Kinesiology & The Brain
Our Central Nervous System (CNS) is comprised of our Brain and Spinal Cord and plays a central role in coordinating and regulating many of the body’s functions. Because of this, it is an important area of learning and investigation for a Kinesiologist. When we want to achieve balance and harmony - structurally, physiologically, mentally or emotionally, modern Kinesiology takes the position that some level of re-organisation within the Central Nervous System will be required.
The defining feature of Kinesiology is the use of Muscle Monitoring, and within the Kinesiology framework, this process works in connection with the Central Nervous System. Our muscles are connected to nerves that control them, and these nerves communicate with our spinal cord and brain (CNS) - when we monitor a muscle in a specific way, we elicit a subconscious neurological response which is relayed back through a change in the muscle.
A large part of modern Kinesiology involves addressing stress and imbalance in the Central Nervous System, with the intention of supporting the body’s natural capacity to reorganize and restore balance. Using specialized Neurophysiology techniques we aim to explore and address stress associated with the brain and CNS. In this way, Kinesiology may provide support for people experiencing a range of challenges involving the brain and nervous system.
Stuck in Survival..
Humans have evolved with an innate, automatic survival response which involves the rapid reaction to a perceived threat (often before any conscious thought) - designed to increase our chance of survival in dangerous situations by prioritizing speed, strength and focus. Once survival is initiated, there are a number of possible responses which may occur including fight, flight, freeze, escape and submission. But what’s happening on a deeper level?
When a threat is detected, signals are sent within the brain, including communication between the Amygdala & Hypothalamus which can activate our Sympathetic Nervous System & HPA-axis, leading to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal glands. These hormones increase heart rate, breathing and muscle tension while temporarily altering functions such as digestion and immune activity.
While this response is crucial to our survival, I become it has become a double-edged sword for some people in today’s society. When we are in a survival state, changes in brain activity can affect our capacity to think, reason and access our usual perspective; things like our long-term goals and interests may temporarily take a back seat as the brain prioritizes responding to the perceived threat. Today, many of us may experience ongoing activation of the stress response not because of immediate physical danger, but because of chronic perceived threats which the brain interprets as risks to safety, belonging or stability. Some common examples include ongoing work pressure (fear of failure, job loss, or constant performance evaluation), financial stress (debt, rising living costs), social threats (fear of rejection, conflict, judgement) & information overload (constant exposure to alarming news, notifications, and global crises).
Experiencing a prolonged or frequently activated stress response may seriously affect our wellbeing over time, including the functioning of our hormonal and autonomic nervous systems (which are involved in the subconscious regulation of many of the body’s functions).
..and how Kinesiology may help.
Kinesiology is the perfect modality for exploring and addressing stress within the brain and nervous system, and supporting people who feel they have been experiencing prolonged survival responses. Using advanced Neurological techniques and balance protocols, we can explore how stress may be affecting cortical function and investigate the influence of the Amygdala and nervous system. We can also look at the deeper layers of stress, including underlying emotional triggers that may be associated with a person’s survival response. By working with the chronic perceived threats and addressing patterns of stress and confusion, we can support the re-organisation and harmonization of the Central Nervous System.
If prolonged stress responses and imbalances within the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) or HPA-axis continue over time, they may influence a range of physiological processes. Auto-Toxicity is a term used within some complimentary health frameworks to describe the potentially harmful effects on the body with prolonged exposure to its own stress related chemicals such as cortisol, adrenaline and inflammatory compounds. These substances play important protective roles in the body, particularly during short term-stress responses, but ongoing stress can influence physiological processes including immune function, digestion, brain function, and tissue repair.
From a kinesiology perspective, supporting the body’s response to long-term stress while exploring factors associated with ANS and HPA-axis imbalance may help support greater regulation and balance. Furthermore, this incredible modality may provide support for people experiencing a range of stress-related experiences including anxiety, fatigue, emotional overwhelm, digestive discomfort, heightened reactivity to stress and difficulty feeling emotionally regulated. Clients may experience a greater sense of calm, grounding, resilience, energy, and emotional balance following their sessions