.
Practitioner Program More…
Advanced Practitioner Program More…