The Mind Body Connection

In anatomy, physiology, and medicine in general, the mind-body connection often doesn't receive the attention it deserves, in my view.

The existence of this connection is undeniable. Consider how we feel "butterflies" when nervous, blush when embarrassed, or start salivating as we pass by a bakery.

For those who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the brain's wiring is altered by the trauma, making it difficult for them to remain rational and regulated when triggered by a memory or flashback. They may see, feel, or hear things—signals from both mind and body alerting them to the distress.

In his book The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel Van der Kolk advocates for yoga as a therapeutic tool for trauma recovery. Movement, in fact, is crucial for brain function and development.

Movement has numerous benefits, including:

Improving myelination of nerve cells, enhancing their conductivity

Increasing dendrite branching and connections between brain regions

Stimulating the creation of new neurons

Delivering oxygen to the brain

Balancing the excitability of the cerebellum with the inhibitory effects of the basal ganglia

Enhancing coordination between different parts of the brain

Ensuring brain regions function optimally

When infants don’t experience enough rhythmic movements, their neurological development can be hindered. This may lead to:

Being overly or under-sensitive to sensory input (sounds, smells, tastes, etc.)

Struggling with reading, writing, focus, or behavior in school

Difficulty with physical activities like riding a bike, swimming, or climbing

Challenges in crossing the body's midline (an imaginary line down the center)

Issues with emotional regulation, processing information, and social interaction

We’re all born with primitive reflexes that should integrate within the first year of life, as they become unnecessary. Reflexes like sucking, rooting, and the plantar grasp (toes curling when the foot is stroked) are examples. Two reflexes that persist in some children—the Moro (startle) and fear paralysis reflexes—are thought to contribute to learning difficulties, behavioral issues, anxiety, and emotional imbalance if not integrated. These reflexes are tied to our stress responses: the Moro reflex connects to the fight-or-flight response through the sympathetic nervous system, while fear paralysis links to the freeze response. With the help of a Rhythmic Movement Consultant, children can integrate these reflexes through simple movements, often mirroring those performed in infancy, helping them achieve better emotional regulation.

One fundamental yet powerful step in neurodevelopment is ensuring that children learn to crawl correctly. "Proper" crawling, done contralaterally (moving opposite limbs—left leg with right arm), is essential for brain development.

Unfortunately, many children miss this vital developmental milestone, often being carried in car seats instead of given the chance to crawl on the floor. Some may bottom shuffle or crawl homolaterally (using the same side arm and leg), which can delay proper neurodevelopment.

Though this topic isn’t covered in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology course, it’s incredibly fascinating!

Happy studying!

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