Ortho-Bionomy Classes

Ortho-Bionomy® uses osteopathic-based, gentle, comfortable body positions and movements to stimulate self-correcting reflexes within the muscles and nerves. This method is specific and structure oriented.

The techniques of this foundation class can alleviate tension patterns of the pelvis within 10-30 seconds. It is easy on the practitioner and can be integrated into any massage or bodywork session. Included in the class tuition is access to a pre-requisite online video with necessary information about Ortho-Bionomy, so that we can spend more class time doing hands on work. If you have recently taken an Ortho-Bionomy class this requirement may be waived, please ask for more details.

The Releases for the Thoracic Spine 4 hour class will include hands on techniques for the Upper, Middle, and Lower Thoracic Spine. The Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Lumbar Spine, and Pelvis mini classes in combination are the equivalent of the 16 hour Releases for the Spine & Pelvis (Phase 4) class.

This class is NCBTMB approved. This four hour “mini class” can be used for Phase 4 requirements for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Associate and Practitioner training programs.

This foundation class covers the history, philosophy, and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy and provides an overview of the basic release techniques and anatomy for each major joint in the body.

Movements and positions of comfort are demonstrated to facilitate the release of muscular tension and overall stress by stimulating the inherent, self-corrective reflexes of the body, which help create structural alignment and balance from within.

This course is typically taught for specific body areas/anatomy, such as spine, extremities, thoracics, etc. to break the coursework into more manageable sections.

Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, the founder of Ortho-Bionomy, organized his work into Phases Four, Five, Six and Seven, with the foundation work beginning with Phase Four. This is covered in the Phase Four course.

Ortho-Bionomy® uses osteopathic-based, gentle, comfortable body positions and movements to stimulate self-correcting reflexes within the muscles and nerves. This method is specific and structure oriented.

The techniques of this foundation class can alleviate tension patterns of the pelvis within 10-30 seconds. It is easy on the practitioner and can be integrated into any massage or bodywork session. Included in the class tuition is access to a pre-requisite online video with necessary information about Ortho-Bionomy, so that we can spend more class time doing hands on work. If you have recently taken an Ortho-Bionomy class this requirement may be waived, please ask for more details.

The Releases for the Lumbar Spine 4 hour class will include hands on techniques for all five Lumbar Vertebrae. The Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Lumbar Spine, and Pelvis mini classes in combination are the equivalent of the 16 hour Releases for the Spine & Pelvis (Phase 4) class

This class is NCBTMB approved. This four hour “mini class” can be used for Phase 4 requirements for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Associate and Practitioner training programs.

This foundation class covers the history, philosophy, and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy and provides an overview of the basic release techniques for the joints of the extremities. Movements and positions of comfort are demonstrated to facilitate the release of muscular tension and overall stress by stimulating the inherent, self-corrective reflexes of the body which help the body create structural alignment and balance from within.

Ortho-Bionomy® uses osteopathic-based, gentle, comfortable body positions and movements to stimulate self-correcting reflexes within the muscles and nerves. This method is specific and structure oriented.

The techniques of this foundation class can alleviate tension patterns of the pelvis within 10-30 seconds. It is easy on the practitioner and can be integrated into any massage or bodywork session. Included in the class tuition is access to a pre-requisite online video with necessary information about Ortho-Bionomy, so that we can spend more class time doing hands on work. If you have recently taken an Ortho-Bionomy class this requirement may be waived, please ask for more details.

The Releases for the Pelvis 4 hour class will include hands on techniques for the Psoas, Ilium Rotation patterns, and the Sacrum. The Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Lumbar Spine, and Pelvis mini classes in combination are the equivalent of the 16 hour Releases for the Spine & Pelvis (Phase 4) class.

This class is NCBTMB approved. This four hour “mini class” can be used for Phase 4 requirements for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Associate and Practitioner training programs.

A thorough review of Phase 4 concepts and applications from basic to advanced.

A thorough review of Phase 4 concepts and applications from basic to advanced.

This class takes the principles of Ortho-Bionomy and applies them to the pelvis & low back regions, going beyond the standard moves taught in the Spine & Pelvis (Phase 4) class. When properly applied these releases can affect the bony structure and musculature of the entire pelvis & low back regions.

Class techniques will include working with the pelvic floor, ischium attachments, pubic symphysis, pubic ramus attachments, coccyx, and piriformis.

The gentleness and ease of using these techniques will amaze you and your clients. Prerequisite: One 16 hour Ortho-Bionomy Phase 4 class OR the Introduction to Ortho-Bionomy Three-Hour Class the previous day

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# CE401373

This class can be used for Phase 4 requirements or to fulfill an elective requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International’s Associate, Practitioner, and Advanced Practitioner training programs.

This class expands and builds upon Phase four Extremities. Participants will learn detailed releases for both the joints and the soft tissue structures of the hip, thigh, knee and leg. Releases for the ankle and foot will be covered..

This class expands from the basic release techniques to advanced considerations for working with the pelvis and organs, and finding more challenging positions of comfort to facilitate the release of muscular tension and overall stress by stimulating the inherent, self-corrective reflexes of the body which help the body create structural alignment and balance from within.

In Phase 4 we learn Points, Positions, Releases, Isometrics, Posture, and Movement Exploration. In Phase 5 we will advance these bodywork basics and transition into a deeper tissue discovery and further development of proprioceptive and palpatory skills. 

Phase 5 can be considered as a bridge between a Physical and an Energetic approach to the client. The expansive skill set offered in Phase 5, will allow us to approach and understand our clients and ourselves in a more holistic manner.

This Ortho-Bionomy class combines sensitivity training with subtle physical releases. The student learns to follow the client’s self-corrective reflexes. 

These releases are excellent for people experiencing deep pain, including highly sensitive people who can not tolerate more vigorous work. This work bridges the body-mind connection and can be easily integrated into any bodywork session.

Ortho-Bionomy Subtle Physical and Unwinding Techniques can offer the practitioner specific tools: To allow a further unwinding of a pattern To help clients find further clarity in their nervous system about their tension To find a fuller embodiment experience for the client.

Specific areas of focus in the class will include: Neck Shoulders Ear Balance Elbow Ribs Lumbar Region Sacrum Jim Berns And Melissa Malm will be co-teaching this class.

In Phase 5 we soften our being and quiet our minds creating a greater sense of self-awareness. This allows us to listen on a deeper level and connect with the person we are working on both physically and energetically. We call this a Phase 5 mood.

In practice we make contact, with an area of the body, to be addressed and wait for the body spontaneous movement to guide us as we observe their process towards self - correction and balance. We can also initiate a Phase 4 movement or start an exploration of movement and then shift into a Phase 5 mood to allow the person’s body to guide us.

This class teaches participants to access and track sensation and energetic perception in themselves and in their clients, to learn how to make contact without necessarily engaging physically.

Techniques will be presented that monitor and acknowledge the inter-relationship between energetic, emotional and physical levels, and that demonstrate how energetic shifts can affect changes in physical patterns.

Phase 6 is an Energetic Application of the Principles, Techniques, and Practices we have learned in Phase 4 and Phase 5 Ortho-Bionomy Classes. In Phase 6, we primarily work with the Etheric Body, Aura, Subtle Bodies or Energy Field of the client.

Any of these terms can be used interchangeable, based on your background and exposure to what is commonly termed “Energy Work”. At times, we will have our hands on our client’s physical body, but most of the interface occurs off the body.

This class demonstrates the principles and applications of Phase Seven patterns to assist with self-correction. The patterns address all levels of human experience and offer participants a non-forceful, elegant way to approach problems of many kinds.

Techniques for working with inefficient muscular tension patterns as well as underdeveloped muscle tone are presented and practiced.

Through the use of restraining movement while the muscle is engaged, self-correcting reflexes are stimulated and habitual holding patterns can be released.

Participants learn how the conscious use of obstacles can help promote change from rigid physical patterns to greater mobility and allows the client to actively participate in the session.

This class presents isometric and isotonic techniques, including related anatomy, for working with inefficient muscular tension patterns as well as underdeveloped muscle tone.

Through the use of restraining movement while the muscle is engaged, self-correcting reflexes are stimulated and habitual holding patterns can be released.

Participants learn how the conscious use of obstacles can help promote change from rigid physical patterns to greater mobility while allowing the client to actively participate in the session.

In this class we use hands-on movements to assess, to release, and to integrate areas of pain or tension in the client’s body. Using Ortho-Bionomy principles and the body’s innate wisdom, you will fine tune your ability to sense patterns in the movement of the tissue and the responses of the neuromuscular proprioceptive reflexes.

These hands-on movements fold in seamlessly with any kind of bodywork you are already doing, and are fun to do! These techniques are so important that Melissa uses them in every single session.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70058611 "Exploration of Movement Class" with Jim Berns.

This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Practitioner training program.

We'll be learning location, identification/palpation, and release of Chapman's Reflexes. Identified by osteopath Frank Chapman in the 1920s, the reflexes stimulate nerve and lymph flow to individual organs and glands. Working with the reflex points, we improve the body's self- regulating abilities, overall functioning, and lymph flow. Grouping specific points together, we can address different systems of the body.

This class presents the Chapman's Reflexes system of identifying and stimulating reflex points to facilitate lymphatic drainage and the balancing of the organs.

The class also focuses on the relationship between the neuro-lymphatic reflexes and the endocrine system and its effect on structural balance as well as the individual's physical and emotional well-being.

Four 4-hour class sessions Nov 4, 5, 18, 19 (T, W, T, W) from 9am-1pm pacific, 10am-2pm mountain, 11am-3pm central, 12pm-4pm eastern.

This introspective exploration of who we are directly affects our therapeutic relationship with our clients. This class combines sharing of information, body awareness exercises, and self-awareness of patterns. You will walk away from this class with a deeper understanding of being a sensitive body therapist.

Some students have wished that they had this class as part of their initial massage therapy training.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70277407 "Ethics & Emotional Issues (inc 2 hr Standard V)" with Jim Berns, and counts towards most states’ Ethics requirements.

This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Associate and Practitioner training programs.

Participants learn skills for addressing emotional responses that may arise during a session in an appropriate and professional manner.

 Emotions is focused on Trauma and how to work with the nervous systems that are effected by trauma. It is based on the work of Peter Levine and Stephan Porgeses.

In this online course, anatomical and physiological structures and functions relevant to the practice of Ortho-Bionomy are presented from a bodywork perspective. We will look at the main systems of the body from holistically.

Our textbook will be Job’s Body by Deane Juhan (Third Edition), the most widely used resources in therapeutic bodywork. In this book Juhan explores the skin, connective tissue, bone, muscles, nerve and fascia, the impact of touch, evolutionary impacts, the brain, proprioception, and recent developments that challenge and expand on our understanding of the body, mind and spirit. It includes insights from biochemistry, cell biology, energy medicine, neurophysiology and quantum consciousness.

This course will be 11 three-hour sessions every three weeks on a Wednesday. There will be required reading and homework for each time we meet. The class will include reading guides for Job’s Body, additional readings and videos that enhance the topics.

Group discussion is an important part of each class.

Classes will be recorded. $675.00 (Payment plans available)

You can schedule a free consultation if you would like to know more.

• 2/5/25 Introduction, Job’s Dilemma and Skin
• 2/26/25  Connective Tissue
• 3/19/25  Bones
• 4/9/25  Muscles
• 4/30/25  Nerves
• 5/21/25  Muscle as an Organ of Sense, Part 1
• 6/11/25  Muscle as an Organ of Sense, Part 2
• 7/2/25  Sense of Effort / Sensory Engrams
• 7/23/25  Movements Towards Disease and Health
• 8/13/25  Further Views at the Turn of the Century
• 9/3/25  

Times:

7:00-10:00 PM Eastern
6:00-9:00 PM Central
5:00-8:00 PM Mountain
4:00-7:00 PM Pacific

Anatomical and physiological structures and functions relevant to the practice of Ortho-Bionomy®

We include all the systems of the body that are needed for a thriving Ortho-Bionomy Practice.

The advanced study of the principles that govern the Ortho-Bionomy® relationship to the brain, fluids and structure.

An advanced educational experience that deepens the practitioner’s understanding of the relationships of the pelvis, organs and the upper thorax.

This class examines the relationships that often influence the structural integrity within the human system.

An advanced educational experience that deepens the practitioner’s understanding of the relationships of the pelvis, organs and the upper thorax.

This class examines the relationships that often influence the structural integrity within the human system.

In this class you will learn how Ortho-Bionomy® can facilitate the natural ability of the lymphatic system to function well.

The focus will be on understanding the nature of the lymphatic system and its relationship to the fascia and the fluids. The class will include discussion in the following areas: Basic anatomy physiology and microcirculation of the lymphatic system. Relationships between the parts; fluids fascia and the lymphatic System.

Ortho-Bionomy® techniques presented will release structural binding and blocking of the lymphatic system and encourage natural fluid flow.

Scar tissue refinement Specific techniques to address Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome This method will gently reduce general pain, refine post surgical scar tissue, and promote edema reduction. It is also an effective adjunct to Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy in the treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema.

Ortho-Bionomy® promotes working with ease and comfort for the client as well as the practitioner.

In this class you will learn how Ortho-Bionomy® can facilitate the natural ability of the lymphatic system to function well.

The focus will be on understanding the nature of the lymphatic system and its relationship to the fascia and the fluids. The class will include discussion in the following areas: Basic anatomy physiology and microcirculation of the lymphatic system. Relationships between the parts; fluids fascia and the lymphatic System.

Ortho-Bionomy® techniques presented will release structural binding and blocking of the lymphatic system and encourage natural fluid flow.

Scar tissue refinement Specific techniques to address Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome This method will gently reduce general pain, refine post surgical scar tissue, and promote edema reduction. It is also an effective adjunct to Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy in the treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema.

Ortho-Bionomy® promotes working with ease and comfort for the client as well as the practitioner.

This class takes a deep dive into the human fascia system and how we as Ortho-Bionomy Practitioners can not only listen to, but also address adhesions and trauma affected here.

This is a profound class and a lot of fun!

Breath is life. Each breath we take is a picture of who we have been, who we are, and who we yearn to be. Using osteopathic-based principles of Ortho-Bionomy, in this hands-on training we will:

· Recognize restrictions of the breath and offer it new options

· Bring awareness to the connections between the breath and other parts of the body

· Explore the possibilities of where the breath can lead us

· Use painless comfortable positions to release tension patterns in the structure associated with the breath.

It is amazing how such gentle techniques can give such deep releases. Ortho-Bionomy is easy on the practitioner and can easily be integrated into any massage or bodywork session. Ortho-Bionomy uses gentle painless positions and movements to allow the body to self-correct back to balance and ease. It is easy on the practitioner to do and comforting for the client to receive.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70334152 (Jim Berns) This class can fulfill an elective requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International’s Associate, Practitioner, and Advanced Practitioner training programs.

This class expands from the basic release techniques to advanced considerations around working with the neck and shoulder, and the challenge to find movements and positions of comfort to facilitate release

This study group will be a follow on from the class on Fluids Fascia and the Lymphatic System. Tailored to the students needs and give them a chance to review any material that was presented in the class.

It will also include breath-work and small movements that are specific to fluid and lymphatic function in the body, There will also be a brief discussion of dry body following lymphatic pathways.

Study groups are tailored to the participants’ needs and give students a chance to review techniques, receive clarification about the application and principles of Ortho-Bionomy® and to gain insight about specific client cases or situations that concern them.

Time: 2:30-5:30 pm Mountain

Study groups are tailored to the participants’ needs and give students a chance to review techniques, receive clarification about the application and principles of Ortho-Bionomy® and to gain insight about specific client cases or situations that concern them.

Study groups are tailored to the participants’ needs and give students a chance to review techniques, receive clarification about the application and principles of Ortho-Bionomy® and to gain insight about specific client cases or situations that concern them.

In this online course, anatomical and physiological structures and functions relevant to the practice of Ortho-Bionomy are presented from a bodywork perspective. We will look at the main systems of the body from holistically.

Our textbook will be Job’s Body by Deane Juhan (Third Edition), the most widely used resources in therapeutic bodywork. In this book Juhan explores the skin, connective tissue, bone, muscles, nerve and fascia, the impact of touch, evolutionary impacts, the brain, proprioception, and recent developments that challenge and expand on our understanding of the body, mind and spirit. It includes insights from biochemistry, cell biology, energy medicine, neurophysiology and quantum consciousness.

This course will be 11 three-hour sessions every three weeks on a Wednesday. There will be required reading and homework for each time we meet. The class will include reading guides for Job’s Body, additional readings and videos that enhance the topics.

Group discussion is an important part of each class.

Classes will be recorded. $675.00 (Payment plans available)

You can schedule a free consultation if you would like to know more.

• 2/5/25 Introduction, Job’s Dilemma and Skin
• 2/26/25  Connective Tissue
• 3/19/25  Bones
• 4/9/25  Muscles
• 4/30/25  Nerves
• 5/21/25  Muscle as an Organ of Sense, Part 1
• 6/11/25  Muscle as an Organ of Sense, Part 2
• 7/2/25  Sense of Effort / Sensory Engrams
• 7/23/25  Movements Towards Disease and Health
• 8/13/25  Further Views at the Turn of the Century
• 9/3/25  Sweet Science / Epilogue / Conclusions

Four 4-hour class sessions Nov 4, 5, 18, 19 (T, W, T, W) from 9am-1pm pacific, 10am-2pm mountain, 11am-3pm central, 12pm-4pm eastern.

This introspective exploration of who we are directly affects our therapeutic relationship with our clients. This class combines sharing of information, body awareness exercises, and self-awareness of patterns. You will walk away from this class with a deeper understanding of being a sensitive body therapist.

Some students have wished that they had this class as part of their initial massage therapy training.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70277407 "Ethics & Emotional Issues (inc 2 hr Standard V)" with Jim Berns, and counts towards most states’ Ethics requirements.

This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Associate and Practitioner training programs.

Through learning more about yourself and your strengths, this class will enhance your business and marketing skills. Your intentions can become clearer, your confidence can grow, and you can feel more comfortable receiving value for the work you do.

This class is designed for seasoned professionals and entry level practitioners alike. You will walk away from this class with a clearer sense of how to promote yourself. While this class is designed to be part of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy’s Practitioner Training Program, it can greatly benefit anyone who is looking to deepen their connection to their practice.

The dates of this class are: January 29, 30, February 3, 4 (Th, F, T, W), from 9:00am - 1:00pm Pacific.

This class is NCBTMB approved as a business/marketing class. This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International’s Practitioner Training Program.

2026 Residential Retreat
"Putting It All Together: 
Journey Deeper into the Many Facets of Ortho-Bionomy"
Applegate, California (50 miles NE of the Sacramento International Airport)
April 10-16, 2026

Join us for the immersive experience of an Ortho-Bionomy Residential, where you will have the opportunity to learn, deepen, and live Ortho-Bionomy for a 7 day/6 night retreat. 

In a beautiful natural setting surrounded by trees, hiking trails, and a beautiful pond, you will be able to learn & experience more about the different facets of Ortho-Bionomy and Put It All Together:
~ Deepen your understanding of and confidence with the techniques
~ Explore the many layers of Ortho-Bionomy
~ Gain deeper sensitivity in your hands and body
~ Become more comfortable & excited about human anatomy
~ Integrate into your practice the many aspects of Ortho-Bionomy

Interspersed with the 40 hours of formal classroom time will be ample opportunities for walking the trails, sitting by the pond, journaling, meditating, practicing and receiving bodywork with classmates, being in community, laughing, moving, and other activities that take care of you.

You will be given the chance to step away from your daily distractions, obligations, and commitments and really focus on YOU, both personally and professionally.
~ Practice how to take care of yourself more fluidly
~ Explore parts of the body that may be new for you
~ Find more comfort with “Less is More”
~ Track patterns in your client’s body
~ Ask questions you haven’t had time for in class

Jim & Melissa have spent the last couple of years looking for a location that has the beauty of nature and is priced appropriately. We have found a wonderful retreat just east of Sacramento, California, tucked into the Sierra Nevada foothills. It has easy freeway, airport, and Amtrak/bus access.

We look forward to sharing Ortho-Bionomy with you April 10-16, 2026. Please mark your calendars now, and register early for the discount and to reserve your place!

This seminar addresses the inner process of how to hold the energy of Ortho-Bionomy. It is time for the student to learn how to work with clear boundaries and a stronger sense of self. It is profound and important step that allows the student to deepen the level of work they can hold within their own experience and awareness.

Practitioner Training Programs help participants synthesize their entire training experience. The class format includes time to discuss questions or problems that arise during a session, an opportunity to receive feedback and supervision about difficult cases, and information on how to best structure a session, set fees, and communicate with clients.