Classes

Current Schedule

Ortho-Bionomy teaches us to find healthy wholeness within the inherent wisdom of the organism. It’s gentle. It’s effective. And it releases tension and pain quickly and effortlessly. 
The course work introduces the principles of moving toward ease and away from pain, the philosophy of trusting in the natural capacity of the body’s self-correcting reflexes, and the practice of simple positioning techniques that release pain and muscle tension patterns in seconds. By working with the body, respecting any resistances, and moving within the person’s comfort zones, Ortho-Bionomy accomplishes more, with less effort.  

The classes are open to anyone who wants to assist others to relieve pain and tension. The release techniques can be applied and combined with any other modality of massage and bodywork to soften tissue restrictions, release pain, improve structural alignment, and enhance functional performance.

Ortho-Bionomy Phase 5 and the Reflexes

Nashville, TN

April 25-26, 2024

Pre-requisites: Phase 4, 


Instructors: Luann Overmyer LMT MA41092


Time: Saturday and Sunday 9:00 - 6:00pm


CE Hours: 16 credits FL and NCBTMB


Location: Nashville Friend's Meeting Hall530 26th Ave.N Nashville, TN 37209

Before 3/14

$300

After 3/14

$350

Phase 5 Ortho-Bionomy is about having a conversation with the tissue, not an argument.

The focus of Phase Five is to move to a more subtle level of awareness of the practice and principle of Ortho-Bionomy®. Specific techniques develop and increase the student's understanding and proprioceptive sensitivity to the self-corrective movements initiated by the client. Through the practice of observing, following and supporting subtle movement patterns, muscular tension is released, range of motion may be increased and pain may be reduced. The gentle and subtle approach of this work is especially appropriate for releasing severe, acute pain and chronic patterning, This class presents practical, gentle release techniques can seem almost magical in their effectiveness. Releases for psoas, pelvis, lumbars, coccyx, neck, shoulders, clavicle, ears, eyes, jaw and more will be presented and practiced.

Clarify your capacity to more clearly track mental, emotional and physical aspects

Observe and work with tissue preferences in relationship to structural alignment

Reinforce the body’s wisdom not the patient’s storylines

Detect mood in the tissue

  • Use internal state shifts to influence and interrupt habituated storylines and holding patterns.

Ortho-Bionomy Approach to Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes 


April 27-28

Nashville, TN

Pre-requisites:  None


Instructors: Luann Overmyer LMT MA41092


Time: 9:00 - 600pm


Location: Belle Meade Executive Suites 4525 Harding Rd Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37205


CE Hours: 16 hours of Continuing Education credits for Ortho-Bionomy® & NCBTMB. 


Before 3/14

$300


After 3/14

$350

In the early 1900’s Osteopath Frank Chapman identified nerve reflexes that could be used to assess and treat lymphatic blockage and inflammation of tissue. After his death, his work was compiled, published, and further interpreted by his colleague, Dr. Charles Owens. Dr. Owens presented the pelvic thyroid syndrome, recognizing the importance of the imbalance of the sacra-iliac joint “as probably the most potent predisposing factor in bodily ills.”


This class offers an increased perspective into the relationship of structure to lymph, viscera, nervous system, and soft tissue. It emphasizes the benefits of using these neuro-lymphatic reflexes for lymphatic drainage and organ balance as well as their influence on the endocrine system and emotional balance.


In this class you will learn to:

· Locate & Release Reflex Points for the various organs & glands

· Identify reflexes for allergies, gastro-intestinal issues, arm pain, & more

· Recognize the signs of the Pelvic Thyroid Syndrome

· Address Pelvic and Lymphatic issues with Ortho-Bionomy techniques

· Specific techniques for bringing balance to the uterus and sacrum

Ortho-Bionomy Phase 5 and the Reflexes

Gainesville, FL

May 4-5, 2024

Pre-requisites: Phase 4, 


Instructors: Luann Overmyer LMT MA41092, Karen Sonter


Time: Saturday and Sunday 9:00 - 6:00pm


CE Hours: 16 credits FL and NCBTMB


Location: 111 E University Ave Gainesville, FL 32601 

Before 4/5

$310

After 4/5

$350

Phase 5 Ortho-Bionomy is about having a conversation with the tissue, not an argument.

The focus of Phase Five is to move to a more subtle level of awareness of the practice and principle of Ortho-Bionomy®. Specific techniques develop and increase the student's understanding and proprioceptive sensitivity to the self-corrective movements initiated by the client. Through the practice of observing, following and supporting subtle movement patterns, muscular tension is released, range of motion may be increased and pain may be reduced. The gentle and subtle approach of this work is especially appropriate for releasing severe, acute pain and chronic patterning, This class presents practical, gentle release techniques can seem almost magical in their effectiveness. Releases for psoas, pelvis, lumbars, coccyx, neck, shoulders, clavicle, ears, eyes, jaw and more will be presented and practiced.

Clarify your capacity to more clearly track mental, emotional and physical aspects

Observe and work with tissue preferences in relationship to structural alignment

Reinforce the body’s wisdom not the patient’s storylines

Detect mood in the tissue

  • Use internal state shifts to influence and interrupt habituated storylines and holding patterns.

Ortho-Bionomy Self Care

Deerfield Beach, FL

May 18-19,  2024


Pre-requisites: None


Instructor: Luann Overmyer LMT MA41092 


Time: Saturday - Sunday 9-6


Location:  50 S. Ocean Drive (A1A),Deerfield Beach, FL 33441


CE Hours: 16 hours of Continuing Education credits for Ortho-Bionomy, Florida and NCBTMB


Before 4/18

$300


After 4/19

$345

In Ortho-Bionomy, comfortable positions remind the body of its natural ability to come to balance. The body is smart. It tends to organize around functionality. Changes and releases that support functionality and balance are recognized and integrated naturally. Through the practice of Self-Care, we discover the self-corrective capacity of our bodies and empower ourselves in the process of self-healing and well-being.


In this class we will take time to slow down and listen to the body’s responses. By noticing your sensations and clarifying the positions that release tension and reveal comfort, the body learns to choose comfort and move with ease.


Adapting the techniques of Ortho-Bionomy to relieve stress and tension in your own body, Self-Care addresses chronic aches and pains as well as ways to work with injuries. This class is appropriate for anyone wanting to explore options for pain relief and for health care practitioners looking for specific self-care exercises to offer clients.


In this class we will learn to:


1. Relieve pain and tension with positional release.

2. Create new patterns of pain-free movement.

3. Increase flexibility and range of motion with isometric and isotonic exercises.

4. Strengthen muscle tone through isotonic exercises.

5. Improve posture for relief of strain and stress.

6. Discover the ways your body uses positions and movement to reclaim comfort and well-being.

Ortho-Bionomy Phase 5 and the Reflexes

Bend, OR

August 10-11, 2024

Pre-requisites: Phase 4, 


Instructors: Luann Overmyer LMT MA41092


Time: Saturday and Sunday 9:00 - 6:00pm


CE Hours: 16 credits FL and NCBTMB


Location: Hawthorne Healing Arts Center 39 NW Louisiana Ave. Bend, OR 97703

Before 7/7

$300

After 7/7

$345

Phase 5 Ortho-Bionomy is about having a conversation with the tissue, not an argument.

The focus of Phase Five is to move to a more subtle level of awareness of the practice and principle of Ortho-Bionomy®. Specific techniques develop and increase the student's understanding and proprioceptive sensitivity to the self-corrective movements initiated by the client. Through the practice of observing, following and supporting subtle movement patterns, muscular tension is released, range of motion may be increased and pain may be reduced. The gentle and subtle approach of this work is especially appropriate for releasing severe, acute pain and chronic patterning, This class presents practical, gentle release techniques can seem almost magical in their effectiveness. Releases for psoas, pelvis, lumbars, coccyx, neck, shoulders, clavicle, ears, eyes, jaw and more will be presented and practiced.

Clarify your capacity to more clearly track mental, emotional and physical aspects

Observe and work with tissue preferences in relationship to structural alignment

Reinforce the body’s wisdom not the patient’s storylines

Detect mood in the tissue

  • Use internal state shifts to influence and interrupt habituated storylines and holding patterns.
Ortho-Bionomy Self Care

Through the practice of Self Care we discover the self-corrective capacity of our bodies and empower ourselves in the process of self-healing and well-being. In this class we will take time to slow down and listen to the body’s responses. By noticing your sensations and discriminating between more or less comfortable, the body learns to choose comfort and move with ease.
Learn to adapt the techniques of Ortho-Bionomy to relieve pain and tension in your own body. Self-Care addresses chronic aches and pains as well as ways to work with injuries. This class is appropriate for anyone wanting to explore comfort, and also for health care practitioners looking for specific exercises to give clients.

Learn to:
  • Relieve pain and tension with positional release.
  • Create new patterns of pain-free movement.
  • Increase flexibility and range of motion with isometric and isotonic exercises.
  • Strengthen muscle tone through isotonic exercises.
  • Improve posture for relief of strain and stress.
  • Discover the ways your body uses positions and movement to reclaim comfort and well-being.
Ortho-Bionomy for the Neck and Thoracic Spine
3 Hours

Learn a gentle, non-invasive approach to effectively reduce pain, increase range of motion and release muscle tension patterns in the neck and thoracic spine as well as address the pattern of whiplash. These comfortable, positional release techniques stimulate the body’s self-corrective reflexes, and are effective tools that can be immediately incorporated into your massage practice.

Ortho-Bionomy for Shoulder and First Rib
3 Hours

Learn a gentle, non-invasive approach to effectively reduce pain, increase range of motion and release muscle tension patterns in the neck and thoracic spine as well as address the pattern of whiplash. These comfortable, positional release techniques stimulate the body’s self-corrective reflexes, and are effective tools that can be immediately incorporated into your massage practice.
Ortho-Bionomy Releases for the Feet
3 Hours

This class introduces gentle positional techniques to release a dropped cuboid, a stuck navicular, a dropped 3rd cunieform, a tibia override, dropped metatarsals, hammer toes, and bunions. Demonstration of the techniques are followed by supervised practice. These simple techniques are effective tools for releasing pain and restoring functionality to the foot that can be immediately incorporated into your massage practice. 
Ortho-Bionomy Study Group

Do you have burning questions that came up after a class and want answers without having to wait for the next course? Did you ever need to know what to do with certain conditions that your clients present with? Would you like clarification of techniques that were presented in class so you feel more comfortable using them in your practice? Do you need answers to your practice and training questions?
In a Study Group your practice and training questions will be answered. We can review technique, discuss client cases, and cover any topic relating to an Ortho-Bionomy practice. Through discussion, you can gain insights into how others have handled similar situations or conditions.  
An Ortho-Bionomy Approach to Posture and Post Techniques

Posture can be looked upon as the shape of experience. Within posture we can observe heredity, early-learned patterns, present capacity, and the will to manifest aspirations. Bringing awareness to the body assists the person to maintain connection with the body’s sensations, preferences and natural responsiveness. Increasing the awareness of postural patterns, engages and empowers the client toward balanced postural embodiment. 
This Posture class focuses on how to assist clients with exercises and movements to maintain balanced posture through neuromuscular re-education. Participants will learn through accurate observation and simple movement exercises to evaluate and assist clients with inefficient postural habits. Techniques to work with spinal curvatures and scoliosis will also be presented and practiced. Post techniques are used to assess and release areas of tension and integrate the work done in a session.  
Ortho-Bionomy Phase 5 and the Reflexes 

Phase 5 Ortho-Bionomy is about having a conversation with the tissue, not an argument.
The gentle and subtle approach of this work is especially appropriate for releasing severe, acute pain, chronic patterning, and for interrupting the mental and emotional fixated aspects that reinforce the tension patterns. This class presents practical, gentle release techniques can seem almost magical in their effectiveness. Releases for psoas, pelvis, lumbars, coccyx, neck, shoulders, clavicle, ears, eyes, and jaw will be presented and practiced.
  • Refine your subtle palpatory listening skills
  • Clarify your capacity to more clearly track mental, emotional and physical aspects
  • Observe and work with tissue preferences in relationship to structural alignment
  • Reinforce the body’s wisdom not the patient’s storylines
  • Detect mood in the tissue
  • Use internal state shifts to influence and interrupt habituated storylines and holding patterns. 
Pelvic Stabilization with Ortho-Bionomy

The pelvis is the foundation of postural alignment. The pelvis carries, balances and translates the weight of the spine when standing, sitting and walking, and modulates the gait patterns coming from the feet and legs. This balance is achieved through the flexibility of the lumbar spine, the stability of the 5th lumbar and sacrum connection, and a dynamic movement balance at the illio-sacral joint. 

This class presents the Ortho-Bionomy approach to evaluating and stabilizing the pelvis. Protocols for assessment and positional release techniques for re-establishing balance in the pelvis will be presented and practiced. Phase 4 is a prerequisite and a Phase 5 class is recommended.
An Ortho-Bionomy Approach to Chapman’s Neurolymphatic Reflexes

This class in Chapman's reflexes offers an increased perspective into the relationship of structure to lymph, viscera (organs), nervous system, and soft tissue. It emphasizes the relationship of the neurolymphatic reflexes to the endocrine system and to structural balance. Identification of these points with techniques for their release will be presented. 

Please bring colored pencils with you to class.
An Advanced Perspective on Chapman’s Reflexes

In the Ortho-Bionomy Approach to Chapman's Reflexes class we learned the location of the neurolymphatic reflex points, and to assess and work with them in relationship to physical structure and lymph drainage. In the Advanced Chapman's we will revisit these reflexes as energetic focal points in a dynamic system of balance and self-organizational capacity.  
These points are about relationship: visceral, emotional, social, global, energetic. We will work with the correlation between Chapman’s points, organs, glands, chakras, and mental, emotional and physical health, and learn to recognize the qualities and issues that are most associated with each area of focus. We will revisit Chapman’s reflexes, sensing the vectors of energy, learning to recognize distortions in the field, and developing neutrality and transparency in our approach to offering balance. Including this perspective in our practice helps us to attune more clearly and facilitate the expression of life as it moves and breathes through our clients and manifests as their bodies.
An Ortho-Bionomy Approach to Cranial

This approach to cranial work blends Ortho-Bionomy‘s osteopathic roots with Arthur Pauls’ energetic / esoteric philosophy of the work. The subtle contact characteristic of cranial-sacral work fits perfectly into the spectrum of Ortho-Bionomy practice. In Ortho-Bionomy we work with the self-balancing and natural corrective reflexes of the organism. We approach the person as a whole being. We acknowledge in a very direct way the body structure in Phase 4, the internal fluid movement in Phase 5, the energy in Phase 6, and the spirit in Phase 7. In cranial work we are meeting and contacting the subtlest interface between body, fluids, energy and spirit as we observe how the person’s own self corrective capacity interacts to resolve physical and energetic misunderstandings and return the system to balanced physiologic motion.
Demonstration Skills

Learn to talk about Ortho-Bionomy to your clients, family and friends. By finding your comfort zone, you can learn to share your perspective of Ortho-Bionomy in a supportive and clarifying way. This class assists you in preparing to talk to anyone about the work, and give a lecture demonstration to promote your practice of Ortho-Bionomy.

Introduction to Bones For Life


Experience this easy to learn modality to encourage dynamic postural alignment, bone strengthening, and proportional flexibility. Clarify optimal relationships between the 3 primary spinal curves through gentle movement processes that explore functional gravitational impact on structure. 

Advanced Phase 4 Study Group


This study group is a follow up only for folks who have recently taken the Advanced Phase 4 class.  

Ortho-Bionomy Phase 4
The Basics

This foundational class covers the history and principles of Ortho-Bionomy and specific positioning techniques to stimulate natural self-correcting neuro-muscular reflexes for all parts of the body. These techniques facilitate the release of pain and tension patterns, promote expanded range of motion, and offer a greater sense of well-being. This work is easy to learn, easy on your body, highly effective, and combines well with any system of health care.

Learn non-invasive, indirect, gentle releases for the
  • Psoas and Quadratus Lumborum Muscles
  • Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine
  • Ribs, Shoulders, Elbows and Wrists
  • Knees, Ankles and Feet 
Work more effectively with bones, joints, structure, whiplash, posture, scoliosis, reflexes and more
  • Build Assessment Skills
  • Enhance the client’s self healing ability
  • Gentle on both client and practitioner
  • Easy to Learn, Practical, Hands on Classes 
Releasing the Low Back with Ortho-Bionomy
3 Hours

This class introduces gentle positional techniques to release the psoas, ilium rotation, the quadratus lumborum, and each lumbar vertebra. Demonstration of the techniques are followed by supervised practice. These simple techniques are effective tools for low back pain that can be immediately incorporated into your massage practice. 

Ortho-Bionomy Releases for the Wrist and Hand CE 20-337197
3 Hours

This class introduces gentle positional techniques to release the clavicle, elbow, wrist and hand. Specific points for releasing nerve pain and circulation problems in the arm, shoulder and hand will also be presented and practiced. Demonstration of the techniques are followed by supervised practice. These simple techniques are effective tools for releasing pain and restoring functionality to the foot that can be immediately incorporated into your massage practice.
Addressing Knee Pain with Ortho-Bionomy
3 Hours

This class introduces participants to the principles and positional release techniques of Ortho-Bionomy, an osteopathic based bodywork effective for releasing pain and tension, increasing flexibility, and assisting in the alignment and stability of the joint. Assessment of intrinsic and extrinsic range of motion, and techniques to release the patella, overextension, femur override, and tender points on the tibia and fibula will be presented and practiced. These simple releases can be integrated into any massage practice.
Ortho-Bionomy Study Day 

Bring your questions and your body. This class offers an opportunity to observe and discuss the whys, the hows, and wherefores of a session, receive a session, and have your questions about structuring a session answered. 3 hours of study group in the morning with observed sessions and discussion in the afternoon. Credit toward study group, consultations, and session received. 
Ortho-Bionomy Isometrics

Often structural imbalances are the result of unequal stresses of the musculature around the joints of the body. Through the use of isometric and isotonic techniques we can facilitate the relaxation of hypertonic (tense) muscles while encouraging the toning of those with less tone (hypotonic). By enlisting the active participation of the client we can assist the self correction of postural imbalances and chronic pain patterns, and gently create significant and long-lasting change.
Ortho-Bionomy Phase 6

This class heightens our sensitivity and awareness to energetic relationship. The techniques clarify the effects of interactions within the auric field that promote a natural return to physical, mental and emotional well-being. Students learn to notice and identify energetic shifts within themselves and others, and to model that capacity. They learn the value of "not doing" as the practitioner steps back to allow the client's self-healing capacities to engage. The concepts of alignment and attunement, holding space, interrupting patterns, and offering options will be explored as they relate to the natural reflexive responses of rebound, recoil, remembered emotional response, follow on response, and ongoing action.
Ortho-Bionomy Phase 7

This class presents and demonstrates how to use the Phase 7 pattern in alignment with the principles and philosophy of Ortho-Bionomy. Arthur Lincoln Pauls received Phase 7 in a revelation dream as a way to assess and influence recognition and motivation toward self-resolution of a problem. Participants will practice applying the techniques to effect releases for physical discomforts. Arthur saw Phase 7 as the highest Evolvement of the Original Concept. 
Advanced Phase 4, A Structural Approach to Working with Patterns

This class addresses the structure of the body more wholistically to recognize and assess ways of addressing the common or unique patterns that our clients present. Assessment, observation and information exchange happen at many levels simultaneously because we are sensing organisms. How can we train ourselves to become aware of what we are sensing, and begin to discipline our focus so as to see more clearly the physical, emotional, and energetic patterns that our clients present. This class offers a model for structuring our perceptions for coherent assessment and treatment. 
This approach encourages the practitioner to develop the questioning mind and hands that allow adaptation of the phases and the techniques to the client's needs. By recognizing the relationship between structure and function, we can more readily understand where we need to work and how to blend the phases with the techniques to address the client's pattern more effectively. This class will clarify the process of structuring a session. Phases 4 is a prerequisite.
Exploration of Movement

This class focuses on opening restrictions in the body by exploring and observing the movement patterns of joints and muscles.  

Participants learn to recognize and palpate functional, inherent and preferred movement capacity. Techniques for sensing, assessing and releasing tension and restrictive patterns through movement are demonstrated and practiced. No prerequisites.   Increase your palpation skills
Learn to assess functional and inherent joint movement
Learn to palpate for muscle fiber movement preferences
Open fascial restrictions gently and painlessly Facilitate greater range and ease of movement in joints 
Augment flexibility throughout the body
   
These techniques facilitate the release of pain and tension patterns, promote expanded range of motion, and a greater sense of well-being. This work is easy to learn, easy on your body, highly effective, and combines well with any system of health care.
Ethics and Emotional Issues

This class provides a forum for discussion of the practical and legal aspects of professional conduct and practitioner ethics in regards to physical, emotional, and energetic boundaries, clear communication, and client and practitioner expectations. Participants will clarify personal values concerning their work philosophy, and define their scope of practice. We will also discuss techniques designed to contain and guide emotional release and expression so the practitioner and the client are both comfortable and safe. In this class we want to encourage the students to question their assumptions about ethical conduct and engage in dialogue with other practitioners to broaden their understanding of ethical behavior.  
Ethics of Practice CE 20-338901
3 Hours

This class provides a forum for discussion of the practical and legal aspects of professional conduct and practitioner ethics in regards to physical, emotional, and energetic boundaries, clear communication, and client and practitioner expectations. Participants will clarify personal values concerning their work philosophy, and define their scope of practice.
Practitioner Training Seminar

An Opportunity to Refine Your Practice

Because Ortho-Bionomy sessions are structured differently than many other types of bodywork this course addresses how to structure an Ortho-Bionomy session as well as how to integrate the work with other modalities that the participant may use in his or her practice. Through discussion and hands-on practice the participants will delve deeply into the mechanisms which create sessions that are coherent, fluid and ultimately effective. In addition, issues related to documenting sessions, dealing with the financial dynamics with clients, and creating appropriate boundaries between the client and practitioner are addressed. Participants will be equipped with the skills to bring the professionalism and the compassion that characterize Ortho-Bionomy sessions into his or her practice.
Ortho-Bionomy Residential

Immerse yourself in the dance and flow of Ortho-Bionomy, and deepen your understanding of Ortho-Bionomy principles and practice in a week long Residential experience. Residential trainings provide participants with the opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of Ortho-Bionomy techniques and principles through five days of uninterrupted study. Residentials allow time for learning and personal growth as well as relaxation to facilitate the integration of technique and the qualities of "BEing" rather than "Doing".
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