Enhance Your Day
Activate Your Body: Daily Movement and Connection
Start your day by engaging in daily movements that connect your mind and body. One effective technique in Touch for Health Kinesiology that has the ability to support brain function, coordination, and overall well-being is cross-crawl movement.
What is Cross-Crawl Movement?
Cross-crawl movements involve crossing the midline of the body, which means one side of the body moves in coordination with the opposite side (contralateral). This simple yet powerful movement activates both hemispheres of the brain and increases awareness of your body as you coordinate your actions. Essentially, any movement where the opposite arm and leg move together—like walking or marching—qualifies as cross-crawl.
As the body performs these movements, both the left and right sides work in unison, facilitating the integration of both hemispheres of the brain. This helps with coordination (unilateral, bilateral, and ipsilateral movmements), balance, motor skills, concentration, learning, and brain function.
Why Cross-Crawl is Beneficial
According to “The Complete Edition of Touch for Health” by J & M Thie, just three minutes of cross-crawl movement can relieve body tension and pain, improve concentration, and enhance learning. The movement helps with the integration of the left and right brain hemispheres, reduces stress, and boosts overall energy levels. Cross-crawl exercises can also enhance visual perception, making it easier to read and process information.
How Does It Work?
Cross-crawl exercises can range from basic activities like marching to more complex actions like dancing. The goal is to involve both sides of the body performing opposing actions.
Some of the key benefits include:
Coordination:
Improves posture, muscle strength, and hand-eye coordination.
Enhances athletic performance.
Reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Focus and Attention:
Improves decision-making.
Increases concentration and clarity.
Enhances productivity and calm.
Strength:
Boosts stability and energy efficiency.
Improves mood and self-confidence.
Contributes to better sleep.
Balance:
Helps prevent injuries and falls.
Makes activities like walking, climbing, and changing direction more stable.
Visual Skills:
Improves reading, writing, and overall visual interpretation.
Strengthens social interaction and academic performance.
The Switch-On: Activating Energy Pathways
Our bodies are filled with energy pathways, much like how your house is wired with electrical connections. These pathways, known as meridians, facilitate communication between the brain and body. When stress disrupts these pathways, communication slows down, resulting in tension or discomfort. By activating the meridians, we restore smooth communication between the body and brain, leading to a sense of balance and calm.
One effective way to activate these pathways is through a process called “Switch-On.” This involves applying light pressure to specific acupoints on the body. These acupoints assist the energy flow through the meridians, helping the body function at its best.
Switch-On Techniques:
Top and Bottom Switching:
Place the palm of one hand on the navel.
Rub above the top lip and below the bottom lip with the other hand.
Switch hands and repeat.
Side to Side Switching:
Place the palm of one hand on the navel.
Rub just below the ends of the collarbones (from the midline of your eye follow down to just under your collarbone) with the other hand.
Switch hands and repeat.
Front and Back Switching:
Place the palm of one hand on the navel.
Rub the tailbone with the other hand.
Switch hands and repeat.
These simple exercises can be especially helpful when you wake up in the morning, followed by a few minutes of cross-crawl. This combination will open communication between your brain and body, preparing you for the day ahead.
Bonus: Activating Your Eyes and Ears
For an extra boost, consider adding some simple movements for your eyes and ears.
Ears:
Start by holding the top of the ear and firmly pull the ear away from your head, unfolding it as you move down to the earlobe.
Continue pulling the ear as you slowly move your head in all directions—up, down, side to side.
Eyes:
While doing the Switch-On, include eye movements to activate the visual pathways.
Look up, down, left, right, and in circular motions (clockwise and counterclockwise).
Focus on objects near and far, then try reading (silently or aloud).
This combination of exercises will further enhance focus, relaxation, and physical well-being throughout the day.
Conclusion
Incorporating simple cross-crawl movements into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your coordination, brain function, and overall health. Add in the Switch-On techniques and eye/ear activations for even more benefits. In just a few minutes, you can improve your mental clarity, reduce stress, and energize your body for a more productive day.
Start moving today and feel the positive effects immediately!
Basic Cross Crawl
Seated Cross Crawl
Supported Cross Crawl
Advanced Cross Crawl
Switch On Demo
BONUS Audio & Visual Activation