Ortho-Bionomy ®
500 Hour Ortho-Bionomy
Practitioner Training Certification
Course
Descriptions
Essentials of Ortho-Bionomy
An evening of orientation and overview, touching on the history,
philosophy and principles of the modality through lecture and demonstration.
Free, and open to the public. (4 units Phase 4)

Phase 4: Spine plus Shoulders
Overview of basic physical release techniques of the spine, pelvis
and shoulder girdle, techniques which stimulate the inherent,
self-corrective reflexes of the body, relieving musculo-skeletal tension
and stress and create structural alignment and balance
from within. Additional review and discussion of Ortho-Bionomy philosophy
and principles. (16 units)
Phase 4: Extremities
A detailed study of positions that facilitate release in the extremities,
including knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists and hands, as well
as a simplified way to address the shoulders. You will experience
how releases in extremities affect the entire body. Additional review
and discussion of
Ortho-Bionomy philosophy and principles. (16 units)
Phase 4: Spine: Combining Physical & Energetic
Awareness
A basics class with overview of the physical release techniques of
the spine, pelvis, ribs and shoulders. Learn how these clearly
physical techniques express themselves energetically through the Re?exes.
Broaden your understanding of connection and timing in Ortho-Bionomy,
and clarify the difference between Phase 4 Ortho-Bionomy and positional
release. (16 units)
Phase 5
Specific techniques to develop understanding and proprioceptive sensitivity
to self-corrective movements initiated by the client. Learn to observe,
follow and support subtle movement patterns
that result in release of muscle tension, increase in joint range
of motion and reduction in pain.
Phase 6
Learn how to make effective non-physical contact, how energetic shifts
affect changes in physical patterns, and how to be present with and acknowledge
interrelationships between energetic, physical and emotional levels.
Prerequisite:
24 units Phase 4 (8 units Phase 5, 8 units Phase 6)
Phase 5/6 and the Reflexes
In Ortho-Bionomy the Reflexes express a person’s ability to
respond, in different ways, thus leading to self-correction. Work
with and explore several Re?exes and their applications, including
rebound/recoil, ongoing action, follow-on response and remembered
emotional response. Relate to them as they occur in life, and within
the context of an Ortho-Bionomy session.
Prerequisite: 24 units Phase 4 (4 units Phase 5, 4 units Phase 6)
Phase 4: Advanced Pelvis
In this class we will deepen our understanding of the structure, function
and treatment of the pelvis as a whole as well as specific areas including
the ilia, pubic bone, coccyx, trochanter, and T12. We will learn to
recognize how the patterns of the pelvis may relate to the viscera
and the rest of the spine. Prerequisite: 24 hours Phase 4, 16 hours
Phase 5 or 6, or permission from Instructor. (16 units)
Phase 4: Advanced Thorax and Extremities
Review Phase 4 work with the upper extremities and expand understanding
of working with the thorax. Study soft tissue (muscles, tendons,
ligaments, fascia) and bony (vertebrae, ribs, sternum) frames of the thorax,
and learn to integrate physical and energetic approaches.
Prerequisite:
24 units Phase 4, 16 units Phases 5 & 6, or permission from Instructor.
(16 units Phase 4)
Advanced Phase 5 & 6
This class will build on principles and techniques presented in the
basic level Phase 5 & 6 by deepening students sensitivity
and expanding their awareness of energetic response in both client
and self. Additional techniques (e.g. eye balancing, chakra work) and a
review of the Reflexes will also be presented.
Prerequisite: 24 hours Phase 4, 16 hours Phases 5 & 6. (8 units Phase
5, 8 units Phase 6)
Chapman’s Reflexes
This class will emphasize the importance of using Chapman’s Neurolymphatic
Re?exes for organ balancing and lymphatic drainage, as well as their
influence on the endocrine system and emotional balance. Topics covered
include:
Point identification, Releasing re?ex points using Ortho-Bionomy,
Balancing the endocrine system by combining Chapman’s Re?ex work
with structural pelvic work, Using re?ex points to address carpal tunnel
syndrome, Balancing
internal organs as an aid in addressing structural symptoms and Having
clients stimulate reflex points as a self-care technique.
Prerequisite:
16 hours of Phase 4 or 8 hours of Phase 4 and Isometrics & Isotonics
or permission of the Instructor
Demo Skills: The Art of Communicating about Ortho-Bionomy
A natural part of what we do as practitioners is to share our enthusiasm
about the work and to educate those around us about ourselves and what
we do. Learn to communicate to a group, or one person at a time,
in your own words, accurately and confidently. Discover the best
way for you to easily communicate with others about Ortho-Bionomy. Learn
simple
neurological exercises to help overcome the fears associated with
public speaking.
Prerequisite: 24 units Phase 4 (16 units)
Elements of a Successful Practice
Addresses the business side of an Ortho-Bionomy practice, providing
practical “nuts and bolts,” such as record keeping,
legal responsibilities, advertising and marketing. Learn to assess
your own business, your professional relationship with other health care
providers
and your community. Explore setting and achieving goals.
(16 units:
12 units classroom study, 4 units Practical Study)
Ethics and Emotions
Explore the biological model of trauma. Learn to differentiate when
the expression of emotions by clients facilitates change,
and when it deepens the trauma’s physiological imprint. Topics: physical
basis of trauma, trauma discharge, staying present and neutral with
emotional experience, how to avoid re-traumatizing. Explore the ethics
of establishing meaningful and clear boundaries
with clients. Topics: awareness of our current use of boundaries,
ways to change boundaries, how boundaries impact both client and
practitioner. In addition, we will review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy’s
Code of Ethics.
Prerequisite: 24 units Phase 4, 16 units Phase 5 or 6, or permission
from Instructor. (16 units)
Exploration of Movement Patterns
Exploring movement is a key tool in assessing and releasing tension
patterns and for re-education. Learn basic skills for
understanding movement and patterns of movement, including: various
rhythms, timing, range of movement, and learn how
to approach the exploration process with curiosity, non-judgment,
and lack of expectation. Study rebound/recoil and other Re?exes in
the context of movement exploration. (16 units)
Isometrics and Isotonics
Study how the client engages his/her own resources (strength and
energy) to energize, tone, strengthen and balance muscle groups and pairs,
and range of motion, while simultaneously gaining greater conscious awareness
of the self. Class topics include: Specific exercises for spine and extremities,
Proper timing and follow-through, Sensitivity to client-practitioner dynamics,
Integrating Isometrics and Isotonics with other Ortho-Bionomy techniques.
(16 units)
Ortho-Bionomy Cranial
Apply fundamental principles of Ortho-Bionomy to cranial work. Explore
working with the cranium on physical and energetic
levels. Learn to integrate cranial work with diaphragm and sacral
releases. Prerequisite: 24 units Phase 4, 16 units Phase 5 or 6, or
permission from Instructor. (16 units as Elective)
Posture and Post-Techniques
In this class we focus on the interrelationships of structure and
soft tissue that we call posture—the expression of our life
experience and the ways we use our bodies. By learning about the natural
curves of the spine that give it spring and ?exibility and perceiving
larger patterns of the spine, torso and extremities related to sitting,
standing and walking, we can see smaller or seemingly unconnected
patterns in a new light and work with them in a bigger context. We
learn to recognize that each posture has its own balance. Applying
the principles and techniques of Ortho-bionomy, client and practitioner
work together to access and support what works best for the client’s
ease of function. In addition to release techniques, the class includes
gentle movements (post-techniques) that can be used in a session or
a self-work to integrate and support structural balance.
Prerequisite:
24 units Phase 4 (16 units)
Practitioner Training Seminar
Ortho-Bionomy is about relationship and communication with our clients.
This process impacts the entire “conversation” from first point
of contact to closure of session. The quality of rapport developed
during the interview has a deep effect on your overall work. All
students are
asked to bring to class questions relating to the client/practitioner
relationship and other challenging aspects of their practice. (16
units)
Residential
Residential training provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding
of Ortho-Bionomy concepts and principles, and
to develop skills at all levels. Instructors choose a theme several
months prior to the week-long training, then integrate student questions
and special interests. Spend quality time in a beautiful, relaxed
and supportive setting, with space to explore different facets of the work,
widen your
perspectives and deepen your relationship with yourself.
Prerequisite:
32 units Phase 4, 16 units Phases 5 & 6, or permission from Instructor.
(40 units)
Study Groups
A series of Study Groups, scheduled during the program, are tailored
to your needs as a student, and provide an opportunity
to review techniques, clarify Ortho-Bionomy application and principles,
and gain insight on speci?c client cases or situations.
Prerequisite: 16 units Phase 4. (18 units: 3 units each study group)
For more information about the Ortho-Bionomy program
go to: Description, Practitioner,
Advanced Practitioner, Practical
Study, Faculty, Schedule and Society pages.
Or call us at 1-888-808-5188. E-mail at info@nmhealingarts.org