The moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is an “involuntary reaction to threat, “ (Goddard, 2005, p. 5). You may have seen this when a baby flings the arms and legs out when startled or if his head is lowered when on his back. When this happens, there is a physiological stress response of the heart pounding, shallow breathing, and secretion of adrenaline and cortisol. This response makes the baby more sensitive to incoming stimulus (Story, n.d.).
Some symptoms of an unintegrated moro reflex are: an exaggerated startle reaction, hypersensitivity to light, sound, or vestibular stimulation. When a moro reflex is retained, the individual will go into his “survival pattern and can react with either paralysis or temper tantrums when stressed due to the shutting down of the connections into this area” (Blomberg & Dempsey, 2011, p. 112). When children have a retained moro reflex, they are always in this heightened state. The effects of the constant secretions of cortisol can also cause allergies and adrenal stress (Blomberg & Dempsey, 2011). This reflex is connected to every sense and is considered the “gateway” for the inhibition of the other reflexes. In other words, if the moro reflex is present, it can be difficult to inhibit other active reflexes.
Works Cited
Goddard, S. (2005). Reflexes, learning and behavior: A window into the child’s mind. Eugene: Fern Ridge Press.
Story, S. Getting to the Core of Sensory Issues. Retrieved from www.moveplaythrive.com on 5/1/2013.
Blomberg, H. & M. Dempsey. (2011). Movements that Heal. Queensland: Book pal.
Some symptoms of an unintegrated moro reflex are: an exaggerated startle reaction, hypersensitivity to light, sound, or vestibular stimulation. When a moro reflex is retained, the individual will go into his “survival pattern and can react with either paralysis or temper tantrums when stressed due to the shutting down of the connections into this area” (Blomberg & Dempsey, 2011, p. 112). When children have a retained moro reflex, they are always in this heightened state. The effects of the constant secretions of cortisol can also cause allergies and adrenal stress (Blomberg & Dempsey, 2011). This reflex is connected to every sense and is considered the “gateway” for the inhibition of the other reflexes. In other words, if the moro reflex is present, it can be difficult to inhibit other active reflexes.
Works Cited
Goddard, S. (2005). Reflexes, learning and behavior: A window into the child’s mind. Eugene: Fern Ridge Press.
Story, S. Getting to the Core of Sensory Issues. Retrieved from www.moveplaythrive.com on 5/1/2013.
Blomberg, H. & M. Dempsey. (2011). Movements that Heal. Queensland: Book pal.
Here are two basic, yet profound exercises to help with the Moro Reflex.
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Starfish
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Navel Radiation
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Additional activities to integrate
Bear Hugs (young children) - Encourage your child to squeeze you tight with arms (especially pressing with elbows) and legs.
Using a physio-ball, have the child squeeze the ball with thighs and arms (elbows). Squeeze for a count of 7 while exhaling and relax. Repeat 6 times. I have my small child squeeze his legs and arms around me when he is hugging me for a few repetitions of 7 seconds each, breathing out each time.
Have child walk backwards over the physio-ball. Some students will even allow me to flip their legs over. If the ball is weighted with sand inside ("stayball") then he/she can probably do this independently, but if not, assistance will be necessary to ensure that the ball stays in place. Also, watch out for long hair as it tends to get trapped under the ball.
Squeezing pointer finger and thumb of left hand with right hand for at least 1 minute.
The Moro is about increased sympathetic response, so investigate ways to increase the parasympathetic system or vagal tone.
The Moro is about increased sympathetic response, so investigate ways to increase the parasympathetic system or vagal tone.
Need More Guidance?
If you would like to learn more strategies to integrate this reflex, including the highly effective isometric exercises, or would like to build an individualized program for your child, please fill out the questionnaire below, send it to me and request a consultation time.
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