Babies and Children

The birth process is stressful to the baby (and the mother). It makes sense to have a baby assessed for body stress within a few months of the birth, even if there do not appear to be any problems. In this way, if there is any tension stored in the baby's neck or back it will be released before it accumulates to have an adverse impact on the nervous system.

The BSR practitioner carries out the checks and releases while the baby is lying on the mother's chest or lap. The pressure applied is very light and comfortable for the baby. After the stored stress is released a baby very often will fall into a sound sleep.

Children enjoy experiencing BSR as it is a gentle procedure and they become aware of how different they feel once the stored tension has been released. Often a small child will be aware of the body stress and will ask to be taken for a BSR session.

Babies & children respond very quickly to BSR, as the pressure has not been present in the body for a long time and is readily released.

The Causes of body Stress

Small children are likely to accumulate body stress as a result of frequent falls and a jerks while playing, or trying to lift heavy objects.

Children may sit incorrectly, e.g. reading or studying while sitting hunched over on a bed will induce stress in the neck and lower back.

Aps they approach puberty, children become more self-conscious and may develop poor posture. Hunched shoulders, a contracted chest and downward tilted head occur as a defensive mechanism against the new challenges and stresses of life. Muscles tighten and tension becomes locked into the body.

The Effects of Stress

A common sign that a baby has body stress in the neck is constant crying for no apparent reason. When body stress is present in the lower back the baby will cry when the hips are lifted while the nappy is being changed. The impact on the nervous system may cause constipation. Body stress in the area of the diaphragm may result in colic.

At school, a child with tension in the neck may lack concentration and become disruptive. If there is pressure in the lower back, the child may be restless and unable to sit still.

Toddlers who refuse to walk and demand to be carried, or who complain of sore legs, (so-called growing pains) very likely have body stress in the lower back. The leg muscles may be affected, causing a tendency of the feet to turn inwards. Bed-wetting may occur if the nerve supply to the bladder is irritated.