Brain Balancing

The brain is essentially divided into two halves, hemispheres. Namely, the left and the right hemispheric cortices of the brain. While many functions are shared across hemispheres, several functions principally identify to one hemisphere. Generally, the left hemisphere is recognised as the logical and linear “brain” while the right is the artistic and creative half of the “brain”.

Everyone tends to have a hemisphere that is stronger than the other, hence people tend to be either more creative or logical. However in assessing brain function sometimes we find that one hemisphere is less active than the other. This condition is referred to as a functional hemisphericity.

“Neuroscience has long understood that in order for the human brain to function wholly, large areas of the brain as well as left and right hemispheres continuously use electrical impulses to communicate. This is essential because each hemisphere performs different functions that allow us to react to the world in which we live. More recent research, however, shows that the two sides of the brain do not mature at the same rate the electrical impulses between the two sides get out of balance and interfere with communication.” Dr Robert Melillo (Chiropractor), Disconnected Kids.

Assessing Brain Functional Hemisphericity

A functional hemisphericity may contribute to problems with some functions connected with that hemisphere. A brain this is underperforming can produce ‘soft neurological signs’. Such as slight palsy, minor tic, altered motor tone, changed sensory awareness or neurological fatigue. Collectively a pool of symptoms could suggest a level of hemispheric dysfunction. In contrast, a stroke or tumor may present with clinically distinct “hard signs”.

A guide to assessing a functional hemisphericity is to actively observe body signs and symptoms. Such that, each hemisphere will specifically orchestrate effective (power, reflex or autonomic tone) or effective changes. Changes in these can give clues to the level of hemisphericity.

How is a Brain Hemisphericity Caused?

The brain is a network of activity. Different areas are connected together to perform different functions. Loss of input from one area can lead to a problem in another area. This loss of input can be due to a breakdown of nerve function. Maybe nerve damage from diabetes, immobility, blindness or trauma.

Therapy for Brain Hemisphericity

Therapy for hemisphericity always requires a personalised program of care designed by the healthcare team. The team must understand the nature of your neurology.

Common therapy employed may include;

Physical therapy,
Cognitive exercises,
Visual or auditory stimulation or
Vestibular and balance training.
The appropriate program of care will depend upon your condition, your age and level of brain plasticity at the time.

For further information, please email, text or call us.

How to Balance Brain

Chiropractors use a hemispheric model to evaluate which hemisphere is under performing and needs increased stimulation to create better balance between left and right. Thankfully due to neuroplasticity the brain has the ability to change given the appropriate input.

A decrease in hemisphere function will decrease the firing to the Pontomedullary Reticular Formation (PMRF) which usually inhibits the sympathetics. This will create:

Increased sympathetic firing
Decreased tone of extensor muscles with relative increased flexor muscle activation above T6
Decreased flexor tone with relative increased extensor activation below T6

Effect of Brain Balancing

Balancing on both brain hemispheres can affect posture and pain syndromes.

Brain hemisphere has contra-lateral conscious motor and sensory connections and sets tone unilaterally. Our practitioner will guide you how to achieve optimal brain balance after careful assessment and customise your brain exercise program.

We Can Help You

If there is a clear and congruent clinical picture, our practitioner will adjust appropriate settings on the tools we use, with the aim of increasing afferent stimulation. This is then followed up with specific home-care advice and sensory-motor exercises based on examination results to further facilitate your brain hemispheric stimulation.