Reflexes

The primitive reflexes are the automatic involuntary movements located in the brain stem present at birth and necessary for newborn survival, helping babies to survive, grow, and develop motor skills. These central nervous system motor responses typically integrate during the first year and mature into voluntary movements known as postural reflexes.

When the reflexes don’t integrate (disappear), we may see issues such from nervous system dysregulation, anxiety and depression, poor coordination, sensory processing difficulties, postural issues, chronic and more.

The reflexes may be retained from childhood to adulthood causing us anxiety, illness or pain. The reflexes may have integrated in childhood, however trauma may have switched them back on again, which may show up as high functioning as compensation, or chronic illness.