Why this page?

Recently I experienced having some basic primitive reflexes activated in me. Although these particular reflexes are intended to be developed in utero and then integrated and inhibited in the first few months of life, like many other people, both children and adults, mine were not fully integrated and inhibited. Learning about these reflexes and getting help to integrate and inhibit them is making a huge difference in my ability to function comfortably without constantly compensating for their interference in my life.

After doing both a Brain Gym^® balance and a TAT^® for the activated reflex, I emailed a TAT listserv to ask if others had dealt with primitive reflexes or with using both Brain Gym and TAT. I returned home that night to a flood of emails. So many folks recognized these activated reflexes in their own lives or in those of their clients and were energetically researching as much as they could about the reflexes.  I immediately cautioned them because I don't know what type of work is effective in developing, integrating, and inhibiting these reflexes, in particular two survival reflexes, the Fear Paralysis Reflex and the Moro Reflex, and I didn't want any of them overwhelmed in the process. (I myself was severely challenged when the reflexes were activated in me.) I have since received very helpful balances from Carla, following the Masgutova Method. In addition, I have done some related TAT's, received some supportive energy work, and have been reading extensively to learn more.

Following is a list of materials my TAT colleagues and I have located. I have not completed reading all of them, so please assess them for yourselves and pursue whatever your guidance directs. If you wish to pursue this for yourself or others, I highly recommend that you proceed with caution and patience. Your system may have been functioning and potentially compensating for many years. Seek professional support, and give yourself time to integrate. At least one expert recommended one to two weeks between balances.

Wishing you clarity and comfortable, effective functioning,
--Jeanine DuBois ~ March 16, 2008

As always, please consult a knowledgeable professional whom you trust and who is skilled in working in your area of need. Just to clarify, I am not a mental health provider and simply offer this list as a pointer for those who work professionally in this area or for those who wish to speak with their provider about a resource.

web informational resources:

http://www.centeredge.com/ArticPDF/Retained.pdf - Retained Reflexes in Children and Adults and Their Effects on Learning, Behavior and Performance  - Kathy Brown, M.Ed.

http://www.centeredge.com/ArticPDF/FearPar.pdf - Balancing to Resolve Fear Paralysis Reflex - Kathy Brown, M.Ed.

http://www.activehc.com.au/RNR_fear_paralysis.asp - RNR [Retained Neonatal Reflexes]: Fear Paralysis Reflex - by Active Health Centre

http://www.akcsm.com/RPR.htm - Retained Primitive Reflexes: Their Effect on Learning, Behaviour and Quality of Life
Structural Corrections That Assist Their Integration - by Keith Keen, Sydney, Australia 1999 - Head Start Health

http://www.inpp.org.uk/reflexes/index.php - Reflexes and Learning Difficulties - INPP, The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology

http://neurodevelopmentaltherapy.weebly.com/primitive-reflexes.html - What Are Primitive Reflexes? from Institute of Irish Association of Neurodevelopmental Therapists (Reflex Integration)

http://www.therapyedu.com/pedi/chapter9.htm - an extensive list of primitive and infant reflexes - a chapter from a book which is part of a class

http://www.masgutovamethod.com/articles.htm - You Are a Winner: Movement's Role in Trauma Recovery -

Svetlana Masgutova, Ph.D. and Pamela Curlee Revised - includes research and statistics

Sue Hyland's resources:
http://www.babyzone.com and / or - http://www.youtube.com - search for Infant Reflexes (caught on video)

http://www.peterjurek.com/rbv_site/web_pages/vagus.html Vagus Nerve Innervation (10th cranial nerve; "The Fear Paralysis Reflex operates via the parasympathetic nervous system, which is intimately involved with the vagus nerve.")

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/PNS.html - Organization of the Nervous System

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3647223&dopt=AbstractPlus -

http://books.google.com/books?id=qI--S7ykI6gC&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=alzheimer's+reflexes+%22sally+goddard%22&source=web&ots
=KENk_T2oZS&sig=XAm2CQfwKGSlWt83SaLkN7q1xJY&hl=en#PPA5,M1 - A positive Approach to Autism - Stella Waterhouse - much of the book is online

http://www.sentienttimes.com/01/apr_may/Freedom_Move.html - Let the Children Move - Jon Bredal, MA.



book informational resources: (may include web information as well)

http://www.fernridgepress.com/window.html - Sally Goddard Blythe, N.D.T. - Reflexes, Learning and Behavior: A Window Into the Child's Mind

http://www.masgutovamethod.com/shop.htm#trauma - Trauma Recovery - You Are a Winner - Svetlana Masgutova, Ph.D. and Pamela Curlee

http://www.stephenporges.com/ - The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) - Stephen W. Porges, PhD



classes about reflexes:

http://www.masgutovamethod.com/ - Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute™ Neuro-Sensory-Motor and Reflex Integration - classes & more

http://www.braingym.org/ - See course listings - Brain Gym^® 101 is a pre-requisite for the reflex classes

http://www.inpp.org.uk/ - The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) - Sally Goddard Blythe, N.D.T. -

lists of professionals who address reflexes:

http://www.masgutovamethod.com/ - email to ask for trained practitioners in your area (contact me if you are local to Portland, Oregon, USA and would like Carla to call you about a reflexes balance)

http://www.braingym.org/ - See listing of instructors / consultants, and ask the individual if s/he has been trained in reflex work

http://www.inpp.org.uk/special_needs_training/index.php - The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP)



using TAT^® to address concerns related to reflexes?:

Some colleagues who use TAT have used it to address concerns related to reflexes. Many have had positive effects, while others found they needed additional support. We cannot recommend TAT to address these concerns as we do not yet have sufficient experience or data on the matter. If you choose to use TAT for this purpose, first consult with a trusted, knowledgeable healthcare provider. Some folks who have used TAT have recommended that we first muscle check with our system without attachment to outcome whether this is safe and the best time, statement, and process to address our concern. Others have said that it would be best to have someone guide us through the process and to hold the intention that we will only do what is for our highest good.

Please keep in mind that I am not a mental health provider, and these are not recommendations, solely shared experience.