Orthobionomy

Orthobionomy, also written ortho-bionomy, is a gentle type of massage therapy that can be used to correct postural imbalances that may cause chronic pain conditions. This form of massage therapy benefits people by increasing flexibility, loosening tension in tight muscles, relaxing and relieving achy joints, increasing circulation, and relaxing the entire body.

Orthobionomy was developed by a British osteopath named Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls. In the 1960s, Pauls became interested in finding a way to heal pain and dysfunction using the body's own inner wisdom. He believed that forcing a correction in the body may not be the best way to treat pain. Influenced by martial arts, Pauls began using passive positioning to ease pain. Pauls believed that emotion and pain were connected. Similar to the philosophies in myofascial release technique, he believed that passive movement can be used to release emotions trapped in tissue and thus relieve pain. This release of emotion is the key to healing.

In the 1970s, Pauls named his therapy orthobionomy and started teaching it. "Ortho" means straight or correct. "Bio" means life. "Nomy" means laws of or study of. Together ortho-bionomy means "the correct application of the laws of life."

This therapy is gentle enough to be done on infants and the elderly. The therapist uses a variety of techniques including pressure points, gentle touching, passive positioning, and reflex points. Hands off energy work methods are also used.

This therapy can be used to treat acute or chronic pain conditions, including but not limited to:

headaches
tendonitis
arthritis
carpal tunnel syndrome
sciatica

During a massage, you lay on the a massage table fully clothed. Your comfort is important and as the therapist works, he'll check on your comfort for time to time during the session. Because practitioners believe that healing occurs gradually they recommend a series of treatments.