Retained

Neonatal Reflexes
What is a retained Neonatal reflex?
In the womb and in early life, when the decision making process is not fully developed your
brainstem has several reflexes called primitive reflexes. After birth they can be referred to as
neonatal reflexes. They help you grow properly and safely. For example, they help in the birthing
process, breast feeding and gripping on to things.

As your central nervous system matures as you grow, the need for many involuntary reflex
responses is no longer needed. However due to birth trauma or developmental restrictions, these
reflexes might remain dominant. This means that your nervous system can automatically react
inappropriately and undesirably in certain situations. This can adversely affect your development,
learning and behaviour. This is a Retained Neonatal Reflex.

These children present with problems behaving, learning, and co-ordinating gross or fine motor
movements. Using specific techniques we can assist in the integration of these reflexes that could be
holding you or your bright children back.

The Retained Neonatal Reflexes Technique was founded by Dr Keith Keen in Sydney in the early
1990s. These methods have evolved to include contributions from other Australian Applied
Kinesiology Chiropractors and this technique is now taught all over the world. The RNR Technique
involves specific muscle testing and gentle pressure on particular cranial (skull) points, often
combined with a specific phase of breathing.
Fear Paralysis Reflex:

Anxiety
Low tolerance to Stress
Temper tantrums
Hypersensitivity to sound, touch, changes in visual field
Dislike of change
Fatigue
Breath Holding
Compulsive traits, OCD
Negativity, defeatist attitude.

Moro Reflex:

Difficulty with new stimulating experiences

Impulsive behaviour
Distractibility
Anxiety
Sensitivity to foods and additives
Adrenal fatigue leading to allergies and asthma

Juvenile Suck Reflex:

Speech articulation problems

Difficulty swallowing and chewing
Difficulty chewing and doing manual tasks together
Involuntary tongue/mouth movements when using hands
Overbite of upper jaw

Rooting Reflex:

Dribbling
Speech problems
Tongue sitting too far forward
Difficulty Chewing and manual tasks
Hormonal imbalance

Palmomental and Plantomental Reflex:

A childs jaw opens and closes when using scissors

Children biting others
Tight pencil grip
Tension in facial muscles
Clenching jaw

Palmar Reflex:

Poor motor skills and awkward use of hands

Inappropriate pencil grip
Difficulty processing ideas on to paper
Poor posture and or back pain when working at computer
Difficulty spelling or writing

Plantar Reflex:

Difficulty learning to walk

Poor balance
Problems with sports requiring balance and coordination when running
Lower back pain while walking or standing
Recurring ankle problems, shin soreness, twisting ankles commonly

Assymetrical Tonic Neck Reflex:

Hand-eye coordination difficulty

Handwriting, pencil grip problems
Balance disturbed
Chronic shoulder/ neck problems in adults
Bilateral integration poor (using both sides of body)

Saggital Labyrithine Reflex:

Poor concentration
Fatigue while reading or when working over desk/computer
Sports performance below capacity
Hard to kick legs and stroke arms together

Stepping and Heel Reflex: