Why Do Primitive Reflexes Keep Coming Back? A Naturopath’s Perspective
Primitive reflexes are those automatic movement patterns babies are born with, like the startle reflex or rooting reflex. They’re essential for survival in the early months, but as a child’s brain matures, these reflexes should gradually “switch off” and make way for more advanced movement, balance, and learning skills.
Sometimes, though, these reflexes stick around longer than they should. Other times, they integrate with therapy but seem to reappear later.
When primitive reflexes remain active, a child’s brain is working overtime. Instead of moving smoothly into higher-level skills, the nervous system keeps looping back to survival patterns. This can show up as poor concentration, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, clumsiness, messy handwriting, or emotional outbursts. In the classroom, these kids often appear restless, distracted, or “not trying,” when in reality their brains are stuck fighting reflexes that should have switched off years ago.
Common reasons reflexes stay active
Occupational therapists often see retained reflexes in kids who:
Missed key motor milestones such as crawling or rolling
Have low muscle tone or poor coordination
Didn’t get much tummy time as babies
Had difficult births or early medical interventions that limited movement
Movement-based therapy from OTs, physios, or developmental specialists is essential for helping reflexes integrate. But what if those reflexes keep creeping back despite regular therapy? That’s where a naturopathic lens can add another piece to the puzzle.
Less obvious drivers of retained reflexes
As naturopaths, we look at what’s happening inside the body that can prevent the nervous system from maturing as it should. Reflexes don’t just depend on movement; they also depend on healthy brain wiring, energy production, and inflammation control.
Here are some of the factors we investigate that are less commonly discussed but make a huge difference:
Nutrient deficiencies: Iron, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids are critical for myelination, neurotransmitter balance, and brain development. Without them, the brain may struggle to “turn off” reflex circuits.
High copper and low zinc: This imbalance is especially important and incredibly common. Zinc helps produce calming neurotransmitters (like GABA and serotonin) and supports myelin formation. Copper, on the other hand, pushes dopamine toward excitatory noradrenaline. Too much copper without enough zinc tips the brain into anxiety, hyperactivity, and inflammation, all of which make it harder for reflexes to integrate and stay switched off.
Heavy metals and toxins: Lead, mercury, mold, and pesticide exposure can disrupt neuron signalling and block minerals needed for integration.
Gut health issues: Dysbiosis and leaky gut drive systemic inflammation, which can impair brain development and reflex inhibition.
Chronic immune load: Allergies, frequent infections, or inflamed tonsils/adenoids keep the nervous system in “survival mode,” preventing proper integration.
Structural and neurological stressors: Oral ties and cranial tension affect how sensory input reaches the brain.
Mitochondrial or energy issues: If the brain is running on low fuel, it can’t prune unnecessary circuits, including primitive reflex pathways.
Sleep and airway issues: Poor sleep, mouth breathing, or low oxygen from enlarged tonsils/adenoids interfere with brain development and reflex inhibition.
Stress and trauma: High cortisol keeps the nervous system “on guard,” making it harder to progress into higher-level regulation.
Genetics and methylation: Variants like MTHFR or COMT can impact neurotransmitter balance and detox pathways, affecting how smoothly reflexes integrate.
How naturopathy and OT can work together
OTs provide the movement-based therapy that directly targets reflex integration. As naturopaths, we work alongside this by:
Checking for and correcting nutrient gaps (including zinc–copper balance)
Supporting gut and immune health to reduce inflammation
Helping detoxify environmental toxins and metals safely
Addressing sleep and breathing concerns, including underlying inflammatory drivers of enlarged tonsils and adenoids
Calming the nervous system with herbs and lifestyle support
Tailoring nutrition and supplements to genetic needs
When we combine movement therapy with this deeper whole-body support, reflexes are much more likely to integrate and stay integrated.
✨ Final thought:
If your child is working hard with an OT but reflexes keep returning, it may be worth looking at these underlying drivers. Supporting the body’s biochemistry, energy, and immune system can help the therapy stick, enabling your child to thrive in learning, movement, and emotional regulation.