Kinesiology, a form of movement therapy, Exercise is recommended by Dr. Mansi Shah, a consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road who specializes in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders.
Exercise and mobility are just as important for mental health as they are for physical health. This is the context in which kinesiology is important. However, what is it?
Irina Vaysfeld, a content producer, claims that kinesiology techniques improve mental performance, promote emotional well-being, optimize essential mental functions (memory, attention, thinking, speech, hearing, imagination, perception), and improve overall health.
We chose to go deeply into the topic after seeing Vaysfeld’s Instagram reel, which included the “elephant exercise to keep the brain healthy.”
Vaysfeld gave an example of the elephant drill.
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*Press your ear to your shoulder
*Extend one hand like an elephant’s trunk
*Draw a horizontal figure eight
*The eyes follow the movements of the fingertips
“Elephant [exercise] allows you to identify hidden abilities and expand the boundaries of the brain,” said Vaysfeld.
Dr. Vipul Gupta, head of neurointervention and co-chief of the stroke unit at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, described it as a “engaging technique” that aids in enhancing brain function. The brain’s ability to expand and adapt is known as neuroplasticity, and it is facilitated when cognitive engagement and physical mobility are combined. Proprioception, balance, and coordination are also enhanced by the exercise, which further enhances cognitive performance, according to Dr. Gupta.
We chose to go deeply into the topic after seeing Vaysfeld’s Instagram reel, which included the “elephant exercise to keep the brain healthy.”
Vaysfeld gave an example of the elephant drill.
According to Dr Mansi Shah, consultant neurologist, Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders specialist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, kinesiology is a type of movement therapy that can have numerous benefits for the brain and overall health. “It is based on the idea that the body and mind are interconnected, and that physical movement and exercise can help improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being,” said Dr Shah.
Dr Shah noted another kinesiology exercise that can help keep your brain healthy which is called the Cross-Crawl. This exercise involves crossing the midline of your body, which has been shown to improve communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.
The Cross-Crawl exercise is easy to perform and can be done anywhere, with no equipment required. Dr Shah listed down the steps:
*Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides.
*Lift your right knee and bring it towards your chest.
*As you lift your knee, simultaneously reach across your body with your left arm and touch your right knee.
*Lower your right leg and return to the starting position.
*Repeat the exercise on the opposite side, lifting your left knee and touching it with your right arm.
*Alternate between the right and left sides, performing the exercise for several repetitions.
Apart from enhancing interhemispheric communication, the Cross-Crawl exercise can also aid with posture, balance, and coordination. According to Dr. Shah, “it can also lessen stress and tension in the body, which can have a positive impact on overall health.”
Dr. Shah continued by saying that activities like the cross-crawl can enhance cognitive performance and possibly fend against age-related cognitive decline. Dr. Shah stated that movement therapies, such as kinesiology, “can support brain health and overall well-being by engaging both the mind and body.” Additionally, it improves cardiovascular health. Using holistic techniques like these guarantees that individuals of all ages have a stronger mind-body connection and improves overall well-being, Dr. Gupta continued.
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So, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to support your brain health, consider such exercises in your daily routine. “Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, this exercise can help keep your mind and body in top shape,” said Dr Shah.
