Moro - Starfish Exercise

I. The importance of the Moro Reflex

a. In my experience, this must be integrated before the others will integrate.

b. Because of the anxiety associated with moro, integrating is necessary for other therapies to be successful

II. In an infant

a. Normally present prenatally to 4 months

b. What it looks like and purpose Purpose – startle reflex, hands come up to protect head, fight or flight

III. Retained in a toddler

a. Separation anxiety, shyness

IV. Retained in older child or adult 

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Symptoms

i. Motion sickness, poor balance and coordination, physically timid

ii. Poor stamina, hyperactivity followed by fatigue

iii. Visual problems – fixation (unable to keep eyes on object for 10+ seconds), excessive blinking, doesn’t maintain eye contact

iv. Light or auditory hypersensitivity (hears better than others)

v. Allergies to food, environment, or drugs vi. Hypoglycemia – hyperactive or poor concentration after eating sugary foods or 4 hours after eating (blood sugar is high or low)

vii. Anxiety (test, separation), mood swings, difficulty accepting criticism, dislike of change, emotionally sensitive

viii. Poor math sense

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Starfish  *ADD PICTURES*  Starfish - YouTube Video

1. Lie back on a bean bag or sofa with pillow under back

2. Tilt head back, arms up and out, legs out wide 40

3. While breathing out, to the count of 5:

     a. Bring arms in and crossed, right over left

     b. Bring legs in at the same time, right over left

4 While breathing in, to the count of 5:

     a. Bring arms back out

     b. Bring legs back out

5 While breathing out, to the count of five

     c. Bring arms in and crossed, LEFT over Right

     d. Bring legs in at the same time, LEFT over Right 6 Repeat step #4

7 Repeat entire cycle, steps 3 – 6, 3 times

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