Dynamic Release of Restricted Movement & Patterns
Bodyworkers / massage therapists use movement in their work in a variety of ways. Add a new dimension and focus to simple movements and create big changes. It gives a subtle but powerful shift to your work. Develop skill to use movement to assess where to work, release restrictions in soft tissue, in joints and deep inside the joint capsule. Demonstrate expanded range of motion, and integrate improvements in flexibility and fluidity for long-lasting results. These techniques give you another way to relieve stress and pain, increase circulation and lymph flow with ease. Many students find this class is a fluid and free-feeling way to integrate Ortho-Bionomy into their current ways of working with great results.
As you work, clients experience an immediate increase in bodymind awareness and “aliveness” in their body. Changes made during the session are more clearly felt. This way of working with movement adds a very dynamic element to your work that can give clients a deep, 3-dimensional experience of their bodies, a sense of wholeness, overall well-being as well as enjoyment and appreciation of the session. (Ortho-Bionomy 16 units Exploration of Movement Patterns)
No Pre-Requisites.
"This class allowed me to feel a completeness about releases that were occurring in my own body. The releases opened up a range of movement in one area then expanded to release another area and then integrated with more movement. The freedom I now feel in my body is complete and 'sealed'. I feel great!" Pattie, Glen Allen, VA
Self-Care (See Elective)
This is for everyone, clients and bodyworkers.
No Pre-Requisite
Postural Re-Education & Post Techniques
If you want to provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, and people who sit all day, you must work with posture. Learn to evaluate and help your clients resolve chronic pain and inefficient postural habits through accurate observation and simple exercises. Techniques to work with spinal curvatures and scoliosis will be presented and practiced. Post techniques help us assess and release areas of tension, help us integrate and deepen the work done in a session. Learn exercises and movements to teach clients that facilitate the ability to maintain balance, initiate self-correction through postural work and prevent the recurrence of pain through neuromuscular re-education. Postural Re-Education helps resolve the underlying cause of chronic back and neck pain quickly because you teach your clients how to help themselves between sessions. Important to any bodywork practitioner who wants to help relieve chronic pain, Postural Re-education is another way to build your practice and help clients feel better faster. (Ortho-Bionomy 16 units Postural Re-Education & Post Techniques)
Pre-Requisites: Introduction & Essential Elements OR 16 units of any Ortho-Bionomy workshop
Please bring to class: Two hand towels, 1 sheet for a massage table, a pillow, a face cradle cover, pen or pencil and paper. Women, please bring or wear a shirt that buttons down the front or sports bra. On the afternoon of the second day, Sunday, we need people with scoliosis to work with. They will receive assistance at no cost while you benefit from seeing and practicing the work as you would with clients.
Adavanced Phase 4
This is the class so many massage therapists have been asking for — techniques for specific muscle and soft tissue work not usually presented in a Foundation Phase 4 class. Deepen your understanding of the principles of Ortho-Bionomy, their application to Phase 4 techniques, and creative ways of adapting and integrating Phase 4 into your massage routine to address clinical situations you see with clients everyday. Included are working with the trapezius muscle at neck and shoulder, tibialis anterior, achilles tendon, gastrocnemius, soleus and peroneus, hamstrings, the anterior neck muscles, occipital/atlas, quadratus lumborum, iliacus and more. Explore a creative application of integrating Ortho-Bionomy principles in the intake process, the hands-on work and at the conclusion of a session. We will also address questions you have about unusual client situations. (Ortho-Bionomy 8-24 units Advanced Phase 4)
Pre-Requisite: 16 units of Phase 4, relevant to workshop focus.
Isometrics
In this class techniques for working with tension patterns and muscle pattern flacidity are presented and practiced. Applying the principles of Ortho-Bionomy to the use of restraining movement while the muscle is engaged, stimulates the self-correcting reflexes and safely expands range of motion. These techniques are especially useful for clients who have old injuries, chronic pain, habituated muscle tension as well as for those whose muscular patterns are underdeveloped. (Ortho-Bionomy16 units Isometrics)
Pre-Requisite: 16 units of Phase 4. Recommended 32 units of Phase 4
PHASE FIVE LEVEL:
Phase Five, Physical & Energetic Reflexes
Add a whole new range of skills and acquire a new set of tools that effectively release tension on physical and energetic levels simultaneously, often when other modalities have ceased to be effective. Specific techniques develop and increase the student's understanding and proprioceptive (kinesthetic) sensitivity to the self-corrective movements initiated by the client. Through the practice of observing, following and supporting these subtle movement patterns in joints and tissue, muscular tension is released, range of motion is increased, and pain is reduced. More subtle means more effective for many clients, and less effort for the practitioner. (Ortho-Bionomy 16 units Phase 5) Principles and techniques will be demonstrated and practiced:
* How to work with the body’s physical-energetic reflexes to initiate release and rebalancing from within.
* How and why more subtle work relieves tension and pain from trauma and injuries that defy other techniques.
* How to do less and let the body be your guide for creating comfort and lasting change.
* Acquire a set of tools and range of skills that work through layers of soft tissue with more ease.
* Gain another approach that increases your effectiveness with clients and leaves you with energy to spare at the end of the day.
Pre-Requisite: 16 units Phase 4, minimum.
Balance The Pelvis, An Integrated Format (See Elective)
A balanced pelvis is integral to well-being.
Pre-Requisite: Phase 4, Spine & Pelvis.
Fibromyalgia (See Elective)
Pre-requisite: Foundation, Spine & Pelvis + Phase 5 OR Balance The Pelvis.
Practitioner Training Seminar -- Advanced Skills
• Part 1 Advanced Skills.
We will address issues such as holding space, the beginning, middle and end of a sesion, how to check in with the client's experience, and how to adapt your work to individual preferences and needs. (8 units Practitioner Training Seminar)
No pre-requisites.
• Part 2 The Role of Practitioner.
This seminar focuses on the issues and questions that come up for individuals as they work with clients, develop and evolve their practice and, often, as they complete their Practitioner Training Programs. (Ortho-Bionomy 8 units Practitioner Training Seminar)
Pre-requisite: 2/3 of Practitioner Program.
Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes
Lymphatic congestion can cause pain, poor organ function and endocrine system imbalance. Dr. Frank Chapman postulated long ago that illness had more to do with poor diet and lymphatic congestion than structural imbalances. He sought to find an answer. Chapman’s Reflex points are nerve endings that relate to lymph around specific nerve roots and organs. The Reflex points serve as a roadmap for finding and relieving lymphatic congestion as related to the endocrine system and specific areas. They take us deep within the body and unlock congestion in a way that is efficient and effective, providing a frequently overlooked piece of the pain puzzle for bodyworkers and their clients. For many people, the reflexes have been a key component to lasting relief of pain, improved function and well-being.
For in-depth learning and to make it easy for students to integrate Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflex work into their current practice, Instructor Ann Hoeffel presents the material in segments. First, an Introduction, followed by hands-on practice and various Ortho-Bionomy techniques that unlock, balance and normalize lymph flow, improving endocrine function and health.
NOTE: Workshop manual is provided. Students may wish to purchase this classic Osteopathic Manual: "An Endocrine Interpretation of Chapman’s Reflexes," Charles Owens, D.O.
• Introduction---An Introduction to the Lymphatic System, The Endocrine System, and Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes. Neurollymphatic Reflexes for the Stomach Group. (3 units)
• Group 1---Reflexes for Upper & Lower Body, Small Groups: Sciatic Neuritis and Circulation for Lower Body, Neuritis, Neurasthenia and Circulation of Upper Body, Colon Group. (5 units)
Pre-requisite: Introduction
• Group 2--Balancing Systems: Gastro-Intestinal Group, Genito-Urinary Group, Reflexes for the Female Reproductive System and for the Male System. (5 units)
Pre-requisite: Introduction + Spine & Pelvis
• Group 3--Clearing the Fog: Reflexes for the Head and Sinuses, Respiratory Group, Allergies Group, Infections Group, Endocrine Group. (5 units)
Pre-requisite: Introduction + Spine & Pelvis
• Dr. Owens' Protocol: Pelvic-Thyroid-Adrenal Syndrome: a full protocol for assessing and treating neurolymphatic relfexes as related to the Endocrine System. (14 units)
Pre-requisite: Introduction + Spine & Pelvis + Group 1, 2 or 3
PHASE SIX
This class presents release techniques that monitor and acknowledge the capacity of the person to energetically shift their pattern to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Participants develop sensitivity and learn to recognize and observe the emotional and energetic shifts that occur as a result of the Ortho-Bionomy movements that are experienced. Participants learn the value of "not doing" as the practitioner steps back and allows the client's self-healing capacities to engage. (16 units)
Pre-Requisite: Intro & Essential Elements + 16 units any Ortho-Bionomy workshop OR permission of instructor.
Cranial Work (See Elective)
Pre-requisite: Phase 6, 16 units or permission of instructor
Demonstration Skills
This class teaches participants 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 to practice presenting Ortho-Bionomy in a clear and accurate way. This class also prepares individuals in the Practitioner Training Programs for their Lecture/Demonstration--a requirement for both programs. Participants will learn techniques for public speaking and presenting. (16 units)
Pre-Requisite: Phase 6 OR permission of instructor.
APPRORIATE TO ALL LEVELS of Training and PRACTITIONER WORKSHOPS
Ethics and Emotional Issues
This class focuses on the role of emotional responses in practitioners' sessions with clients and how to conduct oneself in the presence of these situations. In addition, participants will discuss guidelines for professional conduct and will review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International's Code of Ethics, NCBTMB'S Code of Ethics and others.
This class meets NCBTMB’s requirements, including two hours Standard V: Roles and Boundaries and is often presented as 6 CE Hrs/units. Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner Program requires 16 units.
No pre-requisites.
Elements of a Successful Practice
This class deals with the business side of maintaining a practice and ways to grow and evolve your practice. Students will receive information on specific business practices such as recordkeeping, marketing and advertising, referrals, client interviewing, legal and tax issues pertaining to businesses, and the scope of practice. (16 units)
No pre-requisites.
• Part 1 Basics (8 units)
• Part 2 Grow & Evolve Your Practice (8 units)
Practitioner Training Seminar -- Advanced Skills
• Part 1 Advanced Skills. We will address issues such as holding space, what to do in a session, how to check in with the client's experience, and how to best work with individuals. (8 units)
No pre-requisites.
STUDY GROUPS
Study groups give students an opportunity to gain insight through discussions about client cases or situations that concern them, answer questions not covered in workshops and help students review and retain coursework. Participants deepen their understanding and knowledge of techniques and principles and how to creatively apply them. Particularly important for those in the Practitioner Program, study groups support the successful completion of their journey. (3 units each)
TUTORIALS Schedue a tutorial after 1-2 workshops.
Tutorials are individually tailored private or semi-private appointments that give students an opportunity to work directly with an Instructor or Advisor. (1 or 2 units at a time; 20 units for the Practitioner Program) Many students have said that private tutorials are the fastest way to tranform and fine-tune their hands-on skills and gain confidence with the work; they reported results with clients change from good to amazing because of instructor feedback. Students are therfore encouraged to schedule tutorials soon after their first 1-2 classes.• Receive a Session: Before or after beginning your study and periodically.
• Hand-On Learning, Discussion and Review: After 1-2 workshops and periodically.
• Give a Session for Feedback or Evaluation.
RESIDENTIAL
Pre-requisites vary and will be indicated on announcements.
Residential trainings provide participants with the opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of Ortho-Bionomy techniques and principles, as well as allowing individuals to grow in their relationship to themselves. Residentials allow time for learning and relaxation to facilitate the learning and integration of technique, philosophy, understanding, and the qualities of Be-ing. Typically, the Residential is one week, with forty hours of training. (40 units)
ELECTIVES
The principles and techniques of Ortho-Bionomy can be applied in many different circumstances and situations. Elective courses provide the participants with an in-depth look at more specialized techniques or applications, which may include: Self-Care, Vibration Sound and Color, Cellular Healing, Cranial Work, Fibromyalgia, Visceral Work, Phase 7, Integrating Techniques and others.
Self-Care Bodyworkshop (Elective) FOUNDATION LEVEL
No pre-requisites. This is for everyone, clients and bodyworkers.
Self-care puts pain relief within reach, and that’s a big relief for many people. Adapt the techniques and energetics of Ortho-Bionomy to self-care and take home a new set of tools to help your clients and yourself relax tension, relieve pain, free up movement, increase awareness, improve balance and more. When clients know they can help themselves relieve pain, the level of stress and fear of pain diminishes greatly -- a benefit they surely appreciate. Self-Care empowers us to help ourselves, even with chronic aches and pains, imbalances and injuries as well as providing a way to de-stress, unwind and maintain balance and flexibiliity. The exercises and movements are easy to learn, easy to do and easily adapted to suit individual differences. This class is very valuable for anyone who is interested in a pain-free, well-functioning body -- clients and bodyworkers, fitness trainers, yogis, everyone. (Ortho-Bionomy 8 units Elective; may be presented in smaller segments. 4 of 8 units qualify for Associate Membership.)
No Pre-requisites.
Please being to class: 2 hand towels; 2 pillows; a yoga mat, towel or sheet; an additional pillowcase.
Integrating Massage and Ortho-Bionomy (Elective)
This class combines the soothing deep relaxation of therapeutic massage with the powerful pain-releasing and expansive world of Ortho-Bionomy. In this class that Jim Berns originated and developed, we will look at the individual components of each technique and find creative ways to blend, combine and weave them into a common dance. Learn how to: Use Ortho-Bionomy before, during and after a massage; have more tools and techniques to offer to your clients; position the body using the Ortho-Bionomy principles while you massage; take better care of your own body while doing massage; Integrate the different aspects of Ortho-Bionomy into your massage. (8-16 units)
Pre-requisite: 16 units Phase 4.
Please bring to class: massage oil, 2 sheets, a pillow, and a willingness to be touched and nurtured.
Key Releases for the Lower Body (Elective)
Description to come. (12-16 units)
Fibromyalgia (Elective) PHASE 5 LEVEL
This workshop will give you the information and tools you need to effectively work with people suffering from Fibromyalgia and chronic pain without causing them more pain. You will have an opportunity to learn, practice and experience a protocol designed especially for these people using the gentle techniques of Ortho-Bionomy®. Learn more about Fibromyalgia: What it is and how the diagnosis is made. What the theories of cause are. What the most common symptoms are. What makes the symptoms worsen. Which illnesses are commonly associated with Fibromyalgia; How stress affects the condition; How gentle techniques ease pain and speed recovery, and more.Learn hands-on: 1) How to identify 18 specific points of sensitivity on your clients. 2) How to release each sensitive point with little effort and no pain in 10-60 seconds. 3) How proprioceptors can release tension and pain without causing pain, especially helpful for clients with Fibromyalgia and chronic pain. (8 or 16 units)
Pre-requisite: Foundation, Spine & Pelvis + Phase 5 OR The Pelvis.
Balance The Pelvis, An Integrated Format PHASE 5 LEVEL
A balanced pelvis is integral to well-being. Learn an integrated and multi-disciplinary process for balancing the pelvis that pulls together elements from many classes, including Phases 4 and 5, Phase 4 Level 2, Visceral work, Chapman's Reflexes, invaluable Self-Care and more. Developed by Ann Hoeffel from her extensive training and experience working with clients since 1984, this class includes releases for the lumbar spine, the iliacus, femur to pelvis, balancing the ischium, ilium and pelvic diaphragm, visceral work, lymphatic reflexes to release congestion in the area and client self-care. This workshop is presented especially with Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes in mind because, as Dr. Chapman tells us, if the ilium is out of alignment, the endocrine system and corresponding reflexes will be off balance. (Ortho-Bionomy 16 units Elective)
Pre-Requisite: Phase 4, Spine & Pelvis.
Cranial Work PHASE 6 LEVEL
In this class we will focus on the observation and exploration of movement available within the cranial bones and the muscles involved using the principles of Ortho-Bionomy. We will apply the principles using Phase 4, 5 & 6 approaches when working with the fascial bones and related muscles of the body. Discussion, demonstration, and practice of techniques are utilized to facilitate the learning process. (8-56 units)
Pre-requisite: Phase 6, 16 units or permission of instructor
PHASE SEVEN (Advanced Practitioner Program Requirement)
Participants will learn how to apply universal principles of Ortho-Bionomy to working with healing from a distance, expanding our awareness and proprioceptive sensing and connecting even deeper with those around us. For some students this is the next big step in their understanding of Ortho-Bionomy; for others, it brings all they have learned into a more concrete, clear perspective. (8-16 units)
Pre-requisite: Phase 5 OR Ethics & Emotional Issues OR permission of instructor
Associate Training and Practitioner Programs
