Understanding Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Information per Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method, MNRI®
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What is a Reflex?
A reflex consists of a specific and adequate sensory stimulus, that is processed by lower centers of the brain, and elicits an automatic, specific motor response. The sensory stimulus could be the force of gravity, a turn of the neck, a touch to a specific part of the body, or a visual/auditory stimulus.
What is the purpose of a reflex?
As human beings, we have a series of genetic reflex patterns that serve as the neurophysiological basis for survival, safety and protection. Primitive reflexes emerge in utero and are present in full-term infants. Proper expression and experience of these reflex patterns should lead to their integration. This serves as the neurological building blocks for our growth and development. Challenges or disruptions within the reflex circuit, such as retained, dysfunctional or absent reflexes can lead to many functional difficulties. Reflexes and our Protection system (reactions to stress) are closely linked and these Valiant protectors may be ‘stuck or looping’ and may need support and care.
Reflexes and Sensory Processing: A root cause
Working with reflexes allows us to precisely address specific sensory receptors (for example those of the vestibular system when the head is turned or body tilted) and then pair them with a very specific motor response. This precise pairing is what paves the pathway for proper sensory processing. It provides the body with a sense of safety and protection. This helps decrease sensory seeking and avoidance behaviors and lays the foundation for higher level gross and fine motor skills, cognitive and social skills and visual and auditory processing skills.
Addressing the neurosensorimotor reflex circuit has proven benefits in children as well as adults. For whatever the reason (health issues or otherwise), some children miss opportunities to develop their reflexes as nature intended. MNRI treatment offers an opportunity for an individual to begin integrating their primitive reflexes so that these reflex patterns serve their biological purpose.
Oftentimes adults have experienced accidents, trauma and even chronic health conditions which can cause an increase in the levels of stress and stress hormones in the body. This can trigger a reflex to become active (when it should not be) and lead to chronic pain patterns due to held tension as well as functional motor and emotional challenges. Addressing motor and emotional concerns through the reflex circuit is an innovative and highly effective tool for people of all ages.