Many people wonder why some primitive reflexes seem to return or even intensify before improving during or after integration therapies. This question intrigued me as well, so I conducted research to better understand the phenomenon. I had previously observed this firsthand with my daughter, who showed no signs of the Landau reflex until I progressed further in integrating her Moro reflex. Then, the Landau reflex became more apparent and noticeable.
Understanding Reflex Reintegration
To gain deeper insights, I consulted Dr. Robert Melillo, a leading expert in primitive reflex integration with over 25 years of experience. His work, supported by multiple studies and shed light on why these reflexes might appear more pronounced before they diminished.
Children with persistent primitive reflexes often have lower sensory awareness and diminished body perception. Initially, physical or auditory stimuli used to test reflex responses may elicit little reaction. However, as integration progresses and neurological connections strengthen, their response to stimulus increases. This heightened response is sometimes misinterpreted as a worsening of the reflex, leading some to prematurely discontinue therapy. In reality, this reaction often indicates that the integration exercises are effectively enhancing brain function. Stopping therapy too soon may prevent full reflex integration.
A Key Exception: Incorrect Hemispheric Integration
In some cases, a reflex may genuinely strengthen if hemispheric integration is applied incorrectly. Hemispheric integration involves stimulating one side of the brain to support an underactive hemisphere. If a clinician misidentifies the weaker side and stimulates the wrong hemisphere, the reflex can become more pronounced. However, when the correct hemisphere is stimulated, the reflex response should diminish almost immediately. Dr. Melillo has demonstrated this principle in a compelling YouTube video recorded during one of his conferences.
Why Do Reflexes Reappear After Full Integration?
Some individuals experience the reappearance of primitive reflexes even after completing integration therapy. Several factors may contribute to this:
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Incomplete Integration: Reflexes may appear to be fully integrated but may not have been completely resolved. Some parents halt therapy too soon after noticing a reduction in reflex activity. To ensure full integration, exercises should continue for at least a month after no reflex signs are present.
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Developmental Changes: The overall neurological health of an individual can influence reflex activity. Conditions such as ADHD, autism, ADD, or sensory processing disorders may indicate broader neurological imbalances. For example, my daughter, who had ADHD, thrived for years after integration but experienced some regression as she entered puberty. Reintroducing reflex integration and hemispheric exercises helped her regain neurological balance. Brain maturation can sometimes lead to slight shifts in neural connectivity, necessitating follow-up treatments.
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Neurological Degeneration or Trauma: In aome cases, brain degeneration or damage may cause the return of primitive reflexes. This can occur due to stroke, dementia, seizure disorders, or degenerative brain diseases. Additionally, physical trauma or psychological stress, such as injury or abuse, may trigger reflex reactivation.
Conclusion
In most cases, properly integrated reflexes should not reappear. If a clinician frequently encounters recurring reflexes, extending the therapy duration and employing varied testing methods may be beneficial. Understanding the underlying causes of reflex reactivation ensures that integration therapies are more effective and long-lasting.
