Owing to the high level of discomfort and embarrassment it causes, bedwetting -“nocturnal enuresis”- is often a well-kept secret that no parents or bedwetting children wish to talk about. However, it is a common problem that affects millions of young children including teens. While bedwetting is attributed to several factors, there is evidence that proves that it is linked to the ‘Spinal Galant Reflex’ (described later) which can also affect a child’s vision.
Qualified, continence advisors and doctors neither advise nor administer medication or treatment before a bedwetting child attains the age of 7. Remediation of retained reflexes, an in-office and home program to integrate retained reflexes, and a safe method to control bedwetting, may be considered.
Bedwetting Symptoms
A bedwetting child will demonstrate one or more of the following symptoms that any observant parent can easily detect:
- Daydreaming
- Irritability and grumpiness on waking up
- Lack of concentration and focus
- Snoring and grinding of teeth during sleep
- Inability to retain urine
- Frequent urination during daytime
Bedwetting Causes
Bedwetting is also attributed to one or more factors, some of which are listed below:
- Abnormally small bladder
- Slow maturity of bladder-controlling nerves
- Deficiency in the hormone that lowers urine buildup at night
- Psychological causes, stress in particular
- ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
The ‘Spinal Galant Reflex’ Link with Bedwetting
The ‘Spinal Galant Reflex’ affects total and homo-lateral (same side) body movements in pre/post-natal infants. It evolves after conception, specifically, at 20 weeks and extends to the time of birth. However, it is essential to inhibit the Spinal Galant reflex in infants between the ages of 3 and 9 months after birth, as it can lead to a variety of problems later.
The technique/s to inhibit the Spinal Galant reflex is both carried out in an in-office Vision Therapy program, and then explained to parents so they can continue to practice the technique at home. Problems that infants and young children may face if the Spinal Galant reflex persists after 9 months, include:
- Bedwetting, owing to inability to control the bladder
- Continuous fidgeting and inability to still
- Short-term memory loss
- Poor levels of attention and concentration
- Improper posture
- Spinal curvature (scoliosis)
Primitive Reflex Training at Home Can Treat Bedwetting
The intertwining link between retained reflexes, especially the Spinal Galant reflex, and bedwetting may sound strange. However, the truth is primitive reflex training is an effective program for treating bedwetting problems in young children, especially those in whom the Spinal Galant reflexes were not inhibited before reaching 9 months in age. Inhibiting the Spinal Galant reflex in young children is a part of a primitive reflex training ‘reinforcement’ program at home. If retained, it can affect control of the urinary bladder, especially at night – one of the causes of bedwetting.
The technique to activate the Spinal Galant reflex in a Primitive Reflex Training program at home is quite easy. It is achieved by running a stiff finger or round-edged pointer on either side of the child’s lower spine to stimulate the area. If a retained Spinal Galant reflex is present, it will manifest itself when the hip of the child (positioned on hands on knees) flexes or curls towards the side stimulated. However, sometimes even if the reflex does not appear to be present through this testing, the reflex may still be retained and reflex training can help. Through a sustained primitive reflex training program at home, the Spinal Gallant reflex can be inhibited, ultimately leading to sudden and total disappearance of bedwetting.
So, if persistent, bedwetting has kept your child away from summer holiday camps or sleepovers … put the brakes on it through a primitive reflex training program. After all, why should he or she miss out on the fun?
For a better understanding about the link between bedwetting and Vision Therapy, link up with: