Childhood should be a happy, carefree time of life. But children growing up today are living in conditions of high stress, and more and more children are being diagnosed with developmental delays, as well as serious medical and mental health conditions. Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Sensory Integration Disorder are on the rise. Did you know that the behaviors that go along with these conditions can often be remedied by using a simple energy balancing technique that you can do yourself?
I bet you’ve never thought about how you intuitively use touch to balance your own energy. When you have are stressed or have a headache, you instinctively rub your temples. If you've ever hit your finger when using a hammer, you know that you instinctively grab that finger with the other hand to make it feel better. You also use energy balancing techniques with your child on a regular basis. Consider this; what's the first thing you do when your child falls down or otherwise gets hurt in some way? You hold them, rub the sore spot, or kiss it to make it ‘all better’.
You intuitively know what is needed to make your child feel better. And your child knows that your energy is healing; that’s why they come to you first when they are hurt or scared. You know when your child’s energy is balanced; they're happy, healthy, and curious about their environment. You can also easily tell when your child’s energy is out of balance; they're irritable, throw temper tantrums, refuse to eat, and can’t seem to fall asleep easily. They may also line up toys, flap their hands, or repeat the same word or phrase over and over again.
Many children have difficulty with self soothing and reestablishing their own balance. By using a simple energy balancing technique with your child, you can help to reestablish the balance, thereby reducing or eliminating these behaviors. You may wonder how you can accomplish this with your child, especially if he or she is active or hypersensitive to touch. The best time to begin using energy balancing methods with your child is at bedtime, when children's energies are naturally waning. Incorporating anything new is best achieved by adding it to your child's existing routine. If you typically read a bedtime story to your child every night, then try adding this simple technique to your story time routine.
Position yourself so that you are next to your child. Then take a few deep breaths and settle yourself down. Focus on what you're doing and reduce any distractions. Then, place one hand on your child while you're reading the story. At the end of the story, stay with your child for a few moments longer, focusing on the connection between yourself and your child. As you focus on that connection, send loving energy to your child. Feel the love moving from your heart, down your arms, and into your hands. Let it fill you up and move into your child. Remain with this feeling for up to five minutes. By this time your child will have likely fallen asleep. Then go about the rest of your evening.
If your child is aversive to touch, then try this technique after he or she has fallen asleep. You will likely notice that you feel better afterward as well. If your child is very active, even while asleep, you can sit next to, or on the side of the bed, and send the loving energy to your child with your intention. Just look at your child and send the energy while holding them in your attention. Children who receive energy balancing on a regular basis tend to be happier, more resilient, and have less behavior problems.
Mary Riposo received her PhD in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University. She is a NY State Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Psychologist. Mary is also an Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, Polarity Therapist, Soul Realignment Practitioner, and Divinely Guided Life Coach. Her businessed include the Center for Integrated Energy Healing and Alternative Autism Solutions. She has written a book, "Using Reiki with Children: A Guide for Parents and Professionals," which is available through her website. For more information, visit Integrated Energy Healing or Alternative Autism Solutions.