Tools
Tapping the Vagus Nerve
For some young people, creating changes at a biobehavioural level is an essential step to being able to cope with other therapies, and being able to learn about themselves and strategies. If you have a child who struggles to have a conversation about emotions and feelings, reverts to a state of distress when trying to discuss an incident or certain context, or is resistant to learning coping strategies, then this is an excellent option to try. The biobehavioural process occurs through Vagal Nerve Stimulation, which sets neuroplasticity in motion, that results in helping calm the Nervous System at a neurological, unconscious and automatic level.
There are a range of devices which work by stimulating the vagus nerve, either manually through vibration or electrically in a way that cannot be felt. These are in effect, non-invasive brain stimulation therapies. While there are a few devices already on the market, there are also others in development, and others again, which are only accessible through medical practitioners. For many of these devices, the research is accessible on the product websites, otherwise you can contact the sellers for further information. As with anything, there is no guarantee it will work for any given child, however for some young people the results are remarkable, and in the words of our own family, "life-changing".
If you have any questions, or would like to see which devices are presently available through Hello Calm and may be most suitable for your young person to try, please get in touch.
For some young people, creating changes at a biobehavioural level is an essential step to being able to cope with other therapies, and being able to learn about themselves and strategies. If you have a child who struggles to have a conversation about emotions and feelings, reverts to a state of distress when trying to discuss an incident or certain context, or is resistant to learning coping strategies, then this is an excellent option to try. The biobehavioural process occurs through Vagal Nerve Stimulation, which sets neuroplasticity in motion, that results in helping calm the Nervous System at a neurological, unconscious and automatic level.
There are a range of devices which work by stimulating the vagus nerve, either manually through vibration or electrically in a way that cannot be felt. These are in effect, non-invasive brain stimulation therapies. While there are a few devices already on the market, there are also others in development, and others again, which are only accessible through medical practitioners. For many of these devices, the research is accessible on the product websites, otherwise you can contact the sellers for further information. As with anything, there is no guarantee it will work for any given child, however for some young people the results are remarkable, and in the words of our own family, "life-changing".
If you have any questions, or would like to see which devices are presently available through Hello Calm and may be most suitable for your young person to try, please get in touch.
Safe and Sound Protocol
Frequency specific music therapy The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive intervention designed to decrease anxiety, stress and auditory sensitivity, while simultaneously enhancing social engagement, feelings of safety, and resilience. It consists of five one hour sessions over consecutive days, and requires the user to wear a set of over-ear headphones as a means of listening to specifically manipulated vocal music. The frequencies of the music activate the middle ear muscles, training them to focus on the human voice, and also stimulate the Vagus Nerve, which triggers the calming of the Autonomic Nervous System. The results over time, both during and after treatment, are changes through neuroplasticity which promote states of calm, increase communication and engagement, and aid in behavioural regulation. This therapy can be very effective for young people who are highly anxious, have experienced trauma, are on the Autism Spectrum, have auditory sensitivity or Auditory Processing Disorder. As the Vagus Nerve innervates innumerable parts of the body's systems, other benefits are likely too. Research into the effects of stimulating the Vagus Nerve is current and ongoing. Read more about the SSP here. Vanessa from Hello Calm, is certified to deliver the Safe and Sound Protocol. This service is not yet available, however should you be interested in hearing when it is, please get in touch. |
This page is still being completed. More information is yet to be added.
© 2018 Hello Calm www.hellocalm.weebly.com