Frequently Asked Questions

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Is Ortho-Bionomy ® Recognized in My Province/Territory?

The Ortho-Bionomy Association of Canada is a not-for-profit association that governs the education and professional standards of Associate members, Practitioners, Advanced Practitioners and Instructors. Like Osteopathy, some insurance companies have recognized this practice, but it is not in the mainstream of medical system in Canada. We recommend that clients request this service from their insurance providers.

How do I Apply or register for a class?

The classes are offered in different areas, and the website class listings gives you coordinators contact information for each class offered. You can apply for the practitioner training program after taking one class.

How can I host a class in my own community?

Anyone can invite an instructor to come to their community to give a class or workshop. A list of OBAC Instructors can be found at the bottom of the ‘TRAINING’ page. Coordinators also may attend the class at no charge. Coordinator information can be found at the bottom of the ‘CLASSES’ page.

Is there a beginner class recommended for those who haven’t taken any workshops before?

We recommend that you take a class called Phase 4 or Exploration of Movement Patterns as a good foundational class. The Phase 4 class is considered the foundational class and will cover the history and development of Ortho-Bionomy along with the original techniques.

Do I need any Anatomy training before I can register for a class?

The anatomy of each segment covered will be explained throughout each course, so it is not a prerequisite. There is a requirement for those in the Practitioner Program to complete an Anatomy and Physiology segment, but it is not necessary or required for the classes.

Why do you start at Phase 4, what does that mean?

The roots of Ortho-Bionomy are in Osteopathy and so the founder of Ortho-Bionomy, Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls was an Osteopath who began by expanding on the work of Dr. Lawrence Jones (Strain-Counter strain) into different phases (originally called the Phased Reflex Technique). It took 3 more Phases to evolve to a place where the technique was spontaneous, intuitive, faster and highly effective. Some also consider Phase 4 as an evolvement of the person when they are ready for this work, either to receive or study.

What is unique about Ortho-Bionomy?

This approach to the body and health of the person is unique in that it is completely holistic and offers simple and effective ways to work through pain and tension into comfort and ease through following a set of principles and concepts that are natural and instinctual to each person.

It has also been available for anyone to learn. Although professionals have been using this method in North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia for many years, it’s techniques can be learned by anyone who wants to support others and themselves.

Is Ortho-Bionomy like Reiki?

One way to think about it is that Reiki primarily works through an energetic approach of channeling universal energy, while Ortho-Bionomy works through the body’s own self-correcting reflexes and natural intelligence. Ortho-Bionomy does not practice energy given or taken away. Neither force change and they both respect the individual, but they take different paths toward supporting health and well being.