Reflex Yoga

A NEURODEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH

What Is Reflex Yoga?

Reflex Yoga is a unique form of therapeutic neurodevelopmental yoga designed to support the nervous system, emotional regulation, and whole-body integration. It is a gentle yet powerful practice that combines rhythmic movement, breath, and mindful awareness to rehabilitate the primitive reflex system, the foundation of our neurological, physical, and emotional development.

By working at the root of these early movement patterns, Reflex Yoga helps restore balance between brain and body, allowing regulation, clarity, and ease to emerge naturally.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PRACTICE

Understanding Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes originate in the brainstem and guide the involuntary movements that support development in infancy. These reflexes help form essential connections between the brain and body, laying the groundwork for movement, coordination, learning, and emotional stability.

Ideally, reflexes integrate as a child develops. However, due to neurodivergence, trauma, stress, illness, or disrupted early experiences, reflexes may remain retained or re-emerge later in life as a protective response.

Retained reflexes can contribute to a wide range of challenges, including sensory processing difficulties, emotional dysregulation, anxiety and stress patterns, developmental delays, issues with coordination and balance, as well as sleep disruption and ongoing fatigue. Reflex Yoga supports the integration of these reflexes through natural, rhythmic movements that mirror early developmental patterns, helping the nervous system return to a more regulated and balanced state.

HOW REFLEX YOGA WORKS

A Gentle Path to Regulation and Integration

Reflex Yoga uses specific sequences of rhythmic, repetitive movements, similar to those experienced in utero or early infancy, to help the nervous system complete unfinished developmental patterns.

Neural Integration

Reflex Yoga uses rhythmic, developmentally informed movement to help the brain and body reconnect, supporting smoother communication, coordination, and integrated neurological function.

Pattern Release

Gentle sequences help release long-held physical tension and emotional holding patterns, allowing the body and nervous system to move beyond stress-based responses.

Trauma Awareness

Practices are delivered with sensitivity and choice, supporting regulation without overwhelm and allowing the nervous system to settle safely at its own pace.

Inner Safety

Through predictable rhythm, breath, and mindful movement, Reflex Yoga promotes deep relaxation and a sense of internal safety essential for healing and wellbeing.

THE BENEFIT

What Reflex Yoga Can Support

By addressing the root of neurological and sensory patterns, Reflex Yoga can help:

Improve emotional regulation and resilience

Helps calm emotional responses and build the ability to cope with challenges, supporting a more balanced and resilient nervous system.

Enhance coordination and motor skills

Gentle, mindful movements strengthen body awareness and improve physical coordination and stability.

Support concentration and focus

Encourages mental clarity and attention by integrating movement, breath, and sensory awareness.

Reduce stress, anxiety, and nervous system overload

Activates the body’s relaxation response, easing tension and helping the nervous system return to balance.

WHO REFLEX YOGA SUPPORTS

A Practice for All Ages and Needs

Reflex Yoga is a nervous-system-informed practice designed to meet people where they are. It supports physical, emotional, and neurological wellbeing through gentle movement, breath, and awareness.

01

Children with Neurodiversity

Reflex Yoga helps children feel safe and regulated in their bodies.
It supports sensory integration, focus, and emotional expression.

02

Stress, Anxiety & Trauma

The practice gently calms the nervous system and reduces overwhelm. It encourages grounding, relaxation, and emotional safety.

03

Recovery & Healing

Reflex Yoga supports the body’s natural healing processes.
It helps rebuild body awareness and gentle strength without strain.

04

Coordination & Sensory Needs

The practice improves body awareness and motor coordination.
It supports balance and sensory processing in a safe, supportive way

05

Self-Regulation & Awareness

Reflex Yoga promotes self-connection and mindful presence.
It helps regulate stress responses and build emotional resilience.

WHO REFLEX YOGA SUPPORTS​

A Practice for All Ages and Needs

Reflex Yoga supports people of all ages and abilities by offering a gentle, adaptable practice that meets individual needs.

It is beneficial for those seeking relaxation, improved mobility, stress relief, and greater body awareness.

Reflex Yoga can support:

Children’s Support

Reflex Yoga helps children with autism, ADHD, or developmental differences feel calm, focused, and grounded. Gentle movements support emotional regulation and body awareness in a safe, nurturing way.

Stress & Emotional Balance

This practice supports individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or trauma by calming the nervous system. Slow, mindful techniques encourage relaxation and emotional stability.

Healing & Recovery

Reflex Yoga gently assists those recovering from injury, illness, or shock. It promotes safe movement, coordination, and reconnection with the body at an individual pace.

Self-Awareness & Regulation

For adults seeking deeper balance, Reflex Yoga supports nervous system regulation and sensory integration. The practice builds resilience, coordination, and mindful self-connection.

HOW REFLEX YOGA IS DELIVERED

Sessions, Workshops, and Training

Reflex Yoga is offered in several formats to suit different needs:

One to One Therapeutic Sessions

Individual sessions supporting physical, emotional, and nervous system regulation.

Small Group Reflex Yoga Classes

Designed to offer personalised guidance within a supportive group setting.

Experiential Reflex Yoga Workshops

Tailored practical workshops for educators, therapists, and wellbeing professionals.

Reflex Yoga and Teacher Training

In-depth training for those wishing to teach Reflex Yoga with confidence and skill.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Reflex Yoga Teacher Training (200 Hours)

Yotism offers a comprehensive 200-hour Reflex Yoga Teacher Training for those wishing to practise and teach this therapeutic method professionally.

Reflex Yoga Teacher Training (200 Hours)

Yotism offers an in-depth 200-hour professional training designed to prepare practitioners to teach Reflex Yoga safely, confidently, and ethically.

Neurological Foundations

Gain a clear understanding of neurological anatomy and primitive reflexes, and how early movement patterns shape regulation, behaviour, and development across the lifespan.

Reflexes, Learning & Emotion

Explore how retained reflex patterns influence emotional responses, learning capacity, and behaviour, with practical tools to support integration and balance.

Adaptive & Inclusive Practice

Learn to modify yoga and movement practices for diverse abilities, environments, and life stages, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness for all participants.

Trauma-Sensitive & Neurodivergent Support

Develop skills to work safely and respectfully with trauma-sensitive and neurodivergent populations, prioritising nervous system safety and regulation.

Professional Confidence & Ethics

Build confidence, intuition, and a strong ethical foundation to support professional practice, self-reflection, and responsible teaching.

WORKSHOPS & CPD

Learn Without Committing to Full Training

For those wishing to explore Reflex Yoga without enrolling in the full teacher training, Yotism offers one-day and two-day experiential workshops.

Practical Applications Across Professions

Develop the skills to recognise reflex-driven behaviours in students or clients and adapt yoga, educational, or therapeutic practices accordingly. Apply this knowledge to enhance engagement, regulation, and resilience.

Supportive CPD Learning Environment

Engage in trauma-informed, experiential learning within an inclusive and collaborative environment. The training offers space for reflection, discussion, and embodied exploration to support ongoing professional development.

Understanding Primitive Reflexes

Learn what primitive reflexes are, how they develop and integrate, and how to identify signs of retained reflexes. Understand their influence on movement, posture, learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation across the lifespan.

Tools for Integration & Pattern Breaking

Explore simple, movement-based practices that support nervous system regulation, help break habitual patterns, and encourage reflex integration. These practical tools are adaptable for professional use and everyday life.

REAL EXPERIENCES

What People Say

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Explore Reflex Yoga with Yotism

Whether you are seeking personal therapeutic support or professional training, Reflex Yoga offers a gentle, effective pathway to regulation, integration, and wellbeing.

With years of experience and research, we’ve developed two unique forms of yoga.

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Contact Us

12 Cowper Road, Hemel Hempstead,
Hertfordshire HP1 1PE

07534 218353

enquiries@yotism.co.uk

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