C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 37
REWIRE
YOUR BRAIN
1. Identify a neural
pathway you want
to weaken (e.g., I
want to reduce the
tendency to overuse
my hands during a
massage).
2. Determine a new
neural pathway you
want to wire (e.g.,
I want to use my
elbows and forearms
more).
Interested in Learning
More About Neuroplasticity?
Explore These Videos!
• "Neuroplasticity" by Khan Academy at
www.youtube.com/watch?v= J8wW1t1JqUc.
• "How Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life with Michael
Merzenich at Mind & Its Potential 2014" at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUqd2SObn6Y.
• "Enhancing the Plasticity of the Brain: Max Cynader at TEDxStanleyPark"
at www.youtube.com/watch?v= Chr3rQ6Vpcw.
• "Rick Hanson: Understanding Neuroplasticity" at
www.youtube.com/watch?v= CRvMCIpGdE8.
• "The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: Barbara Arrowsmith-Young at
TEDxToronto" at www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0td5aw1KXA.
Anne Williams is the director of
education for Associated Bodywork
& Massage Professionals and
author of Massage Mastery: from
Student to Professional (Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins, 2012) and Spa
Bodywork: A Guide for Massage
Therapists (Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins, 2006). She can be
reached at anne@abmp.com.
3. Place reminders
of your new plan
everywhere (e.g.,
hang a sign up in
your session room
that says, "No
hands!") to keep
you self-aware and
focused.
4. Now, avoid using
your hands.
When you catch
yourself using your
hands, switch to
your elbows and
forearms. Each time
you are successful,
you weaken the old
pathway (hands) and
strengthen the new
pathway (elbows/
forearms).
5. Over time, you'll
stop overusing
your hands, and
using your elbows
and forearms will
become a habit.