Dr Roger Sperry, (Nobel prize winner, 1981) stated that 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine. Decades later, new science confirms that healthy movement patterns in our joints, specifically our spine, supercharges brain activity, reduces the amount of stress hormones in our body and increases learning and development in children.
Most of us realise the importance of a healthy brain. Your brain is the boss of your entire body and with help from the rest of your nervous system, controls everything you do. It has been said that brain health equals heart health. so one of the best things you can do to optimise your brain health is move your body, simple!
When we exercise, we move our spine. Our brain uses mechanoreceptors to senses movement, joint motion and location in our vertebrae and other joints. This brain body communication (via mechanoreceptors) stimulates brain activity through healthy joint motion and because the majority of our mechanoreceptos are located in our spine, proper spinal alignment and movement is essential for optimal brain health. Spinal alignment reduces sympathetic stress to our body. Movement of our body switches our nervous system from 'fight or flight' into the rest and repair state that our bodies require to regenerate on a daily basis.
Recent research proves exercise "turns on" our brains and conditions them for learning. Some schools have conducted experiments and the results were undeniable. One school turned their cafeteria into a fitness studio and had students spend the first hour of the day exercising before heading into a classroom setting to learn and their test scores in math and science improved exponentially. Another school used exercise as a means to switch on their students brains and in turn experienced an eighty three percent drop in discipline problems. Basically the more fit a child is, the better they are able to learn, the more motivated and emotionally stable they are.
Improving your physical health is one of the best things you can do to look after your brain. As a guide, children should do at least one hour of physical activity daily and muscle strengthening exercise at least 3 days per week. Adults should limit sitting, any exercise is better than none, be active every day and aim for three to five hours of moderate exercise weekly with muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week.
As Chiropractors we check every segment of your spine to ensure it is moving and functioning as it should. If your spine is locked, restricted or out of alignment not only can it cause you physical pain but it can affect how your brain is able to communicate with the rest of your body and what messages are relayed back to your brain.
Get in touch at hello@livelovelifechiro.com if you would like us to help you power up your brain and have a wonderful connection mind and body!
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