Movement & Neuroscience Nuggets: You and your vestibular system

Your vestibular system (the part of your brain that senses which way is up and what direction you’re moving in is like any other part of your body. If you don’t USE IT, you LOSE IT. When you lose it, it means your brain will tell you there’s more potential threat ‘cos you’re not seeing or sensing well, which equals a body that doesn’t move so well. This can mean restricted range of movement, pain, dizziness, nausea, anxiety etc..

My guess is that you spend a lot of time with your head facing forwards, and you most likely move forwards and a teeny bit up and down. Unless you’re weirdo like me and get into moving your head in different directions whilst going upside down, backwards and forwards rotating and balancing on your partner’s feet.

Here’s the good news, there’s one neuro drill that’s soooo easy to put into your yoga/movement practice. Any time you’re moving your arm, just keep your eyes focused on your thumb, allow your head move to follow your thumb.

This video shows you an example and how to modify it (‘cos if you’re new to it or not used to it, it can make you feel sick or dizzy)