Summer Qi Chats | Week 2
What does the tongue have to do with neural changes?
This week’s Qi Time chat lead us to talk about the tools you already have to create neuroplasticity (changes in the brain)!
When you want something to stick
you’ve got to make it interesting.
Need a reminder of neuroplasticity? No problem!
The brain has the ability to adapt and change due to circumstance, experience and stimulus.
That said, I like to think of brain habits like a well defined trail that’s been used over and over.
The path is effortless, easy to use and everyone opts for that trail.
Same as a neuro-tag in the brain. You’ve created brain habits in how you you chew, walk, breathe, speak, write, read, communicate, etc. These pathways have been developing and adapting since we were children. Emotions, experience, ability and repetition shape us and how our brain works.
Sometimes these neuro-tags are needed
Riding a bike
Tying your shoe
Driving a car (for some of you, that’s debatable!)
Cooking
Dancing
Sometimes these neuro-tags should be rewired
Poor posture
Poor breathing mechanics
Pain
Post-surgery
PTSD
So how do you change some of those poorly developed neuro-tags?
By creating more load. If you have been playing with the vision drills, the sensory work, the breath training and you feel you don’t yet see great change? Add in the following tongue work. Studies show 3-4 hours weekly of tongue stimulus with movement can create neuroplastic change. So use these tongue drills throughout the day to see changes in your speech, eating, swallowing & digestion , breathing, headaches, TMJ complaints, neck and upper back tension AND visual and vestibular skills.
Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!
Get the tongue involved
Roll an ice cube around your mouth. The cool sensation can help with your thermo-receptors of the tongue to help with sensory and improving the brain’s map of the tongue.
Create SLOW clicks and stretch the frenulum (that line of skin that pops up when you stretch the tongue with suction) and massage the frenulum with your fingers or the back head of your toothbrush
Tongue stretching! Open the mouth and extend the tongue. Gently grasp the tongue with one hand and a paper towel or gauze. While maintaining excellent neck posture, LIGHTLY stretch the tongue forward. Work up to 5 continuous minutes. *Keep it gentle.
