 |
An Introduction to Natural Reflex Therapy
Natural Reflex Therapy is a technique that reduces pain with specific body positions. NRT involves “using tender points to guide the positioning of the body into a space where muscle pain and tension can release on its own.” 1 These positions are usually the most comfortable position possible. The notion that certain body positions can benefit health goes back thousands of years, (from yoga to the martial arts).
In the 1950’s Lawrence Jones, D.O. discovered by accident that when he placed the body into a comfortable position pain and dysfunction would heal. He initially called this approach to pain “spontaneous release by positioning” and later Strain-Counter Strain.2 This work is now known generically as Positional Release; It is "also known as the "fold and hold" technique." 3 In most cases the position created is the original position of injury or an abnormal bony relationship.4 Over 200 tender points have been identified to create positions that reduce pain and increase mobility.
NRT is a variation of positional release that has been developed for use by Massage professionals. It emphasizes the palpation skills developed in massage to determine the correct application of this bodywork. NRT is also unique in its use of additional reflex points from Reflexology, Chapman’s Reflexes and Trigger Point Therapies to create effective positions. Chapman’s Reflexes recognizes a relationship between pelvic structural balance and endocrine function. Training in NRT is available at the Institute.
NRT is bodywork that may be helpful for a wide range of acute or chronic conditions.5 These include:
- • Allergies and Asthma
• Back pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia Syndrome 6
- • Foot and ankle pain
• Knee and hip pain (Psoas)
• Leg length differences
• Neck pain and tension headaches
- • Restless Leg Syndrome
- • Sciatica
• Sprains of various joints including ankles, knees, fingers and shoulders
• Stress management and preventions
• Whiplash and other impact injuries
- ClICK HERE FOR A PDF FILE WITH A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF CONDITIONS TREATED
The information provided on this page is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician. Any benefits or claims are based on our personal experience with clients or by citation.
When muscles are placed in the position of ease or comfort the nervous systems begin to reduce pain and restore function. According to Leon Chaitow, DO:
"One of the first observations made by Jones was that a position of ‘comfort’ or ‘ease’ commonly was an exaggeration of whatever adaptive distortion was present. Stated simply tissues which were already shortened were made comfortable by being supported in an even shorter state, so allowing neurological and circulatory mechanism to operate and to assist in the resolution of the dysfunctional state.”7
Though not as well known as more traditional methods, releasing pain through positioning is effective, safe and gentle.8 Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists and Osteopaths use positional release techniques, each with an orientation particular to their professional scope of practice.
NRT works with the sensors within our muscles that cause most of our painful symptoms. Tender points develop when the sensors of the proprioceptive reflex system in the body become dysfunctional. The sensors of the proprioceptive nervous system monitor our physical structure at all times including our sense of movement and posture. The reflex arcs, which are created by this information, help coordinate all of our movements, muscle tone, and maintain our posture and form physical habits.
Areas affected by injury, stress, bad posture, birth traumas, and disease begin reporting distorted or incorrect proprioceptive information to the brain or mistakenly turn off proprioceptive sensors in an attempt to compensate for structural injuries or abnormal bony arrangements. The correct position allows:
“Proprioceptors to reset and stop firing protective signals. By moving the body into the direction of ease (i.e., the way the body wants to go and out of the position that causes the pain), the proprioception is taken into a state of safety. By remaining in this state for a period of time, the neuromuscular mechanism is allowed to reset itself. The massage practitioner then gently and slowly repositions the area into neutral.” 9
Click to enlarge
Through the capable hands of an experienced NRT therapist a dysfunctional tender point may be reintegrated within 10 to 90 seconds. We begin by locating a tender point or area. We then gently position the body until the pain in the tender point begins to disappear, hold for ten seconds to two minutes, and return the body to a neutral position after the release. Most acute conditions respond quickly within one to two sessions.
We observe the entire body as it begins to release spasm, restore normal muscle tone, increase circulation, remove pressure on nerves and joints move more freely. The vital force of our health is improved and our well being increased. Normally one to three sessions are helpful for acute issues. For more chronic problems three or more months of comfortable positioning may be required to complete the healing process.10
NRT is a holistic approach to health care that evaluates and treats the patient as a complex and integrated being. Rather than search for a single reason for pain we look at the whole person. We look at the origins and history of a problem; its relationship with other pains in the body; and multiple factors that may be directly or indirectly involved. “For this reason, areas distant to the tender point must be considered during the positioning process. It is very possible that the position of the feet will have an effect on a tender point in the neck.” 11 Each session is crafted to the unique needs of the client. Every client and session provides new opportunities to explore how to use comfortable positions to reduce pain and restore structural balance.
NRT is indebted to the work of a number of Positional Release Therapies.12 NRT was developed by looking closely at the many discoveries that have been made about the effectiveness of positioning techniques, the developing science behind it, and the addition of insights and techniques that enhance the process.
 Natural Reflex Therapy may be of benefit to all ages and is complimentary to most health modalities. Generally NRT is contraindicated for circulatory ailments such as phlebitis or varicose veins and it should never be performed directly over bruises, open wounds, inflamed or infected injuries, areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage, or at the sites of recent fractures. It's best to consult your obstetrician before any massage during pregnancy.
FOOT NOTES
1 Sandy Fritz, Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, Mosby, Second Edition, New York, NY, page 381
2 Lawrence, H. Jones, DO, Jones Strain-Counterstrain, Jones Strain-Counterstrain Inc., Boise, ID, 1995, page viii.
3 MassageEast, Types of Massage, http://www.massageeast.com/types.html
4 Kathy Kain, (with Jim Berns), Ortho-Bionomy: A Practical Manual, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA 1997, Page 3
5 Leon Chaitow, Positional Release Techniques, Second Edition, Churchill/Livingston, New York, page 28, 52, 98.
6 Fibromyalgia Part 2: Nine Massage Techniques, Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies
7 Chaitow, page 3
8 Jones, page 23
9 Fritz, page 382
10 Jones, page 17.
11 Fritz, page 382
12 Barry Krost studied a form of Positional Release called "Ortho-Bionomy" for ten years with a number of instructors until becoming an instructor himself. [He has also researched and explored other forms of Positional Release]. His wife Kim Krost also trained as a practitioner. Ortho-Bionomy was created in the 1970's by a British trained Osteopath named Arthur Lincoln Pauls who encountered Lawrence Jones' work in 1967. He trained a number of massage professionals and others in his amazing work until his death in 1997.
PDF FILE OF POSITIONAL RELEASE RESOURCES
Get a Natural Reflex Therapy Session TODAY!
with Barry Krost, Kim Krost or Tammy Leschber
(call 210-967-4400 for an appointment)
$60.00: sixty minute session
Ask about our packages!
Natural Reflex Therapy Practitioner Information
Schedule an NRT Appointment
© 2003 Integrative Healing Institute • All rights reserved • Last updated April 14, 2008.
Natural Reflex Therapy® is the registered trademark of Natural Reflex Therapy, PLLC.
Send questions and comments to Barry Krost at naturalreflexes@aol.com
This website does not accept or host any advertisement. View our Information Privacy Policy.
|
|
