COURSE SUMMARY 

There is in all human and animal movement a basic organizing principle that ensures effortlessness, vitality, and optimal control in everything we do. It is demonstrable and observable and will one day be considered among the most important discoveries in our understanding of the natural world. I call this organizing principle the postural neuromuscular reflex (PNR) system.

When this system works well, muscles do not strain but are naturally healthy and toned; joints have room and are supported so that they can work with maximum ease; breathing is full and unimpeded; vitality is heightened by improved muscle tone; and circulation is maximized by a lack of excessive contraction in muscles. 

COURSE OVERVIEW 

This is an 8-hour series consisting of 12 pre-recorded video lectures. In this course, we look at the different components of the PNR system; the relationship of the head to the trunk; the tensegrity architecture of muscle, bone, and connective tissue; the contractile function of muscle; the role of muscle length; and the automatic working of the musculoskeletal system as a whole. We also look at how we interfere with the PNR system and how to use our awareness to restore and activate it after it has been interfered with. 

In addition to the video lectures, the course includes Ted Dimon's original articles on the PNR system, an excerpt from FM Alexander's Use of the Self, an article on reflexes by Dr. David Anderson, and reference material on the topics of tensegrity and reflexes. 

LIVE DISCUSSIONS: Ted Dimon will host three 1-hour live sessions, during which participants can ask questions and discuss course material:

  • 10/17/2024, 12pm Eastern
  • 10/31/2024, 12pm Eastern
  • 11/21/2024, 12pm Eastern

Course curriculum

    1. A message of welcome from Ted Dimon

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Overview and Introduction

    1. The Tensegrity Architecture of the Human Body

    2. Stretch Reflexes and the Spring-Like Framework of the "Primary Control"

    3. The Head-Trunk Relationship

    4. Neck Reflexes

    1. How Muscles Contract

    2. Awareness, Thinking, and Direction

    3. Red Muscle and White Muscle

    1. Ideomotor Action

    2. Autonomic Nervous System

    3. The Means-Whereby Principle

    4. Conscious Control and Final Comments

    1. The elements of the "primary control"

    2. The role of stretch reflexes

    3. The Head-trunk relationship

    4. The role of neck reflexes

    5. "Evolution of a Technique," by F.M. Alexander

    6. "Reflexes," by David Anderson

    7. Further Readings

About this course

  • $150.00
  • 8.5 hours of video content
  • Purchasing this course gives you 6 months of access

Access the series

Originally recorded in April 2020, this material is now available as part of The Dimon Institute's online library.

Click here