
Well, there appears to be no hard scientific evidence to support brain gym having positive effects on learning, and thus it is considered a pseudoscience. And blocking these communication pathways means we don’t function as well. It seems that we sometimes “switch off” communication pathways in the brain – not intentionally. However, there are some things we do or which happen to us which have the opposite effect.

And this, of course, is a Very Good Thing, because it leads to increased abilities in many areas of life. It all looks as if everything we do stimulates the brain in some way and leads to increasing neural pathways. The articles learning, Part 2 and neuroplasticity talk about the effects of stimulation – movement, sensory, emotional etc – on the brain. “Kinesiology” is from the Greek root kinesis, which means “motion” and is the study of the movement of the human body.Ī previous post on movement and learning discusses the role of movement in learning, unsurprisingly. The word “education” comes from the Latin educare, which means “to draw out”. An alternative term is “educational kinesiology”.
BRAIN GYM EXERCISE SERIES
WHAT IS BRAIN GYM?īrain gym is a series of movements which claim to enhance whole-brain learning. They are a great accompaniment to life and learning.Jj is for Jottings 138. But the exercises can be used by everyone and are not limited to those with learning difficulties or coordination problems. After using the specific exercises people should notice their mental processes are better organised and they are able to focus. When our brains work better our whole body works better and we have an increased sense of well being.ĭuring one-on-one and class sessions, the client is observed to see which exercises will best help them – consideration is given to how their body is when they stand and sit, what behavioral traits they display, their hand-eye coordination, what head or body movements they use, if they can move both sides of the body simultaneously, whether hips and shoulders can be moved at the same time etc.

The aim is to strengthen the connections between left and right brain activity, strengthen neural pathways and improve coordination. A lot of Brain gym exercises are designed to cross over from one side to the other – for example making sideways figure eights or putting an elbow to the opposite knee. This then means the other side of the brain is under utilised and therefore the person may not be functioning optimally. The exercises stimulate particular areas of the brain to improve its function, improve the integration between brain parts and links between the two hemispheres.Ĭhildren (and adults) often habitually rely more heavily on one hemisphere of the brain and under use the other, particularly in times of stress. mindful) during the exercises, supporting a habit of focus and single-mindedness. The therapy also requires them to be focused and present (i.e.

It allows participants to practice and strengthen physical coordination pathways and used to support children having developmental issues in this area. Though it is not 100% clear how and why this happens the thinking is that it exercises areas of the brain and strengthens neurological pathways that may not be well used otherwise. In children using these exercises there is often a noticeable improvement in memory, concentration, relationships and communication, and physical coordination.

Brain Gym or Movement Therapy is often used by therapists or in school classrooms with a reported increase in concentration and reading and listening skills.īrain Gym exercises are used to improve focus children (or adults) repeat the exercises regularly and slowly. It is a set of 26 exercises or activites. Dennison and grew out of Educational Kinesiology. The Brain Gym programme was developed by Paul E. They are designed to strengthen the relationship between body and mind and so are particularly interesting in this time when so many of our activities are cerebral. The idea is that these are simple exercises that anyone can do at home or at work or at school and they are often used with children who have special needs or need to improve their learning ability. Its focus is improved learning and mental organisation. You’ll be able to continue using them at home using the videos found in the exclusive online content that goes with the course!īrain Gym, Educational Kinesiology or Movement Therapy is a series of movements, done with intention and designed to ‘wake-up’ the brain or to stimulate brain function. These are a great way to improve focus, switch on the brain, practice physical coordination and reconnect the body and mind. During Inner Rainbow Mindfulness 7 week Course the participants will have the chance to learn and practice Brain Gym or Movement Therapy Exercises each week.
