the embracing squeeze to calm a child

I'm lucky to have a mother in law who works with reflex integration. She recently taught me the technique called the "embracing squeeze". I thought I would try it out on a child who was unable to fall asleep. After trying different techniques such as gently rubbing the lower back, I tried this technique and the child fell asleep soon after. 

The embracing squeeze is also known as the 'bonding reflex' in reflex integration. In touch therapy, it can also be referred to as a deep pressure stimulation (DPS). In both cases, the result is a relaxation of the nervous system. Deep pressure input is calming to many children and adults. Think of newborn babies who like to be swaddled. It impacts the autonomic nervous system which regulates breathing, heart rate, and other functions in the body. 

While each child has there own preferred style of support to fall asleep, I discovered this particular child required the embracing squeeze and wanted to share how to do it here.

First start at the upper arms. Using both your hands, place them on the child's arm and gently press to give a bit of pressure. While you do this, think of the energy being pulled into the body. Continue down the arm and onto the hands. Repeat on the other side. Then, do this on the lower limbs of the body. Notice how the child relaxes and hopefully falls asleep during nap time.

Here are some links to help guide you in this technique:

https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/simplest-calming-sensory-trick-deep-pressure/