Eating Disorder Articles

Brain Gym: A Workout for Your Mind

For Mirasol therapist Becca Howard, the creative process plays an important role in healing the body, mind and spirit. A Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with a background in the creative arts, Becca became fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind and pursued additional training in energy psychology techniques, including Brain Gym.

Simply put, Brain Gym is a series of exercises designed to stimulate brain function, reduce stress and improve concentration. The exercises combine elements of several other disciplines including acupressure, kinesiology, Touch for Health, and yoga.

"We ask our clients to set a goal for recovery," Becca explains. "Brain Gym helps balance the mind-body system so it is better able to achieve that goal."

Newcomers to Mirasol may be surprised to find themselves in a room full of women massaging their breastbones, tapping their knees -- or even hooting like owls.

"At first they think I'm crazy, so we laugh a lot," Becca muses. "But the exercises are fun, and they work!" She notes that clients frequently use Brain Gym exercises at mealtime to calm their anxiety and the reinforce the goal of respecting their meal plans.

Here's a sampling of Brain Gym movements known as "PACE" (positive, active, clear, energetic).

Water - About 70 percent of your body weight is made up of water, which is essential for optimal brain functioning. Sipping water will help you feel more energetic and ready to learn.

"Brain Buttons" - Spread your thumb and index finger as widely as possible. Lightly press your index and thumb into the slight indentations below the collar bone on each side of the sternum. Put the other hand over your navel. Gently press on these points for about two minutes.

"Cross Crawl" - Stand or sit. Touch the right hand across the body to the left knee as you raise it, and then touch your left hand to your right knee, as if you were marching.

"Hookups" - Stand or sit. Cross the right leg over the left at the ankles. Cross your right wrist over your left wrist and link up the fingers so that the right wrist is on top. Bend the elbows out and gently turn the fingers in towards the body until they rest on the sternum (breast bone). Keep the ankles and wrists crossed and breathe evenly in this position for a few minutes.