Anyone who’s soothed a fussing baby knows that gentle rocking often does the trick. The vestibular (balance-related) stimulation that rocking creates is certainly a part of that.
Equally important is the rhythm that comes with rocking. That’s because rhythm, when steady and comfortably paced, has a calming effect on the human nervous system, and a regulating effect on the human brain.
What this rhythmic movement actually regulates is the lower, more primitive region of the brain: the brainstem.
The brainstem comes from our reptilian ancestors. Not only is it the first region to develop, but throughout our lives it acts as the gateway for most incoming and outgoing transmissions. This means that very little travels to or from the higher regions without going through the brainstem.
Share This Post!
Can the positive buffer the negative? Testing the impact of protective childhood experiences on adjustment in adults following trauma exposure
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here Source: National Library of Medicine It is unclear if protective childhood experiences (PCEs), like emotional support and economic stability, exert influence on [...]
Complex Trauma Effects
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here Source: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Children whose families and homes do not provide consistent safety, comfort, and protection may [...]
Trauma-Informed Organizations
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here Source: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Part 2 provides a broad overview of how to create and implement an institutional [...]
Early childhood trauma and its long-term impact on cognitive and emotional development
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here Source: National Library of Medicine Childhood trauma has profound, long-term effects on cognitive and emotional development. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought [...]
Helping children who have or are experiencing trauma this holiday season
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here For many, the holiday season is a joyful one – the popular song “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas” comes to mind – but [...]
Healing Frameworks: Understanding ACEs in Indigenous Communities
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here Source: National Indian Health Board The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is committed to advocating for the health and well-being of Indigenous [...]