Brain integration is a transformational tool that addresses the root cause of disruptions to our emotional health and learning capacity, our brain. It is holistic, non invasive, drug free and gentle. Brain integration encourages the whole brain to work together: left and right hemispheres, back and front and top and bottom. To change feelings and reactions we need to reveal hidden patterns of connection, in the amygdala (limbic brain) to conscious awareness in the brains cortex. This allows us to be free from patterns that negatively impact our everyday life and stop us from reaching our potential. If you’re keen to dive deeper into the incredible world of Brain Integration, continue reading below.
Background of Brain Integration
Brain integration means linking three areas of the brain the brain stem, the limbic and the cortex. It is well accepted that emotional wellbeing effects our behaviour and learning. Many feel that emotional pain presents a seemingly insurmountable challenge to learning skills for every day life. How can we learn and adapt if we are not able to be present and focused. Brain integration targets the root cause of these difficulties, by both processing trauma or “blocks” and forming new neural pathways.
Various modalities are used to achieve brain integration such as: physical movements, acupressure, stimulating the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid to the brain through light touch, massage and muscle testing. These methods help form new connection within the brain itself.
Research has shown that the wiring of our brain is dependant on many factors such as our genetics, environment and history of trauma. What is most impressive though is that the brain can rewires itself. Brain integration improves performance in sports, academics, tasks of every day living, work, attention, concentration and memory. Brain integration also appears to improve our motivation, attitude and confidence towards learning and tasks. While whole brain living is especially important for young developing minds, it is can be achieved at any age. The brain limitless ability to learn means it can always also be rewired.
There are many tools used for brain Integration and a few other terms you may have heard are whole brain learning, Touch for Health, Brain Gym, Functional Neurology, Crossinlogy to name just a few.
Research on Brain Integration
The human brain is a marvel of connections and synapses, constantly evolving and adapting. At its core, brain Integration taps into the science of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. When we are stressed, anxious, or traumatised, certain neural pathways become dominant, hindering our capacity to learn. We can move from behavioural patterns of being numb, fragile, rigid, stuck, chaotic, explosive and unpredictable to free, flexible and full of vitality. Brain integration has been used to help our
- nervous system ground, recalibrate and balance. Brain integration exercises bring a person to the present moment. Noticing and focusing on the “here and now” reduces anxiety by shutting down ruminating thoughts and memories that might distract from learning.
- engage our full senses. Becoming aware of our five senses, assists in grounding and recognising our emotional state. This awareness helps us to self-soothe and regulate emotions, creating a more receptive mental state for learning.
- improve brain function. A combination of physical movement, acupressure, increased stimulation to lymph and blood vessels fire up different parts of the brain. As an example, the importance and impact on midline movements.
- circulation.Through the use of techniques from Chinese Medicine the circulation of fluids in the body and brain such as water, blood, lymphatic and cerebral fluid assist the mind and body to connect, process and heal.
Observational studies indicate that people who regularly engage in Brain Integration techniques show improved focus, reduced anxiety, and enhanced learning outcomes. Activities like grounding exercises and sensory awareness can notably reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, making the brain more amenable to learning.
Brain Integration combines principals of Applied Kinesiology, Chinese Medicine and physiology. It’s a unique approach that helps the brain and body work together more effectively.
As an example Brain integration uses the principals of physiology to fire up the brain. Movement encourages the hemispheres of the brain to reconnect by using specific exercises such as crossing the midline. By helping the left and right sides of the brain communicate better, brain integration can improve focus, learning, and coordination. It’s been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating dyslexia, Attention Deficient and Hyperactivity or ADHD, handwriting issues, and other learning difficulties in children, teens, and adults.
Chinese Medicine such as the use of acupressure points, stimulation to unblock lymph circulation and the alignment of medians are used to achieve whole brain learning.
Applied Kinesiology is the study of muscles and how they can be tested to assess the body’s balance. Brain integration uses this information to identify and address imbalances in brain function.
These techniques have been developed over two decades.
Use within sessions with Livvy: Setting the Stage for Learning
Imagine a Formula One race. Before the intense race begins, drivers do slower laps to “warm up” their engines. Similarly, brain integration helps set the stage for effective learning to process trauma, overcome blocks in learning and “reset” negative belief patterns.
We begin by simply drinking a glass of water which hydrates the brain giving it the fuel it needs to perform cognitive activities. During a session brain integration may take the form of physical movements, breathing techniques, use of the senses and guided visualisation, light touch to acupressure points, massage and muscle feedback or testing.
Brain integration is a therapeutic process that encourages connection with our bodies and inner self, which enables you to identify your reactions and feelings to a task or event. While not used to diagnose or as a treatment it is a process that enables neural pathways of limiting beliefs to be rewired. New beliefs are anchored into the brain by using somatic or sensory cues. Depending on what works best for you, sensory cues like colours, numbers, sounds and smells can help embed new learning and also to help create a roadmap for the learning journey.
Brain integration is gentle, pleasant and engaging and used in conjunction with other tools can help you reach your potential.
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