Ortho-Bionomy UK ~ Blog

What is BodyHelp?

The BodyHelp schemes use a methodical approach, integrating various techniques that follow the principles of orthobionomy to successfully treat a range of common symptoms, such as lower back pain, shoulder, neck, hip or knee pain. Whilst teaching I have found that orienting the learning process around the symptoms that a client may present tends to be more enlightening for the student than just learning a series of techniques and the BodyHelp schemes can be used as a stand-alone treatment for specific symptoms, for example, pelvic alignment for the treatment of lower back pain. Within these schemes individual techniques are learnt which can then be applied to other parts of the body too. If you fully understand and comprehend the philosophy and the principles of orthobionomy, you can play safely with any of these techniques in your therapy toolbox and apply them to new and different situations. Play, is a wonderful way to learn!

Playing should be fun, it should feel easy; playing should be free to move in any direction that feels good and not follow any predefined plan or goal; playing should be inclusive, showing respect for each individual involved; the play should cause no pain and no discomfort for any participant. And there you have the main principles of orthobionomy; playing together with the body in a safe environment.

When learning the various techniques within the BodyHelp schemes, we focus first on structural techniques. As with any orthobionomy course these can be applied with success from the very beginning and as you practice these techniques and become more proficient with them, you will begin to feel and develop the special quality of the touch. You will begin to feel the dynamic response of the body underneath your hand or finger; you will feel the bones move to their position of ease and comfort, you will feel the myofascial connections melt like butter under your fingers, you will feel when the reaction is finished and the body pushes you away, you will feel when other parts of the body call to you, also wanting to take part in the treat(-ment). You will feel when the play begins, when the body starts to communicate with you, when the soul begins to recognise that it is being listened to. And when you are ready, you may then begin to feel the energetic response of the body and begin to work hands-off, with the aura and with the chakras.

So what is orthobionomy?

Orthobionomy is a gentle, holistic bodywork that was developed in the 1970s by the osteopath, Arthur Lincoln Pauls (1929-1997). Carefully selected positions, gentle movements and touches encourage the body to relax and in this relaxation the body finds its own place of comfort and natural inner balance, followed and supported by the therapist. Nothing will be corrected, but the body will be animated to find its own solutions so that it can heal itself. It’s as if a conversation takes place, between the clients’ body and the therapists’ hands, full of respect for the individual person being treated, where no hold or movement should cause any pain or discomfort to client or therapist.

The orthobionomy practitioner gently follows the body’s inner rhythm, taking note of the existing muscle tone and fascial tension, in order to ascertain the body’s natural posture and inner movement patterns. In this relaxed position muscles and fascia can unwind, stress and emotional tensions can be released, and a deep feeling of peace and harmony within the body and the mind can be achieved. Orthobionomy never works against the body or the wish of the person and is a very soothing and relaxing experience. We work with the body and not on the body, attentively accompanying movements so that the body can find its own right path to ease and comfort. „When we are on the right path, everything happens with ease and the right doors open at the right time.“ (In: „Philosophy and history of Ortho-Bionomy“ von Arthur L. Pauls).

Tense muscles are not pressed hard or pulled, but the existing fixation pattern is sensitively exaggerated, in order to give the body the information it requires to register this disbalance. When the correct position is found, a neuro-muscular reflex automatically and spontaneously follows, causing a relaxation of the tissue or muscle. Circulation improves and the person will also feel more relaxed and at ease. It is not about forcing blockages to become free, but about creating a safe space for the person in order that their own self-healing mechanisms can be supported and promoted. Healing is a process, a life-long process, and orthobionomy can accompany the body to find its own position of ease in its own time during this process, releasing physical, mental and spiritual tensions.

Klaus Weber and Michaela Wiese list the seven principles of orthobionomy in their text book „Weiche manuelle Techniken der Ortho-Bionomy®“ (2005). These principles are hammered home at the beginning of every orthobionomy course taught. I have translated them below:

• The practitioner always works in the direction of ease, in the free direction. We let the body guide us and then exaggerate the predetermined postural- or movement pattern.
• No hold, no position and no movement should cause any pain or discomfort.
• The most comfortable position and movement for the person should be found.
• The perception and reaction of the person being treated should always be respected, (even if you think otherwise).
• The therapeutic procedure should specifically support the self-correction and self-healing mechanism of the body, and not follow a predefined plan or goal, including any “correction” of a predefined pathological situation. It is not the theoretical biomechanical model of the body which is decisive, but the actual local finding!
• Do little and let a lot happen. The body is only able to process a certain amount of information in one session.
• The practitioner should always look after their own well-being, physically and mentally. Any tensions will be transferred to the person being treated. So, make sure you are sitting comfortably before you begin!

These principles should also become a subconscious part of any BodyHelp treatment. They are the essence of orthobionomy, the basic philosophy of orthobionomy, and as such create the framework for the BodyHelp schemes of treatment, which when followed create a framework within which you can play safely as a therapist to help people help themselves to heal.

I have worked as a successful Ortho-Bionomy® Practitioner for over 10 years and am in the process of fully documenting the BodyHelp schemes that I have developed whilst treating clients and teaching face-to-face workshops. As many people as possible should have access to this beautiful and effective way to help others help themselves!