Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) is a technique of specific soft tissue manipulation. Without forceful manipulation, a cross-fibre manoeuvring of muscle, tendon, ligament or nerve, is used with varying pressure and incorporating resting periods to allow the body to respond. Treatment can be done either through clothing or directly on the Skin.

The origins of NST go back to the 1950’s in Geelong, Victoria, Australia when self-proclaimed osteopath Tom Bowen commenced to develop it, at that time simply calling his work ‘soft tissue therapy’. After Bowen’s death in 1982 interpretations of his earlier work sprang up and have been in use since that time. Of noteworthy mention is the Bowen technique developed in 1986 by Oswald Rentsch one of Bowen’s early students. However, it was not until 1991 that practising Applied Physiologist, Michael J. Nixon-Livy from Australia recognised the urgent need for much of the unique later work of Tom Bowen to be organised into a practical, usable and teachable system. In 1995 Nixon-Livy’s work had achieved the status of a truly integrated and effective system, and was given the name Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) being deemed representative of the later advanced style of Tom Bowen’s work.

A session normally lasts 30 – 45 minutes. Throughout the session the recipient experiences extreme relaxation, essentially providing the body with a window of opportunity to comprehensively reorganise itself via the natural activation of various neural reflexes. Substantial relief is frequently attained after the first session; however long term resolution is generally attained after the second or third session.

A treatment comprises the application of sequences of specialised ‘moves’ to the body, carried out in a very specific and systematic manner. Characteristically, skilful soft tissue manipulation is applied to the lower and upper back, Abdomen, neck, arms and legs. There is no forceful manipulation, rather a cross-fibre manoeuvring of muscle, tendon, ligament or nerve, using varying pressure and incorporating resting periods to allow the body to respond. Treatment can be done either through clothing or directly on the Skin.

It is common for individuals receiving this work to experience a wide range of reactions such as shifting body aches, hot and cold flushes, sweating and at times emotional releases, however these are a positive sign that the individual is returning to a better state of well being.

As its main aim is to reintegrate the body-mind complex as a whole, it is often called contextual healing, consequently regarding illnesses as symptoms of imbalance. It is for this reason that there are no contraindications, essentially rendering the technique useful for a wide range of conditions from acute pain to chronic conditions.

Cranial and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems Neck problems including whiplash Headaches including migraines Back problems both lumbar and thoracic Shoulder and arm problems Leg problems including hamstrings, knees and ankles Accident injuries (acute or chronic) Sports injuries (acute or chronic) Digestive and bowel problems Respiratory problems including Asthma Menstrual and menopausal disorders Acute and chronic fatigue Stress conditions and emotional Depression