The brain is made up of two halves or hemispheres, joined by the corpus callosum and more minorly by the anterior and posterior commisures. Communication between the two hemispheres and flexibility of function and use of both hemispheres is vital for healthy brain, body and emotional function. Clinically when we observe patients with an imbalance in the maturity and function of the left and right hemispheres we can see a range of symptoms and signs.
LEFT side functions: The gas pedal of our brain:
Positive emotions
Approach behaviour
Small muscle (fine motor) control
Light touch processing
High frequency sound processing
Word reading (phonics and decoding)
Math calculations (arithmetic)
Picks out the details of situations
Picks out details of people
Likes the same task, situation over and over again
Turns on the immune system
Linear, logical thinking
IQ (Intelligence Quotient)
RIGHT side functions: The brake pedal of our brain:
Negative emotion control
Avoidance behaviour
Gross motor, core muscle control
Deep touch processing
Low frequency sound processing
Reading comprehension
Math reasoning
Understands the “big picture”
Has intuition with people
Likes new tasks or situations
Turns off the immune system
Creative side of thinking
EQ (Emotional Quotient)
A lack of LEFT-brain function can be associated with:
Dyslexia
ADD
Learning disabilities
Poor fine motor control: drawing, hand writing, detailed tasking
Poor immunity
Shyness
A lack of RIGHT brain function can be associated with:
ADHD (hyperactivity)
Mood instability (highs and lows)
Inability to focus in school
Poor muscle tone
Asthma and/or allergies or autoimmunity (immune system over active).