What are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are “reflexive actions” that arise from the Central Nervous System (CNS) in response to a stimulus in normally developing infants. The infants engage in a variety of instinctual rhythmical baby movements to stimulate his or her brain to integrate the primitive reflexes (see video below). There are certain developmental sequences in which this integrating of reflexes occurs, and this is considered a maturing process. These primitive reflexes should not be present in “neurologically intact” adults, but sometimes are still found to present in adults due to various reasons, as well as children with various physical and/or genetic challenges. The primitive reflexes are said to be retained or un-integrated. Testing for retained primitive reflexes can be completed by someone trained to know what to look for. The presence of retained primitive reflexes can detrimentally affect a person’s nervous system. 

Heidi has training in various approaches to test individuals for retained primitive reflexes and provides specific movement recommendations to help with integrating the primitive reflexes that are showing up. The following are a summary of two approaches that Heidi uses in treatment. 

Types of Reflex Integration Services

Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi)

RMTi includes specific rhythmic movements which imitate instinctual baby movements, to stimulate new connections being made in the brain in order to help the brain and nervous system mature and integrate primitive infant reflexes. Adults often have retained primitive reflexes still present as well as children. This can cause problems in a number of different areas. RMTi is particularly useful for persons with such challenges as ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, co-ordination difficulties, developmental, speech and learning delays, sensory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and many other challenges. RMTi assists with improvements in areas including:

• Anxiety/panic/emotional problems
• Hypersensitivity/phobias
• Balance/coordination/posture
• Learning disabilities
• ADHD/impulsivity
• Focus/memory
• Reading/writing/math
• Speech/articulation

Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) Method Interventions:

Heidi has done some training related to Trauma and Stress Recovery in a reflex integration method called Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI). This method involves individuals completing various movements to help calm their nervous system and help to integrate stress related primitive reflexes which have been turned back on due to trauma. Heidi has learned tools to deal with trauma & stress to complete with her clients. For more information about MNRI, please visit:

Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute (masgutovamethod.com)

https://masgutovamethod.com/about-the-svetlana-masgutova-educational-institute

Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi)

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