Welcome to the Thrive blog
This is Elizabeth Hickman, owner and founder of Thrive Therapy. I scour medical journals, recent research and websites for information to share. Sometimes I curate breaking news on the neuroplasticity of the brain, nutrition’s impact on neurological health and other times I write posts that may give you a laugh. Everyone needs a little levity from time to time. Check back here for updates or sign up for email updates.
The Power of a Hug
UncategorizedOxytocin in released with physical touch like hugging and cuddling, which in turn triggers feelings of attraction and attachment. Oxytocin, often referred to as “the love hormone” and the role it plays as a chemical messenger in our brain. Oxytocin is responsible for several functions at the beginning of life, but its calming effect on the body has a substantial impact on our behavior and our mental health.
Palmar and Infant Plantar Grasp
UncategorizedWhen pressure is applied to the inner pads of an infant’s fingers, they curl inward to grasp or hold something. Palmer is considered a part of cling, associated with early evoluMonary signs of animals aNaching to their mother for safety and care and integrates over the first year of life. The Infant Plantar reflex refers to the curling of toes when pressure is applied to the ball of the foot. It is present at birth and integrates as we develop more complex movements as crawling and later walking develop.
Root and Suck
UncategorizedTogether, the Root and Suck reflexes serve as a means of soothing through bonding and nourishment.
Calming our Defensive Reflexes
Uncategorized“Elizabeth has connected the dots for us. She’s allowed us to understand our daughter and parent very differently because I’m able to see that for a while it wasn’t in her control.”
MORO
UncategorizedMoro, the startle reflex, is the more well-known of the defensive reflexes. Comprised of two integral parts, this reflex forms the foundation for our ability to mobilize to protect us from danger. The first stage involves a sudden response to stimuli that emerges in utero between 9-12 weeks. At once, the body moves out from the midline, flinging or stretching extremities while experiencing an uptick in adrenaline and an increased heart rate. The complimentary response, or second stage of Moro, is a return to calm or ‘cling.’ The outstretched limbs curl inward gradually, seeking embrace and soothing from a caregiver, while heart rate and breathing steady into a state of rest once again. Integrated within the first few months of infancy, the Moro reflex is an essential defensive reflex that leads us to develop self-regulation and a feeling of safety while navigating our environment.