Primitive reflexes, a full potential to be unlocked at any time of your life!
What they are for and how to use them....
Primitive reflexes, starter program for life…
Primitive reflexes are in a way our “starter program for life”. They ensure our survival and allow us to become autonomous.
They are involuntary movements, triggered by an external stimulus. They are innate, genetically programmed, regardless of the origins or culture of the living being that carries them.
What are they for?
At birth, during the examination of the newborn, the parents witness the innate skills of their child: the archaic or primitive reflexes through movements such as: clutching, automatic walking, sucking, 4 legs …
Primitive reflexes are essential to the survival and protection of the newborn. They are a sign of a well-developed nervous system and muscle tone of the baby.
Some of these reflexes appear during pregnancy, others during delivery and some in the weeks following birth. They then develop and become part of the body’s neuro-sensory-motor pattern to become the basis of voluntary motor skills (up to the age of 3 years for some reflexes).
Even if they are no longer visible, the primitive reflexes do not disappear. They are in a “dormant” state and can be awakened at any time to protect us in case of danger. The more mature the reflexes are, i.e., well integrated into the nervous system, the more effectively the child or adult can react in situations of stress or danger. He thus feels a state of inner security. He can use his full potential.
How can a primitive reflex become a problem?
When it is still active (not integrated) or has not been developed. We all have active primitive reflexes since they exist more. But some can become more disabling in our lives
If the reflex is still active: it can generate emotional and behavioral instability, hyperactivity…
If the reflex has not been developed: this can generate a lack of stimuli, language delay, language disorders (stuttering…), lack of coordination, strong shyness…
Why do reflexes not integrate, or not develop?
This can be caused by many things:
- Stress in majority can trigger, block or prevent the development of the reflex.
- During the pregnancy: a strong emotion of the mother, a death experienced, bed rest of the mother, malnutrition during the pregnancy…
During the delivery: caesarean section, forceps, vacuum, very long delivery, fetal distress… - After birth: in front of screens at a very young age (TV, iPad…), not enough carrying, cuddling, excessive time on the trotter/harness, conflictual relationship between parents, lack of floor time…
- A strong stress in intensity or duration can reactivate a primitive reflex by protection.
120 primitive reflexes have been discovered
At birth, the doctor or midwife checks the presence of about ten of these (important) reflexes to ensure the neurological health of the newborn. But we know the existence of 120 reflexes for the moment, including :
- The Fear Paralysis Reflex. In case of danger we have 3 possible reactions: freeze, flee, or fight. This reflex freezes the person to protect him. This can lead to withdrawal, violent reactions, excessive rigidity, compulsive behavior…
- Moro’s reflex: the person has uncontrollable fears, hypersensitivity, balance disorders, anxiety, difficulties in adapting to changes, shyness, lack of confidence
- Asymmetrical tonic reflex of the neck: difficulties in following with the eyes (impact on reading), hand/eye coordination problems (impact on writing), difficulties in sports (ball games, gymnastics…)
- Symmetrical tonic reflex of the neck: clumsiness, difficulties in readjusting binocular vision (copying on the blackboard is difficult for example), attention problems…
Is it possible to integrate active or undeveloped reflexes? Yes, with the RMTI method…
Yes, and at any time of life with the Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT) of Dr. Harald Blomberg, psychiatrist, based on the spontaneous rhythmic movements that babies make. A repetition of these movements allows to integrate them.
Mature motor development will be done by stimulation (rocking, isometric points etc.) and simple rhythmic movements, passive or active. Children, teenagers, adults, elderly, it is possible to integrate reflexes through movement to free oneself, to transform oneself.
The contribution of neuroscience shows the role of movement in the development of the child and its impact on learning, emotions and behavior. The goal of rhythmic movement is to link the different parts of the brain when the connections have not been established at the right time, to access the full potential of the brain by establishing the neurological foundations and to improve well-being.
To install a new rhythm of life, to evolve, to change in your way of acting and thinking is possible and can be done gently. This is why holistic medicine and brief therapies are more and more sought after. Comprehensive methods such as RMTI, sophrology, are real assets to facilitate these changes.
You can contact us now to test your reflexes.
Christelle Marchetti Veclin
