School Exercises
for Primitive Reflexes
Exercises for Primitive Reflexes
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Exercises for Primitive Reflexes 〰️
Retained Primitive Reflexes affect Learning and Behaviour
As babies, we are born with primitive reflexes – rooting, grasp, startle, suck, etc. These movements are done automatically by the baby to keep herself safe. As the baby matures, her brain should no longer be influenced by these automatic responses to stimulus. The primitive reflexes integrate in the brain as the baby/toddler/child moves on to learn new things.
If primitive reflexes don’t integrate, the automatic movements remain and interfere with brain function. The result? Children experience challenges with learning, reading, math, sitting still and more.
Many children are diagnosed with ADD and ADHD every year; many of them are misdiagnosed because retained primitive reflexes look similar to ADD/ADHD symptoms.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, children did not learn well – how could they from sitting at home learning over zoom? They could not move their bodies, participate in sports, swim or dance, to the detriment of their ability to learn.
The overwhelming result is that teachers are struggling to teach children who have learning and movement challenges. Proper movement of the body drives proper brain function, and our children, our families, our teachers and the world are now paying the price for sitting still for 2 years.
Let’s Start with the Moro Reflex
Signs of a Retained Moro (Startle) Reflex in an older child or adult:
anxiety
emotional regulation challenges
motion sickness when in a car or on an amusement park ride
balance challenges
coordination issues
hypersensitivity
started/wakes easily
withdrawn, timid or shy
doesn’t like rolling onto their back
As a teacher, here’s how you can help
Have your students do 20 Starfish exercises in the morning at the beginning of class
to calm their brains and help them concentrate better in school
(or 10 in the morning, and 10 after lunch before class begins)
Both children AND adults can have Retained Primitive Reflexes
Dr. Melanie, Dr. Laurence and Dr. Leah have taken extra courses and seminars to learn how to assess and treat people with retained primitive reflexes
We will have you fill out a comprehensive intake form that will help us to focus on which reflexes might be retained
We will do a thorough chiropractic and neurological exam
We will make an individualized plan for you and/or your child that will include chiropractic adjustments and home exercises
These home exercises must be done twice a day for at least 30 days for your nervous system to integrate the retained primitive reflexesThen we will re-exam to assess and plan again
If you would like more information, or to
make an appointment with one of our Doctors,
please call us at 403-945-2422
Chiropractic Adjustments
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