What is brain integration?
For a brain to be fully integrated, it requires three things:
- The ability to access the specific brain functions required to perform a function.
- The ability for different brain areas to integrate / work synchronously with other brain areas.
- The ability to maintain this integration through varying degrees of stress.
According to Krebs, some of the conditions associated with loss of brain integration are:
- A wide variety of learning challenges related to reading, writing & spelling
- Dyslexia
- Sensory Integration problems
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Central Auditory Processing Problem (CAPP) or Disorder (CAPD)
- Vision and visual perception problems
- Cognition and memory problems
- Closed Head Injuries (e.g. resulting from concussion, etc.)
- Stroke and brain injury
The Learning Enhancement Acupressure Program (LEAP) was developed by Dr Charles Krebs to help children with learning and coordination problems. In this video, Dr Charles Krebs explains how he came across Kinesiology and was inspired to develop a course that would focus on helping the brain become more integrated. He describes Brain Integration as:
“The ability to access all the gestalt* and logic lead functions and the sub-conscious processing centres, in order to perform a task optimally. The degree of brain integration may vary depending on the general level of stress in your life and the stress (from the past or now) linked to the task that you are performing.”
Note: * Gestalt is holistic, non-rational, intuitive, inductive reasoning which perceives patterns and forms.
Logic is based on linear, sequential, deductive reasoning; it is rational and analytical. These functions work together to provide ‘whole brain’ thinking.
Although the initial focus of LEAP was to assist children, adults also benefit from the Brain Integration (BI) protocols. Loss of BI may not be as obvious in adults, as we have created coping mechanisms and just don’t realise that what we experience and take as ‘normal’ isn’t normal for others.
For example: If you struggle with note taking during presentations or stumble over what you want to say during a speech, these are signs of loss of brain integration.
Brain Integration
Learning Enhancement Acupressure Program (LEAP)
The Brain Integration modules focus on the following neurological aspects:
- The connections between the different parts of the brain (commissures, etc)
- Emotional stresses linked to the amygdala
- Stress linked to short term and long term memory, auditory interpretation, comprehension and the formation of speech
- Balance and equilibrium
- Reticular Activating System (RAS – which controls attention and wakefulness)
- Periventricular Survival System (PVSS) controlling physiological and behavioural responses
- Coordination – linked to Cerebellum motor modulation
- Visual and Auditory integration
- Emotional and mental modulatory circuits
- Memory – Short term memory, long term memory and working memory
The specialist Learning Enhancement Acupressure Program (LEAP) focuses on specific learning difficulties. This follows the Brain Integration balances. These focuses on the following areas:
- Reading, Comprehension
- Spelling
- Writing
- Hand Eye Coordination
- Maths
- Verbal concept formation
- Visuo-spatial reasoning
- Extended memory
