I THINK therefore I MOVE.

It is well known that even simple actions require a great deal of mental activity from both hemispheres therefore important that they work in harmony.  We can achieve this through Gentle Physical Exercises which activate both brain hemispheres simultaneously to maximize learning potential.

In our program we offer a routine of simple physical exercises drawn from several of the early proponents of movements that assist in creating harmony of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. At each session we encourage a five minute warm up using this routine as it is fun way and beneficial for clients (young and mature) to be aware of their breathing, relax and be more receptive to learning so as to maximise their results of the training.

There is a long history of 'exercises or movements to enhance the brain' but much stems from the Doman Delacato method, a treatment therapy that was developed between 1955 and 1960 for "brain-injured" children, to use the term preferred by the developers. Their treatment comprised of various physical exercises based on the theory of  Dr. Temple Fay who was a well known neurosurgeon who in the 1940s and 1950s, developed the theory that human brains develop in stages similar to the ‘tree of evolution’.

Their exercise program is still in use. There are two “Delactao International“ clinics in USA  and recently have announced that they are currently in the process of compiling available research about their method for children with autism. 

Nobel Prize-winning scientists Sperry and Ornstein discovered in the 1960’s that the left and right sides of the brain have different functions. It has been suggested that many people with learning difficulties have problems coordinating activity between their left and right brains. Looking at Dr. Paul Dennison’s “Brain Gym” the idea of the given exercises are designed to integrate the left and right brain into an efficiently working ‘whole brain’.

"Smart Moves," a best selling book written by Carla Hannaford, Ph.D, states therein that our bodies are very much a part of all our learning, and learning is not an isolated "brain" function. Every nerve and cell is a network contributing to our intelligence and our learning capability.  This makes the most sense and we have seen the results by way of increased co-ordination, improved binocular vision, gross and fine motor skills all of which make for more confidence and increased mental and physical flexibility.

Whether one follows these theories or not, it cannot be denied that exercise does increase blood flow to the brain and along with drinking water, we are nurturing our greatest asset, our Brain.

If as advised, this routine is practiced at home, then the client will find added benefits such as being more alert in the morning, by practicing at lunch time helps shake off the afternoon drop in performance, doing the routine before an activity loosens up the muscles and clarifies the mind.  Going through the exercises at bedtime helps relaxing both body and mind to encourage a peaceful night’s sleep. Five minutes to change your thinking and your life.