What is the metamorphic technique?

Overview

The metamorphic technique was developed in the 1960s by Robert St. John, a British
naturopath and reflexologist, to promote self-healing and
personal development. The Metamorphic Association was founded in the late 1970s by
one of his students, Gaston Saint-Pierre. The metamorphic technique is based on
reflexology and uses gentle massage of
the feet, hands, and head to help the body’s vital energy or life force, called
qi, to flow freely, enabling personal metamorphosis. The metamorphic technique
assumes that all physical, mental, and emotional behaviors relate to energy
pathways established during experiences in the womb, from conception to birth; it
does not focus on specific symptoms or problems.

Mechanism of Action

The metamorphic technique is based on applying a gentle pressure on points known as spinal reflex points in the feet, hands, and head to release “stuck” energy created from earlier experiences. Manipulation of these areas triggers pattern shifts, freeing vital life energy and allowing a person to overcome limitations such as negative attitudes, emotions, and behaviors, and illnesses. This technique uses a person’s inner intelligence to guide the life force toward healing, transformation, and realizing her or his full potential.

Uses and Applications

The metamorphic technique promotes stress reduction, relaxation, well-being, and good health. It is a tool for personal growth and development; it enables positive change through self-awareness and self-transformation. The metamorphic technique can be used alone or with conventional or alternative and complementary therapies.

Scientific Evidence

Although many ancient healing therapies are guided by the life force energy, the concept remains controversial. Most evidence supporting the metamorphic technique is anecdotal.

The metamorphic technique’s effectiveness in promoting relaxation and self-healing
has not been validated by Western standards through randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled clinical trials. Studying the
effectiveness of this gentle touch therapy is difficult because of the elusive
nature of the life force and energy pathways. Problems arise in designing an
appropriate placebo control group and proper double-blind procedures to ensure
that both patient and practitioner are “blinded” during treatment.

Regardless, the metamorphic technique has gained widespread interest as a complementary treatment option because it pleasantly induces relaxation. However, more rigorous research is needed to properly assess its clinical effectiveness.

Choosing a Practitioner

Although the metamorphic technique is easily learned, it is best if one chooses an experienced practitioner.

Safety Issues

The metamorphic technique is considered gentle, noninvasive, and safe for everyone.

Bibliography

“About the Metamorphic Technique.” Available at http://www.gastonsaintpierre.org.uk/metatech.htm.

Knight, Katherine L. “Metamorphic Technique: Tools for Inner Change.” Positive Health 78 (2002): 51-53. Also available at http://www.positivehealth.com/issue/issue-78-july-2002.

So, P. S., Y. Jiang, and Y. Qin. “Touch Therapies for Pain Relief in Adults.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2008): CD006535. Available through EBSCO DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance at http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed.

Saint-Pierre, Gaston. The Universal Principles and the Metamorphic Technique: The Keys to Healing and Enlightenment. New York: O Books, 2004.

Metamorphic Association. “What Is the Metamorphic Technique?” Available online at http://www.metamorphicassociation.org/faq.html.