Educational Kinesiology or EK is a series of physical exercises that could help your brain function better. They can be used to help make you focus, concentrate and even boost your confidence. Working by encouraging both hemispheres of the brain to work together, try them out and see for yourself!
I first encountered this practise when I was a child. My mum used them to help her students (she was a primary school teacher) and my entire netball team benefitted also.
The following are copied from a site named “Brain Gym – Simple Exercises for a Better Body and Mind”. There are many listed so I encourage you to visit the site and personalise your own set of exercises.
Lazy Eights
Extend one arm straight out in front of you, with the thumb pointing toward the ceiling. In the air, smoothly and slowly trace the shape of a large figure 8 on its side.
As you draw the 8, focus your eyes on your thumb, keeping your head upright, facing forward and moving only slightly. Start tracing your 8 by beginning at eye level. Move your arm up and over to the left, around and back to centre, then to the right.
Do three full 8s with one hand, then three with the other and finally three with both hands clasped together.
** This integrates both visual fields, improving balance and co-ordination. Many people report better vision after this exercise.
Belly Breathing
Place your hands on your abdomen.
Exhale through your mouth in short little puffs, as if you are keeping a feather in the air, until your lungs feel empty.
Now inhale deeply, filling yourself like a balloon beneath your hand. (By arching your back slightly you can take in even more air.)
Then slowly and fully exhale. Repeat this inhalation and exhalation, establishing a natural rhythm, during the course of three or more breaths.
** This improves the supply of oxygen to the entire body. It relaxes the central nervous system while increasing your energy levels. It can help improve both reading and speaking abilities.
Space Buttons
Rest two fingers above your upper lip.
Place your other hand, pointing downward, on your lower back, with your fingertips touching the tailbone.
Breathe deeply as you look up at the ceiling. Gradually lower your gaze to the floor, then look up at the ceiling again. Repeat three or more times as your eyes and the rest of your body relax.
** Holding these points improves attention, focus, motivation and intuition for decision-making.
Positive Points
Above the centre of each eyebrow and halfway to the hairline, you will find a slight indentation. Lightly place
three fingers of each hand on each of these indentations.
Close your eyes and hold the points lightly, pulling the forehead slightly taut, during the course of six to ten slow complete breaths.
** These points diffuse the “fight or flight” reflex, releasing emotional stress. Touching these points allows a more rational response to stressful situations.
Earth Buttons
Rest two fingers of one hand under your lower lip. Place the heel of the other hand on your
navel, with fingers pointing downwards.
Breathe deeply as you look at the floor. Moving only your eyes, look gradually from the floor to the ceiling, then down again. Repeat this for three or more breaths, as you entire body and eyes relax.
** This stimulates the brain and relieves mental fatigue. It also helps to enhance your ability to focus on near objects.