Primitive Reflexes

What are the Primary Reflexes?

Primary (or primitive) reflexes are a group of motor reflexes found in newborn babies. They develop in utero and should only remain active in the very early years of life.

Primary reflexes are the first part of the brain to develop. They are an essential part of the development stages of the central nervous system and are involuntary and uncontrollable. In typical development, they integrate in a sequential order as more mature patterns of response take over. 

Some of the reflexes you may be familiar with are:

• Moro Reflex - often referred to as the 'startle' reflex
• Rooting Reflex 
• Palmer Reflex  
• Plantar Reflex 

Sometimes one or more of the primary reflexes are retained beyond the time they are required.  These are referred to as retained primitive reflexes. 

If they remain, they can interfere with neurological development. You may witness issues with hand-eye coordination, impulse control, concentration, poor posture, clumsiness, fidgeting, messy eating, clumsiness, walking on tip toe, difficulty with handwriting, spelling and/or reading. 

Retained reflexes have also been linked with ADHD/ADD, autism, Asperger's, dyspraxia, dyslexia, depression and low self esteem, for example.

There are many factors that may lead to the retention of primary reflexes. Amounts the possible contributing factors are; the birth process, head trauma, chronic ear infections, lack of or limited tummy time, problems with feeding, toxins, injury low birth weight. 

How can Kinesiology help?

Gentle kinesiology muscle testing quickly identifies the reflexes that are retained and impacting on the clients' daily life.   There are various techniques used to complete the integration process as part of a wider balance of the body's energy systems. 

Sessions for Retained Primary Reflexes are suitable for both children and adults.