What is the Metamorphic Technique?

The Metamorphic Technique is a simple approach to self-healing and personal development. We all have great potential, but due to limiting beliefs that we hold about ourselves and our lives, we tend to get ourselves stuck in particular patterns that keep us from fully realising that potential. These patterns can show up in various ways - physical or mental illness, emotional problems, limiting attitudes or repeating patterns of behaviour. Beneath these external symptoms are corresponding patterns of energy. The Metamorphic Technique acts as a catalyst to this energy (also known as the life force), gently enabling you to transform your patterns and begin to move from who you are, to who you can be. The Metamorphic practitioner uses a light touch on points known as the spinal reflexes in the feet, hands and head. At the same time, he or she remains detached from the achievement of specific results. This allows your energy to be guided by your own innate intelligence (the 'wise guide within'), transforming your patterns in whatever ways are right for you. The Metamorphic Technique is not a therapy or a treatment, as it is not concerned with addressing specific symptoms or problems. There is no need for practitioners to know about your personal or medical history. The Technique is gentle, non-invasive and completely safe. It can be used on its own or alongside conventional medicine or alternative and complementary therapies. It is easy to learn and, since no special abilities or background are needed, it is accessible to everyone. Whereas people may seek medicine or therapy because they want to be healed of something, they come to the Metamorphic Technique because they want to transform their patterns. It is an empowering tool for enabling people to 'get out of their own way', let go of past limitations and move forward in their lives.

History and background

The Metamorphic Technique has its origins in the work of Robert St. John, a British naturopath and reflexologist. During the 1960s he discovered that he could bring about significant changes by applying a light touch to particular points on the feet that reflexologists call the spinal reflexes. Later, he realised that everyone has their own capacity for self-healing and that, if he allowed it to become fully active whilst practising, then his patients would be empowered to be their own healers in a truly effective way. Since permanent, far-reaching changes on a number of levels were now occurring in his patients - changes originating entirely from within the patients themselves - he developed a body of work aptly named Metamorphosis. This unique approach distinguished it from the temporary, limited changes that his previous therapeutic approaches had achieved. Gaston Saint-Pierre, who studied extensively with Robert St. John during the 1970s, saw the potential for the development of a practical tool for self-healing and the realisation of one's potential that could be easily integrated into everyday life. He therefore went on to further develop the work and created the term 'The Metamorphic Technique' to differentiate the new direction the work was now taking. The word 'technique' is defined as a way of approaching a task that perfects itself in the practice. In 1979 he set up The Metamorphic Association, which was then registered as a charity in 1984, to promote the Technique worldwide.

What is the theory behind the Metamorphic Technique?

From the traditions of Eastern medicine to the new discoveries of science, it is generally acknowledged that energy or 'life force' underlies all forms of life. This is the basis for the Metamorphic Technique. It is now widely recognised that our energy can get 'stuck' in particular patterns. Every cell that makes up our bodies and minds holds memories of our experiences - not only from our childhood but going right back through our time in the womb to the moment we were conceived. When an experience affects us strongly, the thoughts, emotions and beliefs connected to that memory can set up energy patterns in which we become 'stuck'. In a sense, they keep us stuck in the past. These energy patterns can express themselves in a variety of ways, such as physical or mental illness, emotional problems, limiting attitudes and beliefs or repeating patterns of behaviour. In fact the Metamorphic Technique sees all mental, emotional, physical and behavioural 'problems' as symptoms or expressions of energy patterns. By using a light touch to the spinal reflex points on the feet, hands and head, the Metamorphic practitioner acts as a catalyst (something that speeds up a process of change) to the person's life force. The life force, guided by the person's innate intelligence, will then bring about whatever transformations of the energy patterns are needed. This enables the person to naturally shift those patterns that no longer serve them. The energy that was 'stuck' is released, freeing them up from past influences and allowing them to let go and move forward. While the theory can initially seem quite difficult to grasp, it is not necessary to understand it to benefit.

What does a session of the Metamorphic Technique involve?

A session usually lasts for about an hour. The recipient removes their shoes and socks and may be either sitting or lying down. The practitioner uses a light touch on the spinal reflex points in the feet, hands and head. Sessions are non-diagnostic: the practitioner does not seek to address specific symptoms or problems, so there is no need to take a case history. Some people may wish to talk about it and that is fine, but it is not necessary. Metamorphic Technique practitioners work in a detached way. This does not mean that they don't care. It simply means that they do not make judgements, impose their will or seek to direct the other person's life force in any way. This creates an environment in which that person's life force is free to do whatever is needed. The person is empowered to be his or her own healer. Most people find sessions very pleasant and relaxing.

Is the Metamorphic Technique suitable for everyone?

Yes. The Metamorphic Technique is gentle, non-invasive and completely safe. As it is the person's own life force that does the healing, it cannot do any harm. It can be safely used by anyone including children, pregnant mothers and people who are dying. The Technique can be received on its own or alongside other approaches, whether conventional medicine or alternative and complementary therapies.

Can anyone learn the Metamorphic Technique?

Yes. Although the theory behind it can initially seem quite difficult to grasp, the practice is very simple to learn and use. No special abilities or background are needed to practise. It does not involve diagnosis, so no medical training is needed. Many people take short courses so they can use the Technique with family and friends. Parents are especially encouraged to learn, so they can give the Technique to their children.

The Metamorphic Association

The Metamorphic Association is a registered charity whose mission is: To promote good health and well-being through awareness, understanding and use of the Metamorphic Technique in the UK and internationally, and to uphold standards in practising and teaching the Technique. The Association runs workshops, produces publications and maintains a register of practitioners and teachers of the Technique.

Source: The Metamorphic Association
Registered Charity No. 326525