Tag Archives: Neurological

Neurological & Structural Growth and Developmental Factors in Infants, and where Craniopathy Comes into play.

Happy Monday everyone! This month is all topics on chiropractic and nutrition for children and infants.  If you missed last week’s blog I mentioned that each month will have a topic we will focus on for the ENTIRE month, as well as every Wednesday Live Facebook videos on the topic of choice!  If you have topics you’d like covered, suggested are HIGHLY welcomed:)  It is hard coming up with topics every week!

I will also be out of town the later part of this week presenting at the annual chiropractic research conference for a couple of papers I submitted.

On to this week’s topic!

This blog is about the neurological development that happens as we grow, and how chiropractic care (especially cranial care) is essential in this time.

I will be taking most information from different sources, the majority from a certified craniopath Dr. Martin Rosen as he has done so much for the pediatric chiropractic world.

Growth & Development 
How and when does the nervous system develop?

  • Total brain volume increases 101% in the first year of life, 15% in the second year.
  • Gray matter development increases 149% in the first year, white matter 11%
  • Cerebellum (cognitive) volume increases 240% in the first year
  • Lateral ventricle volume increases 280% in the first year
  • The brain reaches 80-90% of adult volume  by age two
  • The period from birth to two may be THE MOST DYNAMIC and IMPORTANT phase of postnatal brain development in humans!
The large increase in total brain volume in the first year of life suggests that this is a critical period in which disruption of developmental processes, as the result of genetic abnormalities, birth trauma, or environmental insults may have long lasting or permanent effects on brain structure and volume. 

The dural tissue.. let me explain… we have a tissue over our brain like a sac the brain sits in, which extends all the way down into the tailbone.  This tissue when under tension either from head or sacrum trauma results in neurological dysfunction developing at the spinal or cranial area are under the greatest stress.

“The primary mechanisms of injury to the spinal cord appear to be excessive traction applied to the spinal canal and cord during the birth process.” – Donn, MD Obstetrician.

This is why it’s so important to correct these structural components in an infant!  Studies have shown that these children will function at reduced capacity later in life.  It will cause compensatory patterns, to allow us to react to our environment the best we can.  However, this can cause complications.

Environmental factors come into play OF COURSE.  Being that a relatively small percentage of illnesses are really just from genetics…

Perceptions acquired before the age of six become the fundamental subconscious programs that shape the character of the individuals life!

This can even happen all the way in the womb…

Any pregnant woman who wants to give birth to a child must understand how much she affects the child in her womb.  She influences her child through the vibratory effect of her mental self, her circulation, her impulses, her feelings and all that she goes through.  The serum which flows through her spine and the change of the grey matter and neural patterns in her brain, combine with the beat of her heart and the impulse of the breath, to produce an imprint on her child’s brain. – Yogi Bhajan.

Birth trauma is REAL, and even in a normal birth, it can cause complications in the infant.  C-sections, forceps, vacuum, all have detrimental effects on how the child functions, unless these injuries to the head and body are addressed right away.  As previously mentioned, so much happens during the first 2 years of life!

Chiropractic care and cranial care for children is not just a “hoax”.  It really can be preventative, since most “patterns” we have as adults are made up till the age of seven.

Then … layer of years of other accidents, traumas, and other incidents.  It’s often times hard to actually see what the true pattern was!

Most the time I will say to my adult patients, after an initial examination, at the end of the treatment after we’ve treated and addressed many things… noww.. we had to clear ALL of that out to get to your ORIGINAL cranial compression from BIRTH.

It’s harder when you’re an adult to fix all these problems, if only children could get this care right away, you can avoid so many implications and interventions.  This is why I’m also passionate about treating children.  We have the ability to change THEIR future and development.

Wouldn’t you have liked that opportunity?  I sure would have.  It’s important now as an adult to create the best environment possible since I myself didn’t have that care.

Share this with those who have little ones or who are prepping to have little ones!  It could be LIFE changing for them.!

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Marjoram. Marjoram Oil Product Description
Commonly recognized for its ability to spice foods, Marjoram essential oil is a unique cooking additive with many additional internal and external benefits. The herbaceous flavoring of Marjoram oil can be used to spice up stews, dressings, soups, and meat dishes and can take the place of dried marjoram when cooking. Aside from its culinary benefits, Marjoram can be taken internally to help support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system.* Marjoram can also be used topically and aromatically for its calming properties. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system.* The aroma of Marjoram oil is warm, herbaceous, and woody and helps promote a calming atmosphere.

Marjoram oil is a unique and valuable oil because of the extensive benefits it provides for the body. One of the most significant benefits Marjoram essential oil offers is its ability to have a positive effect on the nervous system.* Marjoram oil is also used for its calming properties. To obtain these benefits, take Marjoram oil internally, apply it to the skin topically, or use it aromatically.

Acetylcholine is an important chemical produced by the body. It plays a crucial role in numerous neurological functions as a neurotransmitter. For example, acetylcholine is necessary for muscular contraction, the function of the cerebellar cortex, hippocampus and other neurologic structures. Recent research has even begun to suggest that healthy acetylcholine levels may correspond directly to healthy neurological function.1 An in vitro study lead by Tunisian researchers found that Marjoram essential oil inhibits enzymes that degrade acetylcholine. While further investigation is needed, these findings add to a growing body of research suggesting the use of essential oils in maintaining neurological health.*

Another powerful benefit of Marjoram essential oil is its ability to support a healthy immune system.* To help support your immune system with Marjoram oil, dilute one drop of Marjoram into 4 fl. oz. of liquid and drink. You can also put Marjoram oil into a Veggie Capsule and ingest.

While working on long, intense projects, apply Marjoram essential oil to the back of the neck to lessen feelings of stress. Marjarom oil contains calming properties that help relax emotions during stressful moments. Applying Marjoram essential oil topically can help provide the calming feelings you need to get through difficult or strenuous tasks.

The cardiovascular system includes one of the most fundamental and crucial parts of the body—the heart. Because of its prominence in keeping the body running, it is important to support your body’s cardiovascular system. Marjoram oil may promote a healthy cardiovascular system, helping to give your body essential strength that it may need.* These benefits can be obtained by taking Marjoram essential oil internally.

Indulge in a creamy, Low-Fat Spinach and Artichoke Dip that will have you coming back for seconds. Combining the rich flavors of cheese and yogurt with the nutrients of artichoke, jalapenos, and spinach, topped with a hint of Marjoram, this recipe will be hard to replace. This essential oil recipe is easy to make and is an instant crowd pleaser—perfect for office parties and holiday gatherings.

If “Rock-a-bye Baby” doesn’t seem to be lulling your child to sleep, don’t worry; just use some Marjoram oil. Prior to a nap, apply Marjoram essential oil to a fussy child’s feet. The calming properties of Marjoram oil will help soothe the child, helping him or her to rest easily and peacefully.

Marjoram is a great spice to have in the kitchen and can help spice up a variety of dishes. Next time a recipe calls for dried Marjoram, replace it with Marjoram essential oil for a convenient and spicy flavoring that will take your meal to the next level. Usually, one drop of Marjoram essential oil is equivalent to two tablespoons of dried Marjoram.

To bring relief to your muscles, apply Marjoram essential oil to the desired areas of your skin before and after exercising. Marjoram is also a perfect oil to add to a soothing massage blend for targeting tired and stressed muscles.

Fun Fact
In Germany, the marjoram herb is known as the “Goose Herb” for its traditional use in roasting geese.

Plant Description
The marjoram plant, Origanum majorana, is an herbaceous perennial that is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant can grow to be one to two feet in height and can spread an equal distance. This plant is busy with fragrant, ovate leaves that are gray-green in color. Tiny, tubular flowers that are white or pale pink bloom in clusters on this plant.1 doTERRA Marjoram essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant.

 

That is all for now.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy week.

Dr. Hamel