Montpelier Family Chiropractic Newsletter

September 2009
www.MontpelierChiro.com

CROSS CRAWL RE-EDUCATION
Dr. Sean Reif D.C.

When a child is born, the brain and nerve function are not organized in the same manner needed for optimal function later in in life. Organization and education begin immediately and continue through all stages of developing, from the infant, to creeping, crawling, walking, running and FALLING!

The 2 halves of the brain control the opposite sides. The right side brain controls the left side body, and the left brain controls right side body. By 5 - 8 years of age the crossing mechanism and one side dominance has developed. Right and left sidedness is controlled mostly by heredity. The crossing mechanism develops by crawling, walking, and running. When crawling, walking, or running, there is a crossing of nerve function. As one leg moves forward, the OPPOSITE ARM moves forward. This crossing action organizes the nervous system. When normal crossing and dominance are not present, there is a “confusion” within the nervous system creating improper control of body function.

There are many reason for abnormal crossing and dominance. A child may fail to go through the initial crawling stage by scooting until he begins to walk. He may be put in a walker and never given the opportunity to crawl. An injury during the normal crawling period may prohibit the usual activity at that time. Dominance may be interfered with by a well-meaning parent who insists on placing a spoon in the right hand of a normal dominant left-hander. The left-dominant child may find himself confused by a right-dominant world.

Often crossing and dominance develop normally, only to be disturbed in adult life. Injury or severe illness can cause the non-dominant side to take over simple “housekeeping” duties, while the dominant side does the major work of healing. The dominant side should resume its activity form the non-dominant side when the crisis is over; however, it sometimes cannot do so without re-education.

Improper crossing and dominance can cause INNUMERABLE SYMPTOMS. Children may tend to be “slow learners”, have “reading disabilities”, be “hyperactive” or “clumsy”, or have MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS. In the adult, muscle spasms, postural strain, loss of coordination, and inability to hold chiropractic corrections are often found. Because the nervous system is affected, all body functions are affected.

A nerve patterning procedure can correct imbalances by implementing nerve re-education. Lying on the back with legs straight and arms at the sides, bring the right arm and left (opposite) leg up, bending at the knee. Simultaneously turning the head to the side of the rising arm, take a deep breath, and look up the rising arm. Lower arm and leg, breathe out, and return the head and eyes to neutral. Bring the left arm and right (opposite) leg up, bending at the knee. Simultaneously turn the head to the side of the rising arm, take a deep breath, look up the rising arm. Then, Lower arm and leg, breathe out, and return eyes to neutral. Being certain to THINK THROUGH all the processes.

Standing, move the right arm and left (opposite) leg back as far that they go. Simultaneously turn head to the same side as the arm that is going back, take deep breath and move eyes along the backward movement of the arm. Bring arm, leg, head, and eyes to neutral while breathing out. Bring left arm and right (opposite) leg back. Simultaneously turning the head to the same side as the arm going back, take a deep breath, moving eyes along the backward movement of the arm. Bring the arm, leg, head, and eyes to the neutral while breathing out.

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Announcement
Scoliosis

Scoliosis is Montpelier Family Chiropractic’s focus topic for the month of September.

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. A healthy spine viewed from the front appears to be a straight vertical line. When viewed from the side it is observed having 3 distinct curves in it. When viewing a spine afflicted by scoliosis from the front, it will display curves instead of the expected straight line of a healthy spine. These lateral curves can become more pronounced as the body ages affecting the individual’s overall well being and mobility.

The earlier scoliosis is treated through chiropractic care, the better the chances of this condition being reversed and the individual leading a normal, healthy life. This is why it is important to have your child screened for scoliosis here at Montpelier Family Chiropractic. Dr. Tree has been specially trained to identify and treat this condition using chiropractic care.

The beginning of the school year places extra demands on a young person’s back. Uncomfortable school chairs must be endured for hours through the day. Heavy back packs laden with books are slung on the shoulder, or worn improperly by children fashioning the style of wearing their packs below the mid point of the back at the waist. The condition of scoliosis is a complication that contributes to the back pain your child can experience from these added stressors.

We invite you to come in and learn more about scoliosis and have your child examined. No one should have to live in pain, especially our children. We’ll help you and your child Feel Better… Naturally.