Dr. Natalia started the massage therapy program with me in 2004. Many things have happened since then. About ten years ago, she opened a private clinic in Chornomorsk, a city by the Black Sea, not far from Odessa, Ukraine. She invited her son, who completed medical college, and a second massage therapist to build her clinic business. It has blossomed since that time.
Before the war, she had begun to specialize her time working with children with severe disabilities. She was seeing good results. She decided to continue her work after the war started on February 24. Now she is working with children who migrated from eastern Ukraine to her city, Chornomorsk. The emotions of many of the children with severe disabilities intensified because of the war. These are the sensitive reactions of two children from eastern Ukraine who are autistic. Massage therapy helped these children overcome the emotional trauma caused by the Russian invasion.
Autistic children live in their own world of protection and communication with their environment. When that is disrupted, their whole nervous system is stressed. They do not want to talk, closing communication. They do not want to eat, and their bowel and bladder functions do not operate correctly. The behavior of these children had changed to a large degree.
Dr. Natalia uses a variety of techniques to accommodate each child individually. She realizes that many children cannot lay in one position for a long time. She also provides toys to help the children focus on something other than the activity of the massage. Sometimes the child will sit in her lap during massage, or sit directly in front of her while she provides massage techniques, specifically for the overall needs of the child.
In these two cases, each child received a relaxing massage over a ten-day period. By the tenth day, all of the physiological functions, sleep, appetite, mood, bowel and bladder were restored. These children were once again peaceful and communicating.
Much is so very grateful that Dr. Natalia stands strong, a patriot for her country, and a committed doctor for the children that come to her. Let’s help her keep her clinic operating and helping refugees from eastern Ukraine who are in great need of her services.
Thank you so much for your part in the war effort through MUCH. Thank all of you who share our stories with your friends, pray for our children, and sponsor the financial needs of MUCH!
Blessings of love and healing,
Mark and Sveta
