Movement for Whole Brain Integration

All it takes are simple movements and small shifts in thinking.

Movement is absolutely necessary for learning to take place. It is also necessary throughout our lifespan to maintain mental clarity as we age and to prolong physical strength, function, and flexibility. When we move, the brain is activated and neural connections are being made in multiple ways to create thought, memory, and complex problem solving; to promote body awareness of strength, flexibility and mobility; and to coordinate sensory input/output for posture, stability, equilibrium, and motor control . Most importantly, when we move in an intentionally coordinated manner, we are fully activating whole brain functioning, which is really a full body experience – both brain hemispheres are working equally for clear thinking as well as a coordinated functioning of the two sides of the body for ease in walking and running; the mid-brain and the neocortex are connected to coordinate their signals to organize our thoughts and feelings and for an easy upright, energetic posture; and linking the frontal lobes with the brain stem to work in balance for attention and motivation as well as for length and flexibility in the legs and back . We are three dimensional in how we function — both physically in how we move and motor control, and cognitively in how we think and learn. The Three Dimensions of Movement and Learning underlie whole brain/body integration and function.

The brain hemispheres, mid-brain, neocortex, frontal lobes and brain stem all have specific functions and they process information and experience the world very differently. However, they are intended to work together, coordinating their functions so that we can function at our cognitive best – learning, communicating, remembering, adjusting to sudden change, and relating to one another well into our later years; and at our physical best - with strength, flexibility, good motor control, balance, and equilibrium.

If one brain area “miscommunicates” or is working harder than another, you may find that several aspects of your life become challenging. This may be the result of stress, accident, injury, stroke, or chronic conditions. When communication in the neural system is interrupted it can result in cognitive issues such as learning difficulties, challenges in completing tasks, or maintaining responsibilities; or it can result in physical challenges involving movement and mobility issues, poor balance, or stiffness and restricted motion. Emotionally there may be anger or frustration that causes difficulties in school, at home, or at work. Depression or anxiety may become central to your life. Whatever the issue you are struggling with, Whole Brain Integration (learn more) is a key component in restoring function following accident or injury, in supporting learning and achievement, in calming and centering the emotions, and in maintaining an active mind as we go through the aging process.

At Highpoint Mind and Movement, I focus on using a variety of techniques to achieve a full body experience of Whole Brain Integration so that we can reach our maximum potential in every aspect. From the simple, coordinated movements of Brain Gym® to the mental strategies and patterned techniques of NeuroLinguistic Programming, specialized movements can have a profound effect on the brain. A fully integrated brain and body can accelerate rehabilitation during the physical therapy process following injury, and it can help children and adults experience easier learning, more balanced emotions, and self-managed behavior.