Primitive reflexes, righting reactions and equilibrium responses
3 rd + 4 th of September 2022
Primitive reflexes, righting reactions and equilibrium responses are a group of specific movement patterns that together form the alphabet of our movement repertoire. Some of them will be integrated into more complex movement patterns during the senso-motoric development in the early childhood. Others will remain active throughout all adult life. The integration of these automatic movement patterns is essential for the freedom in volitional movement and are the basis for effortlessness and efficiency.
Primitive reflexes are movements that follow a simple stimulus-response pattern. They are triggered either through touch or pressure on certain body parts, through passive movements of the head, torso or extremities, through change of position, through change of relationship to gravity or through sudden, unexpected sounds or movements in the environment. Infants react to the presented stimulus either with a movement towards or away from it. These experiences of approach and withdrawal are an important foundation for the infant´s ability to bond or defend to what is coming at it. They are important for healthy movement development as well as personal survival. Primitive reflexes appear before or at birth and will normally be integrated into more complex movement patterns between 4-6 months of age. Anatomically, the brain stem and the spinal cord are controlling the reflexes, so that they can´t be volitionally controlled before they are integrated.
Righting reactions are in comparison to the primitive reflexes further developed movement patterns. They align the head automatically in relation to gravity or to the torso. They take care that the head is always orientated vertically to gravity in all movement transitions and positions. They also make the head and torso face the same direction. We need righting reactions to lift our head, to roll over, to sit, to creep, to crawl, to stand and to walk. They develop at birth, are very dominant between 10-12 months of age and many of them remain active throughout adult life. Anatomically, the midbrain is organizing these reactions.
Equilibrium responses are automatic movement patterns that appear as a reaction to specific situations and serve to maintain balance. They are getting triggered when a person shifts their center of gravity or when an external surface of support is being shifted. That happens for example through one´s own movement or when the gymnastic ball on that one is sitting is being moved. External forces or stimuli can also trigger an equilibrium response for example when one is being pushed by somebody or when one is leaping forward in order to catch a ball. Most of the equilibrium responses can be observed from 6 months of age and remain active throughout all adult life. They closely collaborate with the righting reactions and are mostly driven through the forebrain.
In this workshop we experience through examples the differences and similarities between primitive reflexes, righting reactions and equilibrium responses. As we explore them, we observe aspects such as body tone, symmetry and asymmetry, initiation and sequencing of movement from and to the center or periphery of the body as well as the orientation in space and to the earth. Additionally, we wonder how our interactions with the environment are influenced by our current inner state of being and ability to connect to ourselves.
Everybody is welcome to join. Previous experience with Body-Mind Centering® is not necessary.
WHEN?
03 rd + 4 th of September 2022
both days from 11 am until 2 pm
WHERE?
Move-It – Raum für Yoga und Rehasport
In der Aue 6
37213 Witzenhausen
HOW MUCH?
60-90 € sliding scale
depending on your financial possibilities
in total we need to get together 560 € for all my costs to be covered
QUESTIONS or REGISTRATIONS?
marielle.gerke@gmail.com
+49 176 708 24 154
