* * * * Brain Gym® Brain Gym® is a series of simple movements to activate the brain for learning. Initially developed for children with learning difficulties, it was soon discovered that everyone could benefit from the this program. Regular practice of Brain Gym® movements reduces stress, enhances brain function, and results in a better sense of wellbeing. Background Information on Brain Gym® The baby lying in her crib coos, moves her arms and legs in an apparent random fashion and turns her head to follow the movements of the mobile hanging overhead. Although she seems to be doing little of importance, she is already hard at work, setting the ground for the brain connections that will later on allow her to play the saxophone in a jazz band, hit a home run and solve intricate algebra problems. What will determine her ability to carry out any one of these complex tasks and what prevents her from doing so right now, are specific neurological connections. The key to establishing those connections is movement, few of which are in place at birth. As a child goes through basic developmental stages, from creeping to crawling to standing to walking and running, new connections are established. In some instances, a child does not complete a particular developmental stage. In other instances stress---whether biochemical, emotional or physical---causes those neurological connections to shut down. Many people believe that memory, hearing and vision deterioration, and loss of the ability to think clearly are some of the natural consequences of aging. Given that over a lifetime approximately 10% of our brain cells die off, that still leaves a lot of unused brain potential. None of us comes even close to using one-tenth of our overall brain capacity. The good news is that the capacity to create new or activate under-used neurological pathways is one that we have all our lives. Brain Gym®, simple, enjoyable movements to enhance brain function, is an easy way of keeping your brain young and healthy, regardless of your age. Initially developed for children with learning disabilities, Brain Gym® activities help us move away from the survival centers in the brain into the neocortex for improved critical thinking and focused attention. Created as a result of years of research by Dr. Paul Dennison, Ph.D., Brain Gym® is a brilliant synthesis of applied kinesiology, left/right brain research, acupressure, developmental optometry and neurolinguistics. Since 1990 Brain Gym® has been selected annually by the U.S. Presidental Task Force on Learning as one of today's leading technologies for education. - Top - Three Dimensions The Brain Gym® program addresses three dimensions of neurological organization. First is laterality, which relates to the neurological connections between right and left brain. When both of these parts are working together, vision and hearing are enhanced, an individual articulates with ease, movements are coordinated and graceful, skills such as reading and writing become easier. Second is centering, referring to the connectors between the top and bottom parts of the brain, specifically, the neocortex and the limbic system. This is also know as the mind/heart connection. When working together, this part of the brain allows us to temper our emotions with reasoning, to get organized, and to integrate new information with existing knowledge. Third is focus, referring to the connection between the back of the brain (brain stem) and the front brain (frontal lobes). This helps a person to know their mission in life and to keep their attention on the task. It allows one to be able to work on the big picture as well as the details simultaneously. Integration of laterality, centering, and focus leads to whole brain functioning and whole brain learning. Through the techniques and skills taught in the Brain Gym® program there is an increase in self-awareness, self-esteem, and improvement in our vision, reading, listening, memory, concentration, and over-all body coordination. - Top - Benefits The practice of Brain Gym® movements can result in reduced stress, better over-all sense of well-being, improve concentration and focus. In addition there are specific movements to improve vision, hearing, memory, and all academic skills as well as overall body coordination. The Brain Gym® program has been used successfully in schools, in the work place, with groups and in private sessions. Brain Gym® is easy to learn, takes only a few minutes to practice, and is simple to do. The results are usually immediate. For further information about Brain Gym® visit the Educational Kinesiology website: www.braingym.org - Top - Brain Gym® Mini Menu To experience Brain Gym® for yourself try out the Brain Gym® Mini Menu. For best results do twice each day in the order presented. Water - drink a glass of water. Increases energy, improves production and concentration (alleviates mental fatigue), improves test taking ability. Brain Buttons - While holding navel area with one hand, rub with thumb and finger of the other hand in hollow area (2-3 inches apart) just below the collar bone on each side of the sternum (breastbone). Increases clarity for any visual activity (especially reading) or thinking skill; beneficial when doing writing, typing, computer work; increases overall relaxation. Cross Crawl - Touch hand to opposite knee; alternate moving one arm and opposite leg. Do for 1 to 2 minutes. Variation 1 - touch opposite elbow to knee. Variation 2 - reach hand behind back to opposite foot. Improves reading, writing, spelling, listening comprehension; improves left/right coordination. Hook-ups - 1. While sitting or standing, cross one ankle over the other. Cross the same-side wrist over the other and touch palms together. Interlace fingers and draw hands up toward chest. Sit this way for one minute, eyes closed, breathing deeply. 2. Uncross legs and put fingertips together, breathing deeply for another minute. Diffuses stress; improves self-esteem; establishes a positive orientation: promotes clear listening and speaking; aids in ability to function calmly in test taking; improves typing and computer work; helps reading, writing and spelling. (NOTE: The above first four Brain Gym® movements are called 'PACE' and get the mind and body ready to learn) - Top - Brain Gym® Instructors are licensed through the Educational Kinesiology Foundation / Brain Gym® International, which holds the Brain Gym® trademark. For more information about Brain Gym®, visit http://www.braingym.org/.	Newsletter Email: View Past Issues Brain Gym® Mini Menu P.A.C.E.    Links    Upcoming  Workshops: