Movements that heal -the book
Movements that Heal – Rhythmic movement Training and Primitive Reflex Integration By Harald Blomberg MD With Moira Dempsey
A drug-free approach to learning, emotional and behavioural challenges
This is an interesting book which describes the approach of helping those with learning, emotional and behavioural challenges by using movements which help to integrate primitive reflexes.
The book starts by describing the medical way of treating ADHD and then looks at alternative ways of looking at and treating these children and others with challenges. The author then describes the normal development of a baby. That they should, “grow and follow the same development pattern or stages”. If the primitive reflex does not emerge completely, or does not completely integrate then stages may be missed, or the baby is unable to move forward in their development. This then makes it difficult for the child to develop their lifelong postural reflex and gain complete control of movements.
The author then takes the reader through the formation of the brain and the role of the primitive reflexes and movement in the development of the baby. The role of the limbic system is also described in the development of the baby and the challenges faced when it has not properly integrated. He also shares some cases that have responded to the Rhythmic movement training.
The challenges faced in Dyslexia are described including alternative views as to the processes as to why a child presents with dyslexia. As well as a small percentage that have a genetic basis, some presentations may be a, “consequence of visual disorders, defective motor development, lack of certain nutrients or deficient interplay of the ability of the brain to process sound signals.” One label does not fit all, the causes of reading and writing difficulties are different for different children.
The last chapter of the book describes some of the basic movements used in Rhythmic Movement training.
About the authors
Dr Harald Blomberg is psychiatrist in Stockholm Sweden and has been interested in using movements and other drug free approaches to learning difficulties for over 30 years.
Moira Dempsey from Melbourne, Australia worked as a teacher in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore before becoming an Educational and Developmental kinesiologist.
