Massage & Bodywork

MARCH | APRIL 2016

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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.

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