Ortho-Bionomy: A Complete System of Bodywork

Ann Lucia Chan, MEd, MSW

Advanced Practitioner & Associate Instructor of Ortho-Bionomy^®

Ortho-Bionomy^® is a gentle, non-invasive, and effective system of bodywork that utilizes self-correcting reflexes and client awareness as the basis to stimulate structural balance. Gentle positioning is used to alleviate joint and muscle pain and reduce stress. A strong focus is placed on the comfort of the individual and no forceful manipulations are used. Ortho-Bionomy^® is effective to alleviate both acute and chronic pain and stress patterns, by reducing muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body.

The word Ortho-Bionomy^® comes from Greek “ortho” (meaning correct or straight), “bio” (meaning life) and “nomy” (meaning the laws or study).  Therefore, we can define Ortho-Bionomy^® as “the correct application of the laws of life”. Developed by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, Ortho-Bionomy® has its roots in osteopathy. When the body structure is aligned, circulation works well, and the whole person feels better.

Ortho-Bionomy^® is pain free, so that the person can experience wellness and comfort. The inner wisdom of the body is recognized and affirmed. Self-healing occurs as the patient remembers the natural ability to move away from pain and toward ease.  It is true empowerment, as the practitioner listens to the needs of an individual client. Typically, an Ortho-Bionomy® session lasts about an hour and the client remains fully clothed. The practitioner works with the client to identify areas of comfort and discomfort, tension and pain as well as ease of movement. No forceful movements are used. Ortho-Bionomy® is particularly effective for lumbar, back and neck pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, head injuries, TMJ, muscle spasms, arthritis, tennis elbow, foot and knee injuries.

According to Arthur Lincoln Pauls, the founder of Ortho-Bionomy®: “Remember that most manipulative practices are based upon forceful approaches. It has been proven that the body responds better when is given the corrective motive for change. Change can only come about when the instits of the body are summoned up in such a way that the body does not resist this change. Anything beyond this is force, which when applied too much, leads only to rebellion of the self instead of a re-unification of the harmonic whole”

            For information call: (217) 390-2917

Ortho-Bionomy® and the Sand Dollar design are registered trademarks of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and are used with permission.