#42 - The Neurology of Movement
Digest
This podcast delves into the fascinating intersection of neurology and self-care, exploring various techniques to improve physical and mental well-being. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with vision drills ("pencil push-ups") for improved eye coordination and reduced neck pain. They also detail the unexpected benefits of vestibular exercises, initially used to address anxiety, which led to improvements in lower back and hamstring flexibility. A significant portion focuses on a self-care routine combining intense gargling (inducing "air hunger") and vestibular drills, targeting the vagus nerve and resulting in substantial improvements in flexibility and overall well-being. The discussion expands to explain how these practices seem to reorganize brain perception of neural tension, leading to enhanced physical performance. The podcast explores the neurological underpinnings of movement, focusing on the cerebellum, cortex, and brainstem, and introduces methods for assessing cerebellar function and employing ipsilateral training for targeted improvement. The interconnectedness of these brain regions is highlighted, demonstrating how stimulating one area can impact others, offering a novel approach to pain management. Finally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding neurological structures and functions for addressing movement and pain issues, promoting the versatility of neuro-drills for various health goals, and providing resources for further learning.
Outlines
Introduction: Neurological Self-Care Practices
The podcast introduces vision drills ("pencil push-ups") and their impact on agility, followed by a discussion of vestibular exercises and their unexpected benefits beyond anxiety reduction.
Vision and Neck Pain Relief Through Drills
Detailed explanation of vision drills, their assessment aspects, and techniques for addressing eye coordination imbalances, along with the experience of improved neck tightness.
Vestibular Exercises and Unexpected Physical Benefits
The hosts share their experiences with vestibular exercises, highlighting unexpected improvements in lower back and hamstring flexibility.
Gargling, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, and Improved Flexibility
A detailed description of a self-care routine involving intense gargling and vestibular drills, focusing on vagus nerve stimulation and its impact on hamstring tightness and overall well-being.
Brain Reorganization and Enhanced Physical Performance
Discussion on how the combined gargling and vestibular drills seem to reorganize brain perception of neural tension, leading to unexpected improvements in physical performance.
Vestibular Deficits and Autonomic Function
Exploration of potential underlying vestibular deficits and the impact of the drills on the parasympathetic nervous system, emphasizing the use of neuro exercises even without pre-existing problems.
Gargling Technique and Air Hunger
A detailed explanation of the gargling technique, including the intentional induction of "air hunger" as a valuable component of the exercise.
Humming and Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques
Introduction of humming as a complementary practice, emphasizing its soothing effects and the potential for stacking exercises.
Neurology of Movement: Cerebellum, Cortex, and Brainstem
Detailed explanation of the neurology of movement, focusing on the roles of the cerebellum, cortex (frontal lobe), and brainstem in voluntary movement and reflexive stabilization.
Cerebellar Assessment, Training, and Ipsilateral Approaches
Methods for assessing cerebellar function, positive and negative indicators of deficits, and the concept of ipsilateral training using complex non-linear movements.
Applied Neurology: Foundations, Applications, and Resources
Emphasis on the foundational importance of understanding neurological structures and their functions for addressing movement and pain issues, highlighting the versatility of neuro-drills and providing resources for further learning.
Keywords
Pencil Push-Ups (Vision Drills)
Eye convergence exercises improving eye coordination and alleviating eye strain.
Vestibular Drills
Exercises targeting the vestibular system, impacting balance, coordination, and autonomic nervous system function.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Stimulation of the vagus nerve to reduce anxiety and improve overall health.
Cerebellum
Part of the brain responsible for coordination, balance, and motor control.
Brainstem
Connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, controlling essential functions.
Ipsilateral Training
Neurological training approach where the affected side of the body is directly trained.
Complex Non-Linear Movements
Challenging movements stimulating the cerebellum and improving coordination.
Neuro-drills
Exercises designed to target specific brain regions and improve neurological function.
Applied Neurology
Practical application of neurological principles to improve movement and reduce pain.
Air Hunger
Intentional induction of air hunger during gargling to stimulate the vagus nerve.
Q&A
What are the benefits of incorporating gargling into a self-care routine?
Gargling stimulates the vagus nerve, impacting parasympathetic function, reducing anxiety, and improving flexibility.
How does the cerebellum contribute to movement coordination?
The cerebellum acts as an error detection and correction system, ensuring smooth, rhythmic movements.
What is the role of the brainstem in movement?
The brainstem manages reflexive stabilization, posture, and autonomic functions during movement.
How can I assess my cerebellar function?
Perform rapid alternated movements of forearms and toes, comparing both sides for asymmetries.
How does stimulating one brain area impact others?
Activating the cerebellum also activates the opposite cortex and brainstem, allowing for indirect treatment.
What types of exercises are most effective for cerebellar training?
Complex non-linear movements are highly effective.
What are the broader applications of applied neurology?
Applied neurology addresses pain management, improved coordination, enhanced cognitive function, and better autonomic regulation.
Where can I learn more about applied neurology?
Access the free neuro masterclass and explore the podcast's YouTube channel.
What is the significance of "air hunger" in the gargling technique?
Intentionally inducing "air hunger" during gargling enhances vagus nerve stimulation.
What is ipsilateral training and why is it important?
Ipsilateral training directly targets the affected side of the body for improved function.
Show Notes
What if you could fix your tight hamstrings by gargling water? In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about how we can better understand movement by learning about the structures of the brain. I go over the main areas of the brain associated with movement, and discuss their location, their function, how to assess them, and how to train them. This episode ties together a bunch of concepts previously discussed on the podcast, like threat, the opposing joint theory, posture and gait assessment, and more, but with a focus on the brain areas that drive many of the inputs and outputs for the rest of the body. We also have a free-ranging discussion around our recent experiences with applied neurology in our own training, and discuss the real-world impacts that gargling, humming, pencil pushups, finger tapping, and vestibular drills are having on our lives today.
Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!
Free Resources:
- Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
- Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
- Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials
Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:
- Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
- Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo
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