Bedwetting can be a huge concern for parents and children and there are many theories and methods to help children. There is a link between bedwetting and the retained primitive reflex called Spinal Gallant. This reflex occurs when you “stimulate the erector spinal muscles by stroking down the back. The baby will flex the leg and urinate.”
A retained spinal Galant reflex in children who may have poor bladder control, and who continue to wet the bed after the age of 5 years. “When the dorsal skin near and along the vertebral column is stroked, the infant forms an arch with its body; the concavity of the arch is directed toward the stimulated area, and by arching in the opposite direction the infant evades stimulus (Goodhart S). “A retained or residual spinal Galant reflex is found in many children who may have poor bladder control, and who continue to wet the bed after the age of 5 years. Beuret (1989) working with adults in Chicago, found the spinal Galant reflex also to be present in a high percentage of patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.”
What is the Spinal gallant reflex?
The spinal Galant reflex emerges at 20 weeks in utero, is actively present at birth. It should be integrated by the time the baby is 6 to 12 months of age. This reflex helps the baby during the birthing process when the mother’s contractions stimulate this reflex, causing movements of the baby’s hips to enable the baby to work its way down the birth canal. It also allows the foetus to hear and feel the sound vibrations in the womb. The Spinal Galant reflex is important in the development of hearing and auditory processing, as well as helping to achieve balance when the child is creeping and crawling. Children with ADD/ADHD, auditory processing disorders, autism or Asperger’s Syndrome often have a retained Spinal Galant reflex as well as other retained primitive reflexes such as the Moro reflex and asymmetrical tonic neck reflex.
The possible long-term effects of a retained spinal Galant reflex include:
- Bedwetting
- Difficulty sitting still (often described as “ants in the pants”)
- Fidgeting/hyperactivity
- Poor listening skills.
- Fatigue due to poor posture
- Poor concentration
- Poor coordination
- Extreme ticklishness (especially around the back)
- Hip rotation to one side when walking
- Attention difficulties.
- Irritation warning certain types of clothing
- Issue sitting in normal chairs
Child Centre Method
Integrating Retained primitive reflexes could be the answer through kinesiology and simple, specific movements through SIMPLE Programme (Sensory Integration Movement Programme for Learning Enhancement). This programme forms part of the training of the Child Centre Method Practitioners.
For further information on retained primitive reflexes please see the section on primitive reflexes.
