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HANDLE
HANDLE,
or Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency,
adopts a gentle, non-drug method of promoting efficient neurologial
functioning and learning. It also considers possible causal roles of
chemicals/toxins, allergens, nutritional deficencies, environmental
influences, and lifestyle factors.
It takes
a "systems" view of the body and mind, and therefore sees, e.g.
particular patterns of irregularities in Zoe's systems as expressions
that certain systems (e.g. vestibular, propioceptive, auditory, visual,
etc) need strengthening or protection.
The activities are gentle and simple, and are tailored to address the root causes of Zoe's "disordered" behaviour.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT is the inhalation of 100% oxygen inside a hyperbaric chamber that
is pressurised to greater than 1 atmosphere. HBOT causes both
mechanical and physiologic effects by inducing a state of increased
pressure and dissolving extra oxygen into the blood plasma.
Among other effects, HBOT acts as a
signal inducer of DNA to effect trophic (growth) tissue changes. Among the demonstrated effects in chronic wounding is the
development of new blood vessels, however; in the brain preliminary animal
evidence seems to suggest more of an adaptive effect on metabolism and blood
flow.
This therapy is used substantially in Japan, China, USA, and Europe to
assist in a wide range of children's neurological conditions. It is
relatively unknown in Australia for the treatment of these conditions.
Brisbane
Melbourne
Cranial-osteopathy
With a
highly trained sense of touch, the osteopath uses his fingers to
identify and correct disturbances and limitations of tissue mobility in
and around the joints of Zoe’s skull and throughout her body.
Thomas has
identified some stress at the base of Zoe’s skull (from pregnancy
and delivery) which is affecting her sense of balance and
proprioception, and is working to heal that.
He is also
working on the tension around her shoulders, which is mostly likely due
to her trying to maintain her balance with her arms when she walks.
Physio-, Occupational, Speech-Language therapy (current – approx. once a fortnight)
In a 1-hour combined session at the Sunshine Coast Children's Therapy Centre, the
therapists use play to exercise (e.g. walk around, bend to pick
objects), practice finger skills (e.g. drawing), and elicit language
(e.g. through flashcards or simply waiting for Zoe to utter any sound
to indicate her needs), and have found that water and/or sand play are
the best means to motivate Zoe to co-operate.
Laser Point Percussion Therapy and Specialised Physiotherapy (no longer needed)
This
therapy complements NDT program as the latter works on stimulating therapy (which targets accupressure points) works on
relaxing the muscles to do the work the brain tells them to.
The treatment protocol helps with normalising muscle tone and improving reflex responses, sensory perception and response.
For more information, see: www.ablecareinfo.com
Brain Gym and Rhythmic Movement (no longer using)
We have been
taught some Brain Gym and Rhythmic Movement exercises that we do
whenever we can with Zoe. Some are not unlike the exercises the physios
give us, but others are unique. The rationale behind this therapy is to
use physical movement to enhance learning.
Reiki (whenever)
Reiki is
a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and
self-improvement. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based
on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is
what causes us to be alive. Thus, if our "life force energy" is low,
then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high,
we are more capable of being happy and healthy. Reiki treats the whole
person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many
beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace,
security and wellbeing.
We “give” Zoe (or rather, conduct) Reiki whenever we can. Not easy on a wriggly little girl.
LPC therapy (all the time!)
This is what we specialise in – giving Zoe lots of love, praise, and cuddles!
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