What Reflexes Are Integrating?
If reflex integration is combining different systems of the body into a cohesive whole that works together seamlessly, what reflexes are actually integrating? What reflexes are bringing our nervous systems, motor systems, sensory systems and energy systems together? What reflexes are helping our mind, body and spirit become a cohesive whole?
Because of different fields contributing to this body of work AND continued research, development and learning on the topic, it depends on who you ask. Some call it primitive reflexes. Some call it infant reflexes. Some call it neonatal reflexes. Others call it primary reflexes, postural reflexes, and righting reactions. While some of these terms are interchangeable, some of these terms are not and this is where confusion in the area of reflex integration can occur.
In general, primitive/infant/neonatal reflexes are involuntary, motor responses to a stimulus that are present in utero/newborns/infants that facilitate survival. These reflexes are meant to protect and help an infant stay alive. As the infant develops and survives, some reflexes are supposed to mature into primary reflexes and then “integrate” allowing VOLUNTARY movement and actions. Our postural reflexes are primitive and primary reflexes that help us to be upright and stable (and more of course). Our righting reactions are responses or reflexes that help our heads find and stay midline.
I like to think of all of them as reflex pathways. Pathways that link our various systems of the body (nervous systems, motor systems, sensory systems, and energy systems) and connect us to our mind, body, and spirit, that then allows us freedom. Freedom of movement, freedom of thought, freedom of choice. The reflex pathway is initially involuntary and solely for survival. As an infant grows and develops, the reflex pathways mature and allow different systems of the body to interact and work together to create voluntary movement and learning.
