AirWalker™
Types of Stimulation Airwalker Provides:
1. Tactile/ Whole body, deep pressure (enhances dopamine receptors in the brain that results in better focus, motivation and impulse control ) The elasticity of Airwalker's fabric helps establish body boundaries and bodyself development which contributes to self esteem and spatial awareness.
2. Proprioception/ Muscles, tendons, ligaments moving against resistance (fires seratonin receptors which effects a more positive mood and ability to experience pleasure) Many therapists have children push, pull, lift, or carry heavy items in order to contract and compress muscles and joints. This enables the brain to use vestibular input effectively. Airwalker's unique qualities provides this resistance and pressure without the risk of joint injury.
3. Novel Activity....(fires norepinephrine production which promotes sustained attention) Children may be totally enwrapped, laid out flat, sitting, standing, or with another adult or child inside. The height of Airwalker in relation to the floor is also adjustable creating countless motor planning activities.
4. Vestibular, Sensory/Motor and Sensation Slow movement activities in an Airwalker are calming and organizing for the nervous system. Well-modulated vestibular activity is very important for maintaining a calm, alert state. An under active vestibular system contributes to hyperactivity and distractibility.
Holding Environment..
Creating a sense of safety and trust is primary in the therapeutic context. Whether you work with children or adults, Airwalker can be a wonderful tool in facilitating a body sense of being held, contained, and yet free to move.
You may use it in your sessions in the beginning to establish safe place, the end of a session to install positive cognitions if applicable "I am safe", "I am okay just the way I am", etc.. or during the body of the session for your clients who tend to dissociate from bodily sensations since the deep pressure keeps them "grounded" and provides a continuous body experience of being held allowing them to safely process strong feelings of anger, sadness, or shame.
