Reflex Therapies: A Bridge Between the Nervous System and Healing

I just had the privilege of attending a two-day weekend workshop at Lauterstein with Edward Ulme, a trauma-informed bodyworker and teacher of advanced bodywork techniques. His deep understanding of neuroscience and reflex therapies opened my eyes to the profound potential of these modalities to facilitate healing.

Reflex therapies work by sending signals from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the central nervous system (CNS) and back, creating a feedback loop that helps the body regulate itself. This dynamic exchange has far-reaching effects, including pain reduction, improved nerve signaling, and deep relaxation.

What Are Reflex Therapies?

Reflex therapies are based on the principle that specific pressure points and reflexive responses in the body can trigger changes in the nervous system. These techniques stimulate pathways that restore communication between the brain, spinal cord, and body, allowing for recalibration and regulation.

This approach is different from traditional massage, which primarily works on muscles and fascia. Reflex therapies target neurological pathways and tap into the body's innate intelligence to promote healing.

The Nervous System’s Role in Healing

Our nervous system is constantly processing sensory input—whether we’re aware of it or not. When trauma, chronic stress, or injury disrupts this flow of communication, the body can become stuck in patterns of tension, pain, or dysfunction.

Edward Ulme’s work emphasizes how reflex therapies help re-establish proper signaling between the PNS and CNS, which can:
✅ Reduce chronic pain by re-educating the nervous system
✅ Improve nerve signaling for better mobility and coordination
✅ Regulate the autonomic nervous system for stress relief
✅ Enhance proprioception (the body's sense of position)
✅ Support trauma release by resetting nervous system responses

By gently stimulating these reflexive responses, the body can “unlearn” patterns of pain and restriction and “relearn” healthier ways of functioning.

How It Feels & Why It Works

In the workshop, I experienced firsthand how subtle yet powerful these techniques can be. Unlike deep tissue work, which can sometimes overwhelm the nervous system, reflex therapies use gentle, intentional touch that invites the body into a state of safety and receptivity.

The body responds by softening, unwinding, and shifting in ways that feel deeply organic. Instead of forcing change, this work creates an environment where the body can regulate itself.

One of the most exciting takeaways for me was how this practice has expanded my ability to listen to the body on a deeper level. Through working with Edward Ulme and diving into these techniques, I now have a greater understanding of the language of the body. This is profoundly changing my work, allowing me to be more attuned to the subtle messages the body communicates and respond in a way that facilitates deeper healing. I am still integrating this into my work and observing results, and I’m happy to have it in my repertoire.

Who Can Benefit?

Reflex therapies can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain and tension

• Neuropathy and nerve-related conditions

• PTSD and trauma recovery

• Stress-related disorders

• Movement and coordination challenges

This approach is especially powerful for trauma healing because it respects the body's innate intelligence, working with the nervous system rather than against it.

Final Thoughts

This modality is truly fascinating—a bridge between modern neuroscience and ancient body wisdom. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always require force; sometimes, the most profound shifts happen when we create space for the body to restore itself.

I’m excited to integrate these insights into my work and continue exploring the depths of nervous system-based healing.

Have you ever experienced reflex therapies? What was your experience like? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

📩 Interested in experiencing this work firsthand? Let’s connect and explore how reflex therapies can support your healing journey.