Less Is More: The Gentle Art of Ortho-Bionomy

Interviews
Last Updated Jul 16, 2020
Interviews

Ortho-Bionomy® is a gentle bodywork technique that can be used to relieve a wide range of conditions associated with localised pain, movement restrictions and postural imbalances. This little known modality essentially works with the structure and alignment of the body by utilising a range of techniques for correcting any existing imbalances. ntpages decided to find out more by speaking with Ortho-Bionomy® practitioner Anita Blackley from Bairnsdale Natural Health Centre.

How did you come into contact with Ortho-Bionomy®?

"I first came in contact with Ortho-Bionomy® after my 6 year old son, who had been seeing a chiropractor, was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis which, I was informed, would require a drastic procedure of inserting a spinal rod in order to keep his back straight. My sister advised me to see someone who might be able to help, which is how I came to meet Allison Baensch, Australia’s first registered Ortho-Bionomy® teacher. She worked on my son and taught me some methods I could use as well to work on him at home. I was so amazed with the results that I decided to make a career of it. I started study in the mid 1990’s and I have been practicing now for approximately five years and continue to attend regular workshops to ensure I deliver the best possible care to my clients."

Where are the origins of the modality?

"Arthur Lincoln Pauls, a Canadian osteopath was the inspiration behind Ortho-Bionomy®. He visited Australia in 1976 to conduct a lecture tour which was the impetus behind the interest in the modality locally."

So what modalities does Ortho-Bionomy® draw on?

"The principles found in osteopathy, homoeopathy and judo all inform the gentle movements, positional changes and joint compression that encourage the body to realign and balance itself."

Where does the judo angle come from?

"Pauls had a background in the martial arts, so incorporated the inherent energy of this martial art into the modality."

What conditions can Ortho-Bionomy® be used to treat?

"Any motion or joint restriction, repetitive strain, structural imbalance, pain or stress related condition can all benefit from the gentle effects of Ortho-Bionomy®."

Where does treatment occur?

"There is a great deal of emphasis placed on client comfort, so one may be treated in a variety of positions including on a massage table, seated or standing."

And what does treatment consist of?

"A practitioner may make use of postural exercises, gentle rocking, range of motion movement and positional release to name a few – with a session typically lasting an hour on a weekly basis."

Is there a typical number of sessions?

"This depends on the client’s condition and its seriousness, with two to four sessions a starting point. The longer one has had a condition the more sessions it normally takes to resolve it. Clients will also be advised on a range of home self-care exercises to assist in recovery from long term conditions."

What is the relationship of Ortho-Bionomy® and conventional medicine?

"Ortho-Bionomy® is first and foremost aimed at healing, but is not intended to replace medical care though it can obviously complement it."

To experience this therapy, find an Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in your area today!

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Originally published on Apr 07, 2011

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