Brain Gym ®

Brain Gym ® is a series of simple movements used to stimulate and calm all areas of the brain, integrating them to enhance learning, emotions, and daily functioning. Brain Gym ® is a modality of Educational Kinesiology (Kinesiology is the study of human movement). I usually tell my students and clients that Brain Gym ® is “moving their bodies to wake up their brains.”

 

We all have an optimal state of learning, where we can access all areas of our brain (our learning resources) without having to think about it. However, many children and adults find themselves in a less-than-optimal state where we only have access to some things some of the time. This make learning and daily functioning very challenging at times.

 

Normal brain activity requires effective and efficient communication across neuronal networks. When information cannot flow freely due to some form of stress, trauma or injury, frustration occurs and learning becomes very challenging.

 

The Brain Gym® movements are one way to facilitate the flow of information throughout the brain, restoring our ability to learn and function at an optimal efficiency. In other words, learning is enjoyable.

 

Brain Gym ® may help children with emotional regulation, attention, sensory integration, aggressive behaviors, long-term memory, reading, and more. Some individuals see dramatic, immediate results, while others see smaller improvements over time.

 

There are 26 basic Brain Gym ® movements and many more in the more advanced levels. Brain Gym ® is used around the world in classrooms (including my own); occupational and speech therapy clinics; skilled nursing facilities; in businesses; and more!