UNLOCKING THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION: LEFT BRAIN VS RIGHT BRAIN
BY DR MORENA MCNAMARA
Morena here! Halfway through the year, what better time to talk about some other big
and important ‘halves’ within us…the two halves of our brains.
Have you ever heard the terms left-brained and right-brained dominance? What this
is referring to is the two hemispheres of the brain (left and right), and how the two
sides of the brain function differently. If you are stronger on one side over the other,
you may have different tendencies or characteristics.
In the intricate dance of human anatomy, the brain stands as the conductor
orchestrating every movement, sensation, and thought. But within this marvel of
biological engineering lies a tale of separate two hemispheres, each with its own
unique functions and contributions to our overall well-being. Chiropractic care, with
its focus on spinal health and alignment, plays a fascinating role in nurturing the
delicate balance between these two powerhouses.
Want to know what you are? : Simply interlock your fingers. People who place their
right thumb on top of their left thumb tend to be left-brain dominant and are thus
more verbal and analytical. Those placing their left thumb on top of their right thumbs
tend to be a right-brain dominant, and thus excel in visual, spatial and intuitive tasks.
The Right Hemisphere: Gateway to Creativity and Intuition
The right hemisphere of the brain is often associated with creativity, intuition, and
holistic thinking. It processes information in a more intuitive and subjective manner,
allowing us to appreciate art, music, and the subtleties of human interaction.
However, it also plays a crucial role in spatial awareness and body coordination,
making it an essential partner in the realm of chiropractic adjustments.
The Left Hemisphere: Bastion of Logic and Analytical Thinking
Conversely, the left hemisphere of the brain is heralded as the seat of logic,
analytical thinking, and language processing. It excels in sequential reasoning and
mathematical computations, providing the cognitive framework upon which our
understanding of the world is built. While chiropractic adjustments primarily target the
physical realm of the body, their effects resonate within the neural circuitry of the left
hemisphere as well.
What About My Child’s Brain?
While still in the womb – cocooned in safety, conveniently fed by mumma, and with
only limited scope for sensory input – a human baby is not exposed to the world, and
its brain does not yet have a large role to play in movement, learning, or processing
of sensory information.
After birth, we need to make sense of the world, interact with objects and people,
plan actions and predict their consequences, learn from our successes and failures,
and store experiences away for future reference: this takes time. During childhood,
the development of the halves of the brain progress in fascinating stages, with each
hemisphere undergoing unique transformations at different ages.
From the moment children are born, blood flow is significantly greater to the right
hemisphere of the brain as right brain development is crucial in the first few years of
life. During this time, the right hemisphere experiences rapid growth, laying the
groundwork for sensory perception, emotional understanding, and early social
interactions. The right brain is indeed the playground, or at least, it connects us to it.
Let children dwell in this most natural state through their unstructured play, and all its
derivatives such as doodling, curiosity, wonder and imagination. Around the age of 7,
the left hemisphere begins to assert its influence, with language skills, logical
reasoning, and academic abilities flourishing. This aligns with many countries of the
world delaying formal education until 7 years of age!
Throughout adolescence and into adulthood, the brain continues to refine its
connections and capacities, with both hemispheres contributing to the multifaceted
tapestry of cognitive, emotional, and social development.
In the symphony of human existence, chiropractic care stands as a conductor,
guiding the body and mind toward a state of equilibrium and optimal function.
Through its targeted interventions, it unlocks the potential for greater health, vitality,
and holistic well-being—a testament to the profound connection between spinal
health and the intricate workings of the human brain.
See you at your next adjustment!
Yours in health,
Morena and The Family Chiro Team
