We now know that the old saying, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’, is out-of-date with current brain research. Scientists have now discovered our brains remain plastic, and changes are possible throughout our entire lifespan.
Soon after birth, our brain does its most rapid growth and nearly doubles in size. This incredible growth is shaped by the extent of sensory stimulation we receive from our environment. It is also influenced by our interactions with our caregivers. When our early sensory experiences affirm a subjective felt sense of safety, the development of self-regulation, healthy attachment and neural integration is supported. However, when this does not occur, there can be interruptions in our neural wiring.
The great news is that we can optimise our natural capacity for neural integration, and repair developmental disturbances that may have occurred in childhood, using the aerial hammock!
The first step is to address the sensory need to experience safety. This can literally prepare our brain’s readiness for higher-level functioning of reasoning, decision making and problem-solving to the best of our abilities. The aerial hammock can be a unique therapeutic tool that supports relaxation and safety. Some of the best aerial yoga positions that assist this invite the body to be held, cradled, and rocked in the aerial hammock. These can be subtle and powerful moments where the individual harnesses their ability to regulate their nervous system and begins a journey of healing the brain via the body.
Once safety and regulation are achieved, new rich sensory experiences of 3-dimensional movement in the aerial hammock can be applied to engage the brain and set the stage for neural transformation to begin!
Do you want to try this for yourself?
