On the Development of Habit

This thesis gives an outline of the Technique and early (‘primitive’) reflexes, i.e. motor reflexes which occur in utero and the first years of life as part of the organism’s normal development. If some of these reflexes are not inhibited/integrated as part of healthy motor development, but persist, they can interfere with voluntary motor activity. To maintain balance and behave ‘normally’ the adult might enforce control by increasing muscular tension. In considering to what extent the persistence of early reflexes influences habitual use and to what extent the Technique affects habitual use, the author argues that the Technique, in only releasing a compensatory tension, does not deal with the persisting early reflexes. The author gives an overview of neuro-motor development and a suggestion for the development of habit in general. Basic knowledge of anatomy is an advantage.