Here you can explore in greater depth some of the principles, techniques and equipment used at Listening Hands. Some information is written by me, drawing on more than sixty years of experience as a physiotherapist, and I have also included outside resources that I believe may be helpful.
Information from Ada-Lou
Understanding the Nervous System
Understanding the nervous system is important because it influences so much of how our bodies respond to pain, stress, injury and treatment.
The autonomic nervous system has two major divisions that are particularly relevant to my work: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS prepares the body to respond to challenge or threat. Heart rate and breathing may increase, muscles may tighten and the body becomes more alert and ready for action. In a baby, this may be when you see crying, agitation or difficulty with activities such as nursing.
The PNS supports rest, digestion, recovery and healing. As the body shifts toward this quieter state, breathing can slow, muscle tension may decrease and the body is better able to rest, digest, nurse and direct energy toward healing.
Both systems are essential for our well-being. What matters is the body’s ability to move appropriately between them.
Many of the approaches I use — including touch, breathing, movement, visualization and a quiet treatment environment — can help the nervous system settle so the body is better able to respond to treatment.
The Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is an important part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It travels from the brainstem through the neck and into the chest and abdomen, communicating with many of the body’s organs.
Because of its extensive connections, the vagus nerve plays a role in functions including heart rate, breathing and digestion.
This is one reason I pay attention not only to the area that hurts, but also to breathing, muscle tension and the overall state of the nervous system during treatment.
Helping Your Baby Shift from SNS to PNS
Helping a baby move from an agitated sympathetic state toward a calmer parasympathetic state is important not only for successful nursing, but whenever a baby is distressed or having difficulty settling.
Babies are very sensitive to the state of the person holding them. When a parent becomes anxious because a baby is crying or struggling to nurse, the baby may become increasingly distressed as well.
Sometimes the first step is therefore not to try harder to make nursing work. It is to help both parent and baby become calmer.
Slow breathing, soothing touch and simple rhythmic movement may help. One approach I often use is having the parent sit securely on an exercise ball while holding the baby and gently bouncing. The rhythm can be calming for both parent and baby.
Once the baby is quieter and more organized, it may be easier to return to nursing or whatever was causing the distress.
The Hand–Mouth Connection in Babies
A baby’s hands and mouth are closely connected neurologically. This is one of the reasons I pay such close attention to a baby’s hands, particularly when a baby has difficulty nursing.
A baby who persistently keeps the hands tightly fisted, with the thumb held across the palm, may also be holding tension elsewhere in the body.
Working with the hands and encouraging the thumb and palm to open often results in helping baby relax the mouth and jaw and organize the movements needed for sucking.
SomatoEmotional Release®
Physical experiences can sometimes have effects that continue long after an injury, illness or other stressful event has passed.
SomatoEmotional Release® may become part of treatment when physical restrictions appear to have an emotional component.
It is never something I impose or attempt to make happen. My role is to listen, support and follow what the person’s body is expressing during treatment.
Resources I Recommend
The following are resources from health professionals and organizations that I believe provide useful information related to some of the principles and approaches used at Listening Hands Physiotherapy.
These resources are offered for general information and do not replace individual assessment or medical advice.
Nervous System & Vagus Nerve
- The Vagus Nerve — Cleveland Clinic
Information about the vagus nerve, its anatomy and some of the many functions it influences. - The Parasympathetic Nervous System — Cleveland Clinic
An explanation of the “rest and digest” portion of the autonomic nervous system and its role in normal body function.
Babies & Children
- CanDo Kiddo — Strengths-Based Development for Babies, Toddlers and Parents
Practical information and activities that parents can use to support their baby’s development at home.
Treatment Approaches
- CranioSacral Therapy — Upledger Institute International
- Background information about CranioSacral Therapy.
- Myofascial Release — John F. Barnes, PT
- Information about the myofascial release approach.
- Visceral Manipulation — The Barral Institute
- Information about Visceral Manipulation and its development.
- Acupressure — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- A patient-friendly explanation of acupressure and how pressure is applied to acupoints.
- Therapeutic Touch — Therapeutic Touch International Association
- Information from the international organization devoted specifically to Therapeutic Touch.
- SomatoEmotional Release® — Upledger Institute International
- Information about SomatoEmotional Release® within the Upledger CranioSacral Therapy curriculum.
Additional information and resources may be added from time to time.
