Primitive reflexes are sensory- motor circuits within the nervous system. When the body’s sensory system picks up a specific stimulus that information travels up to the brain. Then the brain processes the information and in turn sends out a motor response. For example, you put your finger in the hand of a newborn and they automatically close their hand into a fist around your finger. This is the Hands Grasp Reflex.

When treating reflexes we are working with direct pathways into the brainstem. The brainstem has the RAS which must filter all information entering and leaving the brain. When working at a reflex level we are working with the foundation of how all information is processed and we are able to make lasting changes.

Reflexes become retained if a baby does not move through the reflex pattern enough during development. To satisfy the brain to move it into the background (integration). Reflexes also can become unintegrated in the event of a physical or emotional trauma.