Biovalent® Systems

REGARDING OUR CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Today, Manual Therapy practitioners need techniques that provide consistent, measurable results for a wide range of client issues, but with a low risk factor in order for those techniques to be readily accepted by clients. The pressure of a stressful world generates time demands on us through busy schedules, a competitive market, clients who want instant relief for chronic problems, sometimes employers and managed health care. It sometimes boils down to being able to skillfully perform effective techniques that achieve immediate results.

All Biovalent® Systems' Manual Therapy coourses exceed these criteria. Techniques are gentle, fast, efficient, and produce outstanding, reproducible results. By working with the body's own self-corrective mechanisms, they are completely safe for all clients, including infants, neurologically challenged and frail individuals. By listening to the body and following what it asks assistance with, Biovalent® Systems' techniques do not activate protective responses. Post-treatment rebound is not a factor (no pain, soreness or after-effects).

All Biovalent® Systems Manual Therapy courses:

  1. Rely purely on manual skills. No other modality or agents are used. They utilize the body's own self-correcting mechanisms to generate changes in the tissues.
  2. They give clients more potential and greater possibilities for health with recovery in a shorter time period. They are not designed to “heal” an individual, but support the client's own healing mechanisms and processes, helping them do what they were designed to do.

Biovalent® Systems Manual Therapy is a very safe modality. Because of the unique hand usage, therapists can perform this work 40 hours a week with no undue stress or strain on their hands, arms, shoulders or joints - no force is introduced into the client's body. This is advanced -level manual therapy without stress, strain or pain to the practitioner or the client.

Therapists interact with the wisdom of their client’s body. Techniques are designed to assist the rhythms of motilities (everything in the body should be in motion), whether they are fascial, muscular, visceral, osseous, nervous or circulatory tissues. By respecting that individual’s unique rhythms, following them and providing gentle support in the process, the client is assisted toward balance, promoting the return of homeostasis. Practitioners make no demands, nor do they stimulate the body towards any preconceived outcome or ideal. Therapists find patterns of tension and work with only what the body indicates needs help, in a way the body can easily incorporate that assistance, seeking only balance in the client’s body.

All Biovalent® Systems classes encourage in-depth study of advanced anatomy and physiology and are "stand alone" courses (no techniques are introduced which require other course work to use them). Classes with prerequisites are designed so that students have the knowledge required to understand that particular class and the hand skills to feel the more diffuse motions within those classes. The techniques in each class can be immediately and easily integrated into what ever the student is currently practicing.

If you are new to this work as a Manual Therapist (or care-provider or Yoga practitioner), we recommend starting with Core Concepts or Connective Tissue Foundations. Both classes are "user-friendly" and require less familiarity with anatomy. They provide tools which can be quickly and easily integrated into your current practice.

All classes (except Core Concepts and Connective Tissue Foundations) require students to have a license to touch (Massage Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Chiropractors, Medical Doctors, Osteopathic Physicians, etc.). For continued studies, our most successful practitioners are willing to study more extensive anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. The classes tremendously enhance Manual Therapy hand skills. In states which do not require licensing for massage therapists, current NCBTMB criteria are used to determine eligibility of students, along with a requirement for professional liability insurance for classes beyond the scope of Core Concepts and Connective Tissue Foundations.

Class Descriptions:

CORE CONCEPTS AND SKILLS (SK1)

This class was designed to introduce students to Biovalent® Systems Manual Therapy, a safe, gentle and highly efficient method of helping clientele toward optimal health. In Core Concepts, practitioners learn how to interact with the wisdom of the client’s body through the unique way in which the hands are used in this modality. In most Manual Therapies, the hands introduce pressure or forces into the body. In Biovalent® Systems, the hands remain completely relaxed, neutral and soft. The hand learns to detect tensions in the tissue, pull that tension into the hands and work with the body's motilities or movements.

Practitioners receive treatment and evaluation tools they can immediately integrate into their practices. Techniques from several classes are offered so students can get a feel for this work and objectively determine whether or not they wish to pursue further studies in Biovalent® Systems Manual Therapy. Students also are exposed to an advanced understanding of anatomy and physiology, which greatly enhances the understanding of how the body functions, vital to any manual therapy practice. Biomechanical issues of the body are described and addressed, which prepares individuals for the Biomechanical Regulator series of classes.

Class Prerequisites: None. Familial or self-care providers, Yoga practitioners, or clients with major health issues may take this class

Core Concepts and Skills is a Required Class for Advanced Connective Tissue, Biomechanical Regulators: Foundations and Lower Extremities, Manual Perception 1 and 2, Hand Skills/Practical Integration, Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 1 and 2, Circulation 1, Visceral and Cranial Dynamics,and the Mentorship Program.

 

CONNECTIVE TISSUE SERIES presents an entirely new model for the treatment and management of connective tissue restrictions and imbalances, presented in this series of workshops

CONNECTIVE TISSUE FOUNDATIONS (Formerly Fascial Regulators 1 and 2 or FR1 and 2)

Connective Tissue Foundations is the first level of Connective Tissue Regulators and is also an introductory-level class. Students learn to assess and modify restrictions throughout the fascial system using new models in assessment and treatment of soft tissue problems. Frank Lowen discovered patterns in the body that he named Regulators - when properly stimulated, they help to make surprisingly rapid changes in tissue tensions. Whether the tissues are ligaments, tendons, muscles, joint capsules or myofascial units, students learn to use these self-corrective mechanisms to provide rapid and long-term changes. These techniques make large changes in range of motion, movement quality and pain level. All Manual Therapists will easily use these techniques for fast, easy relief of client symptoms.

Connective Tissue Foundations provides the framework for the Connective Tissue Series and is a prerequisite for all other levels (Connective Tissue Series: Advanced Connective Tissue).

Class Prerequisites: None. Familial or self-care providers or clients with major health issues may take this class

Connective Tissue Foundations is a Required Class for Advanced Connective Tissue, Hand Skills/Practical Integration and the Mentorship Program

 

ADVANCED CONNECTIVE TISSUE (ACT1)

Students build on the model of Connective Tissue Regulators to include more specific assessment and treatment of connective tissues and the systems that influence tensions and tone. Comparisons of Eastern and Western medicine are addressed and introduced as three major systems: Consciousness, Qi and Prana. New Regulators are explored and practitioners are encouraged to work from the center of the body outward; if we can help change the core, often other issues will resolve themselfes. The rhythms of the Vagus and Phrenic Nerves are covered, along with Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems. New Regulators introduced include those which help change the most intrinsic muscles, core muscles (integrators), oblique fibers and movements, peripheral stabilizers, smooth muscles (balancing forces), membranes, heart (connective tissue), fascia of the spine, cranial and spinal dura, and other more specific soft tissues. The movements in this class are more diffuse and specific than those from the Connective Tissue Foundations class, but are much more powerful tools for fast changes.

Class Prerequisites: FR1 and FR2 (Connective Tissue Foundations) and Core Concepts

Advanced Connective Tissue is a Required Class for the Mentorship Program

 

PRACTICUM (P)

Students may select from a one-day or two-day practicum in our Albuquerque clinic. The first day of a two-day practicum (or for the one day practicum), two practitioners pair up and spend six hours learning with Laurie Levine-Lowen. Her input to students is based on the knowledge and skill level of the individual practitioner. She is always willing to address the situations students see in their practices, or she can provide the guidance they seek for becoming more proficient Biovalent® Systems therapists, from evaluating clients to complicated treatments or integrating the various classes. She also welcomes the opportunity to advise students regarding future learning experience. Each student receives 3 hours of individual tutorial instruction, customized for their particular level of understanding AND 3 hours of bodywork on the table, both of which are specialized educational experiences.

During a two-day practicum, the second day begins with students observing Frank Lowen treating a client at his normal pace - most folks are amazed at how much Frank can accomplished in an hour. The remainder of the six-hour day is spent with the two participants working with Frank in much the same way as they worked with Laurie the previous day, but on a more challenging and advanced level.

Class Prerequisites: At least one Biovalent® Systems course

Two Full Days of Practica are Required for The Mentorship Program

Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Improve evaluation and palpation skills under the supervision of an advanced practitioner;
  • Integrate the classes they have successfully completed into a comprehensive therapeutic session;
  • Better understand the philosophy and theory of this work;
  • Improve their understanding of the work and hand skills, becoming more homogenous with those of other skilled practitioners.
  • There is no course outline or certificate offered for this class. The Practicum is currently not approved by the NCBTMB for Continuing Education credits, although the BOC of NATA has approved this class for CEUs.

 

BIOMECHANICAL REGULATOR SERIES A Regulator is a precise point that can be engaged mechanically and energetically to improve an action, motility or movement in a corresponding structure or interface. Biomechanical Regulators work at the interface of the joint, improving the arthrokinematics, as well as restoring balance and space to the joint.

BIOMECHANICAL REGULATORS: FOUNDATIONS (BMR)

There are very few clients do not have painful biomechanical issues related to the spine, pelvis and sacrum. This course address specific and detailed components of all three. By using body positioning to take the joint to a soft barrier, certain points (Regulators) are recruited to help make immediate (and painless) changes in the joint. By making an assessment (and measurements) before treatment and again after, immediate changes in range of motion, movement patterns and gait can be observed and experienced. Space and balance within a joint can be re-established, altering conditions that commonly arise from chronic joint compression. Even complex issues involving biomechanics are easily assessed and treated with these original techniques. The fantastic and generous labs in this class which address the spine, pelvis and sacrum leave most students feeling the tremendous benefits of treatment with these techniques and anxious to apply their new skills to their practices.

Class Prerequisites: Core Concepts

Biomechanical Regulators: Foundations is a Required Class for Biomechanical Regulators: Lower Extremities, Hand Skills/Practical Integration, Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro Level 2 and Circulation 1, and the Mentorship Program

 

Biomechanical Regulators: Lower Extremeties (BMRLE)

This class introduces additional regulators for the knee, ankle, foot and hip. The main focus of this course, however, is the study of a new model for movement analysis. This is based on the discovery of a complex pattern of movement that exists independently of volitional movement, a function of the autonomic nervous system. Interaction with and balancing this underlying pattern has a profound effect on gait, joint motion and pain. The results of treatment using this new approach have been phenomenal, according to past participants.

Class Prerequisites: Core Concepts, Biomechanical Regulators: Foundations and Manual Perception 1

Biomechanical Regulators: Lower Extremities is a Required Class for Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 2 and the Mentorship Program.

 

MANUAL PERCEPTION SERIES These courses present a new and unique way to evaluate and interact with multiple systems of the body. The hand is used as a fine instrument, with each area of the hand representing a specific tissue, system or characteristic.

Manual Perception 1 (MP1)

An entirely new and original field of assessment and related treatment is offered, which is instrumental to the more advanced levels of Biovalent® Systems work. The hand is trained as a tool to be used to seek and interpret information from the client’s body and to assist in engaging optimal corrective activity. Tension is perceived to collect in the therapist’s hand at different areas that correspond to tissues or systems within the body, both separately and in relationship to each other. These tensions can be specifically engaged to explore the influences of other systems and to treat the tissue or system. The Cranial Map is learned and is a crucial assessment tool.

Class Prerequisites: Core Concepts

Manual Perception 1 is a Required Class for Manual Perception 2, Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 1, Neuro 2 and Circulation 1, Hand Skills/Practical Integration and the Mentorship Program

 

Manual Perception 2 (MP2)

More complex patterns are explored, including higher-level cognitive influences on specific tissues. The connective tissue system is presented in detail. Differential assessment and treatment of structures, including tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, bone vasculature and layers of bone are part of this exciting class. There is also an incredible, simple technique which has a tremendous effect on scar tissue.

Class Prerequisites: Core Concepts and Manual Perception 1

Manual Perception 2 is a Required Class for the Mentorship Program

HAND SKILLS/PRACTICAL INTEGRATION or ADVANCED HAND SKILLS or This material explores detailed use of hands for both evaluation and treatment.  (AHS) or HAND SKILLS/PRACTICAL INTEGRATION (HS/PI) is a prerequisite for the Mentorship Program.

Purpose: Students are exposed to further development of the hand – the instrument that we use in Manual Therapy, specific to techniques that are taught within Biovalent® Systems classes. This class involves exercises that enhance our ability to discern with palpation skills in evaluation and to interact with in treatment. Different aspects of hand usage not taught in other courses are included. Advanced Hand Skills addresses how to interpret the body using a variety of tools, including discerning tendencies and relationships between the systems. During class, students are invited to share conditions they are seeing in their practices in order to create a class which serves the most needs. Therefore, each of these classes is somewhat different, depending upon the needs of the group. This course will positively affect the way each student interacts with any client when using Biovalent® Systems, or any other manual therapy approaches. Please note that each class has a different focus depending upon the goal expressed by the students at the beginning of class.

Class Prerequisites: Fascial Regulators 1 and 2 (Connective Tissue Series: Foundation), Core Concepts, Manual Perception 1 and Biomechanical Regulators: Foundations

Hand Skills/Practical Integration is a Required Class for the Mentorship Program.

Learning Outcomes : Students will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Determine dominance of sensory or motor problem in a target tissue based on pattern of hand tension;
  • Obtain more detail from cranial map utilizing new material from this workshop;
  • Find compensation in tensions in the membrane system as part of a balance response.
  • There is no course outline for this class.

PHYSICAL/ENERGETIC INTERFACE SERIES This material was formerly presented as Therapeutic Horizons. While Therapeutic Horizons was a collaborative effort, the initial material was based on Frank Lowen's findings.  Some of the original insights, which spurred the development of the Therapeutic Horizons curriculum, have continued to develop and grow into new and expanding bodies of knowledge. Those who have observed Frank in action know that while he is always finding new phenomena, he always includes material from the original Brain course (BANM) in his treatments, both the physical and energetic aspects.

Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 1 (NEURO1)

This class works with safe, gentle and highly efficient methods of helping clientele towards optimal health. Neuro One covers techniques and concepts for working with the central nervous system, including working with movements and reflexes to affect circulation and dural motility. Original models are presented for treatment of spinal mechanics and regulatory mechanisms that facilitate change in the central nervous system via systemic relationships. Biovalent® Systems Manual Therapy is a very safe modality for all bodyworkers and most clients, as it encourages the practitioner to interact with the wisdom of their client’s body. Techniques are designed to assist the rhythms of motilities in that individual, whether they are fascial, muscular, visceral, osseous, nervous or circulatory tissues. By respecting that individual’s unique rhythms, following them and providing gentle support in the process, the body is assisted toward re-establishing equilibrium or balance, promoting the return of homeostasis. Practitioners do not demand or stimulate the body towards any preconceived outcome. Therapists find patterns of tension and work with only what the body indicates needs help, in a way the body can easily incorporate that assistance, seeking only balance in the client’s body.

Class Prerequisites: Core Concepts and Manual Perception 1

Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 1 is a Required Class for Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuo 2 and the Mentorship Program

 

Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 2 (NEURO2) is a prerequisite for Hand Skills/Practical Integration and the Mentorship Program

Purpose: Students learn functional application of techniques that are based on a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the spine, midbrain and brain stem, and a moderately good understanding of the neurophysiology of these structures. Using reflexes and hand engagement to discern blockages and facilitate flow, students learn to assist in the process of recovery from back and neck pain and stiffness. Those with more of a medical background can apply these techniques to a variety of injuries and diagnoses. Students gain insight to interacting with clients with pain, decreased movement and function involving their nervous systems via gentle techniques that utilize self-corrective movements. These techniques are applicable to a wide population, from those with sports injuries, postural problems, and minor complaints and stiffness to those who are significantly incapacitated. Students are required to work within the restraints of their license and training.

Class Prerequisites: Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 1, Biomechanical Regulators: Lower Extremities and Circulation 1

Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 2 is a Required Class for the Mentorship Program

Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Feel the relationship between a neural structure and a reflex point that affects its motility;
  • Feel the criss-cross flow over the spine and determine where there are blocked points;
  • Locate reflexes which assist flow through blocked areas;
  • Use positioning and reflexes to achieve greater spinal ROM;
  • Locate and utilize vascular reflexes which enhance circulation of the environment of the spine.
  • Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 2 Course Outline, Class Description and CEU Info

 

Physical/Energetic Interface: Circulation (CIRC1) is a prerequisite for Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 2 and the Mentorship Program

Purpose: Students are exposed to the core system of the body, the circulatory system, which is connected with all of the other physiological systems. A dysfunction in any system can not be fully treated without involvement of the circulatory system. Circulation involves more than the heart and blood vessels. It includes the lymphatic system, the immune system and connective tissues. It has been found that the rhythms of the circulatory system provide stimulus for neural motilities. This course presents new ways to help with key mechanisms of circulation and can very quickly impact toxicity problems, digestive issues, musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunctions. These techniques rely upon the development of palpation skills and knowledge of anatomy. Practitioners must recognize and work with the intelligence of the body. Students are exposed to feeling what is trying to occur in the body and how to assist it. We consider this the most efficient and compassionate way to work, as it does not leave the client decompensated or depleted. This seminar features methods of interacting with the circulatory systems at physical, reflexive and energetic levels.

Class Prerequisites: Core Concepts and Manual Perception 1

Physical/Energetic Interface: Circulation 1is a Required Class for Neuro 2 and the Mentorship Program

Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate the ability to:

Visceral Dynamics

Prerequisites: Core Concepts and Skills, Manual Perception 1 and Circulation 1.

 

Cranial Dynamics

Prerequisites: Core Concepts and Skills, Manual Perception 1 and Neuro 1.

Advanced Hand Skills for Visceral Practitioners (AHSVM) This class may be substituted for Advanced Hand Skills or Hand Skills/Practical Integration as a prerequisite class for those students who have studied Upledger Visceral Manipulation through PIVM.

Purpose: This class focuses on developing the instrument that we use in Manual Therapy, specific to techniques that are taught within Biovalent® Systems classes. This class is the same as Advanced Hand Skills, but tailored to Visceral Manipulation Practitioners. There are exercises which enhance our ability to discern in evaluation and to interact in treatment. Different aspects of hand usage not taught in other courses are included. Advanced Hand Skills also addresses how to interpret the body using a variety of tools, including the noting of tendencies and relationships between the systems. Each of these classes is somewhat different, depending upon the needs of the group. This class will positively affect the way each student impacts any client when using Biovalent® Systems or any other manual therapy approaches

Prerequisites: Upledger Visceral coursework through PIVM

Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Use Manual Perception techniques to enhance assessment and treatment of visceral motilities;
  • Use reflexes to enhance visceral motilities by incorporating Biovalent® Systems techniques to what they have learned from Visceral Manipulation;
  • Use Cranial Mapping to verify General Listening from Visceral Manipulation and also to obtain more detailed information.
  • There is no course outline for this class.

 

MENTORSHIP SERIES (MENT)

Purpose: The purpose and goals of this class vary greatly between classes, as students often have questions regarding client issues from their own practices or from their life experiences. This class was designed to place students in an immersion-type of environment in which students interact with Frank Lowen in small groups for extended periods of time, improving their understanding of the work, learning newer and better techniques, developing better hand skills and creating relationships among themselves which foster growth of their full potential as individuals and practitioners.

Prerequisites: Core Concepts, Fascial Regulators 1 and 2, Advanced Connective Tissue, Biomechanical Regulators: Foundations and Lower Extremities, Manual Perception 1 and 2, Physical/Energetic Interface: Neuro 1, Neuro 2 and Circulation 1, Advanced Hand Skills or Hand Skills/Practical Integration and 2 full days of Practicum - Only in Albuquerque by application.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will be able to demonstrate enhanced palpation and hand skills, but vary according to the needs of students within the group;
  • Students will be able articulate Biovalent® Systems philosophy to a variety of people with different cultural and educational backgrounds;
  • Students will be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses within their study of Biovalent® Systems Manual Therapy ;
  • Students will receive feedback on their interface, assessment and treatment process.
  • There is no course outline for this class.

Illuminatis/Biovalent ® Systems ( Provider Number P3337) is recognized by the Board of Certification, Inc. to offer continuing education (CE) for Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) Category A CEs.  ATs are responsible for claiming only those hours actually spent participating in the CE activity. BOC Approved Provider Number:  P3337

Illumatinatis/Biovalent ® Systems (Provider Number 447205-00) is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Provider. For 2007, The Mentorship and Practicum programs are not included for Continuing Education Hours by NCBTMB.

Illuminatis/Biovalent Systems, 8300 San Pedroe, NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87113 (505) 291-8100
 
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