NeuroStructural Integration Technique
Principles
The laws of nature embrace such living principles as physical activity and good posture, fresh air and sunshine, pure water, rest and sleep, good natural food, fasting and a happy and relaxed state of mind.
Good health and vitality depend on an adherence to the laws of nature. Clearly our "state of health" is the greatest common denominator in our lives. The evidence of our lives that we are indeed living by nature is high vitality, i.e. radiant appearance, optimal healing capacity, good memory, cheerfulness, creativity and much, much more.
If we are not living by the laws of nature the evidence is fatigue, lethargy, pain and sickness, low energy, unhealthy appearance, slow healing capacity, depression, poor metabolism etc. and pain. Pain is the body's warning system telling us that something is wrong.
We become used to handling and absorbing many stresses in our life and our life force (known as Chi, Prana etc.) is gradually sapped over time. This can then become chronic. Put very simply, the better we become at removing the obstacles to our life force and then supporting it, the healthier we will be and the longer we will live.
This is the philosophy which drives the NeuroStructural Integration Technique.
Structure governs function!
The main aim of the NeuroStructural Integration Technique is to remove pain and dysfunctional physiological and psychological conditions by restoring the structural integrity of the body. Essentially if every muscle in the body is in its correct position, i.e. homeostasis, then all of the other systems will be in homeostasis as a reciprocal consequence and health will abound.
NST employs a series of gentle but specific moves which are carried out in a predetermined and systematic manner. Initially the body responds to these moves by becoming extremely relaxed. This relaxation creates a temporary contextual shift in structural status, providing a window of opportunity for various spinal, somatic, cranial and autonomic reflexes to be activated, thereby bringing about a comprehensive re-setting of the whole body.
In addition to this whole body re-setting response which takes place, corrective energy flows can be directed into specific areas of the body where there is either pain or dysfunction.
What is NST?
NST is an extremely dynamic and skilful professional bodywork technique. It is essentially a soft tissue therapy designed to release muscles and fascia in a manner which is safe for all ages, from newborns to the elderly. There is no forceful manipulation, rather a cross-fibre maneouvuring of muscles, tendon, ligament or nerve, using varying pressure and incorporating resting periods to allow the body to respond. Throughout the session the recipient experiences deep relaxation, essentially providing the body with a "window of opportunity" to comprehensively re-organise itself via the natural activation of various neural reflexes.
Conditions that respond well include:
Cranial and TMJ problems
Neck and head tension
Whiplash and wry neck
Upper and lower back pain
Sports and accident injuries (chronic or acute)
Frozen shoulder and tennis elbow
Hamstring, knee and ankle problems
Stress disorders
Musculo, digestive, menstrual, and hormonal complaints
Acute and chronic fatigue
Emotional depression
History and development
In 1991, practising Applied Physiologist, Michael J. Nixon-Livy, from Australia, commenced the challenging task of unravelling Tom Bowen's later, more advanced principles - at that time known only to a handful of individuals. By 1995 he had completed his research and choreographed Bowen's advanced principles into a system, which is now straightforward to learn and retains the same degree of power and effectiveness as it did for Bowen.
Since its launch in 1996 in France, NST continues to make a significant and positive impact on health care systems throughout Europe, Britain, the USA and Australia.
Training
An introductory course of two days is being offered for those who just wish to sample this amazing technique. Although not recognised for qualifications, this course gives a great opportunity for one to decide if Bowen therapy is the field they wish to pursue by taking the following courses.
Professional training in the Neurostructural Integration Technique is reserved for individuals who are currently in clinical practice, using some form of professional "hands-on" therapy. Additionally applicants should be well versed in their understanding of basic anatomical and physiological principles.
Total training consists of 9 days. An initial 5-days completes the basic training during which time participants undergo intensive practical teaching plus some important initial theory. Topics covered in the 5-day training are the standard integrated body balance, plus a variety of other procedures, which need to be blended with the body balance when necessary. There are procedures for the hamstrings, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists, sacrum, coccyx, pelvis and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) complex. The technique is immediately usable and clinically effective after the 5-day training.
An advanced workshop is offered to participants of the basic workshop approximately 6 months after the basic workshop, in which time the technique must have been used extensively in the clinic. Case study work must be completed during this six month period, along with a practical and theoretical exam during the advanced 4-day workshop, to gain a certificate at the completion. The emphasis on the advanced workshop is on firstly ensuring that the participant is fluent with the basic workshop materials before proceeding with the more advanced techniques. Many new and innovative methods are taught in this additional workshop and they interface directly with procedures from the basic work.
Workshops in Australia
The basic 5-day workshop is taught in Australia by Ron Phelan. Ron has had many years experience teaching Bowen and runs a very busy clinical practice in Geelong. He brings considerable knowledge of Bowen, a passion and an wholistic outlook to his teaching. Ron is available to teach throughout Australia and is happy to make arrangements.
Contact NST - NeuroStructural Integration Technique
For further details please contact NST - NeuroStructural Integration Technique at:
Phone:(03) 5255 5229
Email: bowenst@iprimus.com.au