Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a psycho-emotional therapy based on the physiological foundations of stress-related responses. As a yoga teacher, I am constantly teaching and learning about tension stored in the body. We accumulate tension through repetitive motions or repetitive emotions. Our conscious mind is very good at distracting us from painful emotions, but the body remembers. At any point in time, these emotions can be triggered and translate into physical pain. Conversely, physical pain can cause emotional trauma. Yoga is one way I have found to release the tension, but I wasn’t sure it was the best or only approach to use for my toddler.
We went to our first session, and the practitioner gently suggested that some of the stress my son might be feeling might have been coming from my stress about him. We both had releasing to do. He gently “adjusted” my son — using an activator used in chiropractic care, but in a different way. He also did a few repetitive motions with his hands around my son’s heart and digestive system, and even though the practitioner didn’t physically touch him, I could see his little body relax. He sighed right as the practitioner finished and said, “That feels better Mummy.”
Within the next couple days, we continued to do the technique he taught us to do at home. We also made it a point to visit our chiropractor for an adjustment. And! My son started having bowel movements every day. We celebrated his success, but quietly so that he wouldn’t feel more pressure or worry if he were to have an accident. It’s been a month, and there’s a new level of calm in our home, two potty trained boys, no accidents, just peace.
Within the next couple days, we continued to do the technique he taught us to do at home. We also made it a point to visit our chiropractor for an adjustment. And! My son started having bowel movements every day.
For this brief moment while we have it, here’s to encouraging anyone who is in the process of potty training that your child won’t be in diapers forever, and it’s OK to do things differently — whether that’s elimination communication or gentle potty training following the signals of readiness in your own child.
Just as in nature, there’s no need to hurry or rush, and still, everything will be accomplished.
Keri Hanson is a yoga teacher, holistic health coach, writer and homeschooling mom in Northern Colorado. Find her on Instagram and on her blog at www.holisticheartedmama.com.
