Ortho-Bionomy Classes with Melissa Malm,
Registered Ortho-Bionomy Instructor
Ortho-Bionomy uses osteopathic-based gentle body positions and movements to stimulate self-correcting reflexes within the muscles and nerves. This highly specific and structure-oriented method can move the client out of pain and discomfort within ten to thirty seconds.
Ortho-Bionomy is a different approach to working with the body. As a somatic bodywork, Ortho-Bionomy works within the nervous system with the proprioceptors and self-correcting reflexes of the body. Ortho-Bionomy was developed by British Osteopath, Arthur Lincoln Pauls, DO. Pauls studied the work of Lawrence Jones, DO, and saw the value of Jones' unique approach. Pauls eventually developed this into Ortho-Bionomy, a principle-based system using self-corrective reflexes. Pauls contributed further to this indirect body of work by focusing on the palpation skills of the practitioner, a deep presence of the practitioner with the client, isometric exercises, other movements, and postural work. This combination can achieve a depth, creativity, and ability to meet each client in their particular individual circumstances.
Ortho-Bionomy is a principle-based work, and you can use what you learn in these classes to work anywhere in the body. Ortho-Bionomy can deeply increase your palpation skills and ability to safely be present with your client, and it can be an important component for trauma release. It provides extended levels of professional continuing education training with classes that address soft tissue, structure, lymph, and layers of constriction. Any manual practitioner can benefit from these skills to add to their treatment techniques.
Upcoming Workshops
Introduction to Ortho-Bionomy for Three-Hour Class (Wrist, Thumb)
Friday, June 20th, 2025
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Corvallis Chamber of Commerce
420 NW 2nd Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
Tuition: $70
Learn a safe and effective way to ease stress, promote relaxation, and release tension!
This class is a foundation class, open to everyone - no massage or bodywork experience needed. Great for beginners looking to find out more about Ortho-Bionomy and also for returning students who want to brush up on foundational skills. Learn how to gently and easily release pain and tension patterns. Ortho-Bionomy is easy to learn, and you can start helping yourself, as well as your friends and family, right away!
A three-hour class will be offered on Friday, June 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm that fulfills the pre-requisite for the 16-hour class the next two days. Tuition $20 if you bring a friend, otherwise $70. The three-hour class can also be taken as a stand-alone class and is NCBTMB approved.
Exploration of Movement
June 21 - 22, 2025
9 am - 6 pm
Location: Corvallis Chamber of Commerce
420 NW 2nd Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
Tuition: $325 by May 30, $375 after May 30
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 your are already doing and are fun to do!
Pre-requisite: One 16 hour Ortho-Bionomy Phase 4 class OR the Introduction to Ortho-Bionomy® Three-Hour Class (see above), when taken the previous day.
This class is NCBTMB approved.
This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International Practitioner training programs.
Ortho-Bionomy® is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and is used with permission.