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Rhythmic Movements for Regulation & Primitive Reflex Integration with Young Children
Learn how to use gentle rocking movements to help calm, organise, and mature important areas of your child's brain. As this occurs, we anticipate improvements in their development. This may include emotional and self-regulation skills, attention, impulse control, sensory processing, eye tracking, muscle strength, coordination, stamina, fine motor skills, reading, and handwriting. Rhythmic movements assist with primitive reflex integration.
So many children respond so very well to these movements. I get so excited to hear parent feedback and see the progress! Here are a few short case-studies.
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Babies move all the time, even in their sleep. They engage in innate, spontaneous arm, leg, and whole body movements e.g. Rocking on all fours, promotes integration of the STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) and prepares baby's brain and body for crawling.
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At any stage, we can use rhythmic movements to strengthen neural pathways between lower and higher centres of the brain. When this happens development follows.
Special rhythmic rocking as in this video demonstration 'Rainbow Rock', helps children with regulation and boosts development.
This 4 year old relaxes as I rock him. The bubble timer also helps him to calm while side lying with a pillow for his head. I focus on being present, warm, and connected. I rock at a speed and range that feel good to his body. See the Ten Points below.
More Helpful Rhythmic Movement Videos for Regulation & Integration - access is required
ABC Rock - on stomach
Fish Alive - on back
Rainbow 2 - on side
I Lie In Bed - on back
Rock & Play 2 - on hands and knees
Crocodile Snaps - on back
Love You - on back
ABC Rock 2 - on stomach
Rock & Play - on stomach
Row Boat - on back
I have made other videos below to show you more rhythmic movements which you can access if you are having OT with me.
Ten Points on How to Do Rhythmic Movements - including 'Rainbow Rock' from the sample video
1. Some children with under-developed vestibular systems initially can't tolerate passive rocking movement lying down in a relaxed way when they are awake. So when they are fast asleep, very gently rock your child while they are sleeping. The brain never sleeps! Otherwise, add this into your child's routine e.g. bedtime routine each night if possible (but not if they are sick or resistant) for at least one month - often up to three or more.
2. Your child should feel comfortable while being rocked e.g. lie on the floor on a thick mat or on a bed or couch and provide a pillow as needed.
3. It is really important that your rocking is smooth, flowing and keeps to an even rhythm. Take a few deep breaths, be present and loving.
4. Help your child to determine the best speed and range of motion according to what feels best for them Ask 'Do you want it harder or softer?'
5. Connect with your child to have their cooperation and keep it positive e.g. sing, hum, talk softly or watch a bubble timer or hold a cuddly toy.
6. Observe carefully how they respond and if they relax. If their body stiffens up, then pause briefly, and see if after the pause, you can continue.
7. To begin with your child may only feel comfortable with a few seconds of this movement. As long as your child is enjoying the movement, it is good to do as much as they like e.g. several minutes up to 15 or so.
8. For co-regulation, it's ideal if you also routinely do movement by rocking yourself or having help from another. It is beneficial for the whole family to help each other to experience this movement. In this way, your child is not singled out, it becomes a bonding time, and everyone's nervous systems calm.
9. Occasionally there can be an initial reaction to this movement e.g. dizziness, itching, flatulence, nausea, fatigue or hyperactivity. These movements stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body so toxins may be released and eliminated. Any reactions should diminish relatively quickly. Your child could also become more emotional. See this as a positive sign - give extra love and nature time - it will pass soon.
10. Help! My child looks like they are enjoying the movement and then they start getting silly - what can I do? This can happen, especially if your child is not yet able to tell you what they are feeling. For children with many unintegrated reflexes, especially the Moro and Fear Paralysis reflexes, it can feel strange for them to feel their body slow down and relax during the rhythmic movement. For some children this can even feel a bit scary as they are used to being in a wound-up state inside. Don't make a big deal of them being silly. Move to a different movement (if you have access to the others) or stop and give them a big, deep hug. Reassure your child that they are safe and in time their body will get used to and like slowing down to relax or sleep.