There is method in the madness!

In the past year I have received many questions on why I have incorporated strange movement activities with the EFT procedure in my “Lion’s heart” book series.  Let me assure you that there is method in this madness.  The truth is children learn through movement and evaluating movements as a therapist can give you deeper insight as to where the “deeper” blocks can be.  Let me not put the horse behind the cart, let’s start from the beginning.

In my book “Let go and grow”,  the goal of the book is to teach children how to deal with their emotions and as the first page says: We all have them.

Emotions in children are often felt in the stomach, thus meaning  

that when they are stressed or worried, they often experience stomach aches.  Knowing this I have decided to incorporate the Vestibular system (the three semicircle canal in the ear) as well as kinesthetic awareness.  The Vestibular system is linked to the digestive system as well as the eye muscles.  The Kinesthetic system includes spatial orientation, balance and proprioceptors (to name a few)

Instead of using the the setup statement with the karate chop, I used the point of the nose as well as and jumping up and down.  The reason for this being, that so much information are send from the feet to the brain, telling where there is attention needed in the body, especially when impact is felt.  Therefor by jumping up and down, vibrations are send through the body and body awareness are stimulated.

This activity will also bring to light if there is a Vestibular dysfunction,  for example a child afraid to jump or not being able to lift the legs.  In a case like this fear of heights or not being sure of the space the body is in, can play a huge role in the development and scholastic ability.  Other reason might be an ear infection, but all indicate that the child will need special treatment or therapy.  If you are not a therapist or medical health practitioner, please do not diagnose, only refer.

Using EFT with therapy is very beneficial and working with medical health practitioners and therapist are very beneficial for your practice as well.  I  have used the nose point, because it is a heart point, and where else is a better place to tap on emotions. As mentioned, the Vestibular system is not just linked to the digestive system but also linked to the eye muscles and this is where one can see if the vestibular is hypo or hyperactive.  Bearing this in mind I have incorporated turning in circles.  This activity is sometimes difficult for a child to control, so I often turn  and stop them with my hands.  This activity often induce laughter, so approach with caution (hehehehe- jokes).  Children must laugh and MUST have fun, then the progress is always quicker.

The other activity that I always includes is the soldier.  This activity promotes left and right brain integration, this means that the two hemispheres start to talk to each other.  Believe me, this is a good thing.  You can try this as an adult as well and feel how your balance improves.  Another alternative that can be used is crawling.

ALWAYS make sessions fun and give space for creativity.  Children tend to shift very quickly and they are able to let go even quicker.  I have received great feedback from SENCos (Special Educational Need Coordinator) in the UK in using this “Lion’s heart dance”.  Please try it and let me know.  Remember ALL children are unique.

In closing, in my practice I always ask “If you can imagine having a let go button, where will it be?”.  Now where is your “Let go button?”

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Much Love xxx Tanya

“Let go and grow” is available on  all online stores or follow this link.