Primitive Reflex Integration Case Studies

Rhythmic movements and reflex integration help with emotional regulation and physical tension

For this woman in her forties, high levels of stress and anxiety were common. Sleep was difficult, she experienced migraines, and had chronic tension in her neck, shoulders, and back. See how she used rhythmic movements and reflex integration from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course to quickly improve all of these issues.

Submitted by Magdalena Wesolowska, Special Education Needs Tutor

This case study is based on myself, a 46-year-old woman with no formal diagnoses. I began using the Brain and Sensory Foundations work because I was struggling with chronic stress, anxiety, stiff neck and shoulder tension, lower back pain, brain fog, seasonal allergies, and frequent foot cramps—especially when pointing the toes. I also noticed I was more reactive under pressure, struggled with sleep quality, and often felt overwhelmed and dysregulated.

I began incorporating Rhythmic Movements into my daily life about three months ago. Initially, I didn’t always manage to do them every day, but I noticed quite quickly that even small, consistent doses had an impact. When I practiced the movements in the evening, my sleep quality improved—I would fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling more rested and less fatigued. Over time, I started to focus on integrating specific reflexes. These included:

• TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex) and ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Both of these helped reduce the chronic stiffness and tension I had in my neck and shoulders. I still experience it occasionally, but it is significantly less frequent and less intense than before.
• STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): This one seemed to have a strong effect on my headaches and migraines. I used to get them regularly, especially when stressed, but now they are far less frequent.
• Fear Paralysis and Moro Reflexes: These made the biggest difference in terms of emotional regulation. I feel calmer, less anxious, and more resilient in situations that would have previously overwhelmed me.
• Babinski Reflex: I believe this may have been linked to the feet cramping I used to experience when pointing my toes. Since working on integrating this reflex, the cramping has stopped entirely.

I began with Rhythmic Movements [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] because I was experiencing a constant low-level state of stress, anxiety, and physical tension, especially in my neck and back. These movements offered a simple, non-invasive way to calm my nervous system and reintroduce gentle movement and rhythm. I chose to work with TLR and ATNR specifically because I noticed chronic tightness in my neck and shoulders, and difficulty relaxing through my upper spine. At first, TLR movements brought up discomfort in my neck and upper spine, making me realise how much tension I’d been holding unconsciously. With continued practice, that discomfort gave way to release and a greater sense of ease. Later, I included STNR due to frequent migraines and head pressure, especially when moving between head positions. During ATNR and STNR work, I also noticed emotional responses surfacing—feelings of frustration or discomfort when turning my head or coordinating movement. These faded as I continued, leaving a sense of emotional and physical relief.

The Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR) felt essential for the way I often froze under stress, avoided certain interactions, or felt emotionally reactive. I explored the Moro Reflex because I noticed a strong startle pattern in myself—feeling easily thrown off when caught off guard or overstimulated. When I discovered the Babinski reflex was still active, I began working on it to address long-standing foot cramps, which stopped after working with that reflex. I chose the 5-Step Balance Process [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] because I needed support for a high-stakes situation (recording video trainings), and I wanted a focused, accessible protocol to quickly improve confidence and regulation.

I noticed that when I practiced rhythmic movements in the evening, my sleep quality improved significantly, so I prioritised that time of day. On days when I felt more emotional or fatigued, I reduced the intensity and length of the movements and returned to simpler versions like rhythmic movements or Brain Tune-Up. I realised that when I was overwhelmed, I needed to start with grounding—Fear Paralysis before Moro or ATNR, for example. If I pushed too quickly into emotionally charged reflexes like Moro, I’d feel drained or overstimulated, so I learned to slow down and layer movements gently.

I used the 5-Step Balance Process during a moment when I was feeling highly stressed. I needed to record a training video as part of an online course and felt nervous, tense, and unsure of myself. Afterwards, I felt and saw a clear difference. My body posture changed—I stood taller and felt more grounded and balanced. My voice was louder and more confident, and I felt a sense of calm alertness rather than anxiety. I had more presence and spoke more clearly.

Since then, I have recorded five video trainings and feel significantly more confident each time. I still get a bit nervous beforehand, but I now do at least a Brain Tune-Up before starting, and it helps reset my system quickly. My posture has improved, and I’ve noticed that I carry myself more upright and with less tension, especially during public speaking or social interactions. That single experience of using the 5-Step Balance Process showed me how fast and effective this work can be.

Although I haven’t practiced daily without fail, I return to the movements regularly, especially during high-stress periods. Each time, I find they help bring me back into balance—whether it's physical tension, emotional overwhelm, or mental fog. I feel more resilient now and better able to handle daily demands. I also feel more connected to my body and more aware of what I need to stay well-regulated.

Biggest gains:

• Reduced frequency of migraines and neck/shoulder tension.
• Better quality of sleep.
• No more cramping in the feet when toes are pointed.
• Improved mood and reduced anxiety.
• More confidence in public speaking and recording training videos.
• General improvement in posture and body awareness.

This process taught me how interconnected emotional and physical regulation really are. I realised that my nervous system had been working in overdrive for years—trying to stay "functional" while stuck in a pattern of freeze and hypervigilance. The movements gave me a language for listening to my body in a new way. I learned that consistency matters more than perfection, and that even a few minutes a day could reset my system in profound ways. The 5-Step Balance Process showed me how quickly my confidence could shift with the right support.

I feel more connected to my body, less reactive, and more resilient. This experience has also changed the way I view behavioural or emotional challenges in others. I now understand the foundational role of reflex integration and regulation, and I’ll carry this into how I support clients and family members in the future.

(Edited, emphasis added)