The short answer is quite likely yes. Let me explain what sets the MNRI work that Integrate and Thrive does apart from other primitive reflex therapies.
There are five main aspects that stick out in my opinion. Let’s go through them.
1.) First off, MNRI believes that a reflex is integrated NOT inhibited. There are other primary reflex techniques that believe that a reflex is “dropped” as we develop. MNRI says that a reflex is integrated into more complicated/complex abilities as we develop. Need some proof? Moro is a reflex we commonly think of with babies. It is responsible for the first breath and is the startle reflex in infants. For example, if they hear a loud noise, their arms go out wide and they appear startled. As they develop, they don’t show you moro each time they are startled anymore. Not never, just not all the time. When we are adults, we use moro when we trip and reach out for something to grab on to as one example. We use the reflex when we need it, and then it calms back down and goes about its day to day job. So, if Moro was inhibited, then we as adults would not be able to “pull it up” whenever we need it. Which then easily proves that reflexes are not inhibited, they are integrated.
2.) Another very important aspect of MNRI vs other primary reflex techniques is that MNRI works with the whole reflex circuit. We got into detail on this in other blogs so we will keep it simple here. There are three steps that occur when we are responding to the environment around us: 1. Input (sensory stimulation), 2. Brain processing, 3. Output (muscle movement). When many children/adults are working with their PT or OT on primary reflexes, they will assign them different movements to do at home to attempt to integrate them such as cat/cow, bird dog, superman, starfish, etc. While this may be appropriate for some people, it won’t be for all. These exercises are only addressing the output since it is a conscious muscle movement. But note that this is step 3. Two whole steps have been skipped that take place in our subconscious brain. This is where MNRI comes in as it can address all three steps.
Fun fact: 90-95% of our brain activity is subconscious. Leaving only 5-10% for conscious activity. When have you been able to solve a problem only addressing 5-10% of it before?
3.) MNRI also understands that a feeling of safety and security is the basis of cognitive, emotional, physical growth and development. Aka it is very hard to learn how to solve a new math problem if your body thinks there is a tiger behind it. First we must show the body that it is safe. When the body doesn’t feel safe, you are primarily functioning out of your brain stem - this is not where we learn. In order for signals to get to the part of the brain where learning occurs, the cortex, it has to get through the brainstem. So we must satisfy the brainstem first and then we can gain access to the higher processes that occur in the rest of the brain. Here’s a simple example to prove my point: think about the last time you played the 5 second game and had to name 5 names that start with L in 5 seconds. People will tend to “freak out” and cannot come up with names as easily as they think they should. A similar concept is happening here. Take away the constraint/stress of the 5 second rule and you’ll likely be able to think of 5 names fairly easily/quickly. MNRI takes away the stress first so that the brain/body is more relaxed and can then focus on the task at hand.
4.) MNRI builds on the positive to fix the negative. There is no point in focusing on what we can’t do. So lets build up the positive and the negative will come along. If we stress out the body, then it is not going to be open to learning (see point #3). Typically one side of the body or certain points in the body are at a better starting point, by strengthening these it will “open the doors” for the not-so-good side to become just as good.
5.) Last but certainly not least, a BIG positive for MNRI is that you don’t have to relive the trauma if that applies to you or your child. In fact, you don’t even need to talk about it. The body will show us what needs to be addressed. This is huge for non-verbal children, those that have experienced heavy trauma that don’t want to talk about it or children who can’t necessarily verbalize the things they have experienced. A large part of the reason we love this work is that you can get efficient, lasting results for PTSD or trauma related healing without having to dive back into what happened. We can use the body to help close that chapter and move on.
Hopefully we have made it quite clear that MNRI can very likely still help and may be needed for you or your child. We would love to work alongside you or your child’s therapist as their work is likely still beneficial but the MNRI work may just be the deeper look that everyone needs to get more out of their therapy. If you have questions about your specific scenario please don’t hesitate to reach out!