Brain Gym		Brain Gym uses simple movements to establish new neural pathways for left-right hemispheric integration. These movements and positions help integrate the flow of information within the brain, restoring innate ability to learn and function at top efficiency. Brain gym can also be used to energize and keep learning channels open. Brain Gym is based on Educational Kinesiology, the study of movement of the human body as it relates to learning and expressing skills. In normal brain the areas of laterality, focus and organization require efficient communication between the many functional centers throughout the brain. Learning and functional disabilities occur when information cannot flow freely between these centers of the brain due to neurological blocks. The body's role in thinking and learning is described in Smart Moves by Carla Hannaford, Ph.D.
PACE		PACE is a three minute exercise in Brain Gym to energize and open neural networks. It has 4 components which are done in the reverse order of the letters. I urge students to use to stay calm and focused before an exam. PACE
E - Energy		The body's energy is conducted through water. The first step is to drink plenty of water.
C - Clear		Place your left hand over your navel. Place the thumb and middle finger of your right hand on the indentations just below your collar bone and gently massage while breathing slowly. This area is just over the curotic arteries which supply oxygen to the brain. After 30 seconds reverse your hands and continue another 30 seconds.
A - Activate		Activate the neural networks by cross walking. As you lift your left knee swing your right arm over the midline and touch the left knee. Then lift your right knee and swing your left arm over to touch the knee. Count twenty touches.
P - Positive		Place your hands in front of you and cross them with the palms of the hands facing each other.As you clasp them together, bring them under and toward your chest. Cross your right foot over your left. Breathe on the count of 8 as you imagine the goal you wish to accomplish.

Comments or questions contact
smiller@dvc.edu.