Masterclass in pediatrics with Eva Möckel DO

The Autonomic Nervous System: Key for Treating the Small Child

Children are born mostly with a sympathetic dominance, which gradually lessens as the vagus nerve system develops and myelinates. Often effects of a difficult birth and some degree of shock may keep the autonomic system from balancing; quality of attachment is important for maturation as well.

However, a balanced ANS is key for all body functions, e.g. the immune system, and general growth and development.

In this 3 day course we will explore different approaches to settle and balance the ANS in the small child. For example, we will look at the upper neck, the ability to breathe well, and the health of the gut, all of which are important factors. Another topic will be the role of attachment for optimal maturation of the N. vagus, and developing resilience. We will look at the effects of trauma and learn to treat dissociation patterns; and observe, diagnose and treat the ANS as a whole.

We will deepen our understanding of the ANS and the many ways we can approach this key player, so important for good growth and development of the small child.

All approaches however are also very suitable for application in the bigger child or adult.

Thursday 26.3.26

09.00 – 9.20   Introduction: why ANS?

09.20 – 10.20 Lecture ANS part 1: reaction to stress, plus student activity

10.20 – 10.40 Break

10.40 – 11.30 Practical 1: treating the adrenals

11.30 –  12.30 Lecture: BT technique and stillness

12.30- 14.00 Lunch

14.00- 15.00  lecture: attachment, resilience and vagus

15.00 – 16.00 Practical 2: palpating and treating the somatosensory system

16.00 – 16.30 Coffee break

16.30 – 17.30 Lecture: synergies in the upper neck: cervical ganglia, n. vagus and reticular formation

17.30. – 18.30 Practical 3: treating the upper neck

Friday 27.3.26

09:00 – 10.00 Lecture: ANS part 2

10:00 –  11:00 Practical 3: balancing ANS as whole

11:00 – 11.30 Coffee break

11:30 – 12:30 Lecture: effects of trauma

12:30 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 15:15 Practical 4: dissociation pattern

15:10 – 15.45 Coffee break

15:45 – 16.45 Lecture: lungs

16.45 –  18.00 Practical 5: treating the lungs

Saturday 28.3.26

09:00 – 10:00 Lecture: gut and ANS

10:00 – 11:00 Practical 6: treating gut, ENS and ANS

11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break

11:30 – 12:15 Lecture: EV4

12:15 – 13.30 Practical 7: EV4

13.30 –  14.30  Lunch

14.30 – 16.00 optional: First breath short lecture and practical –