The human brain is a remarkable thing. It is not a muscle, but it behaves like a muscle. Strictly speaking, the brain is an organ, the most important one. However, there are some theories that describe the brain as a muscle in the sense that it can be trained to improve different cognitive functions like working memory.
So, it’s an organ, an engine, a nerve center or and without a doubt is totally complex! When I am working with clients in the field of myofunctional therapy, it’s this potential (for the adaptation of the brain’s neuromuscular activity) which brings about the positive results that are achieved.
Now, if this was easy, we would all be ‘on top of our game’ and change would be less of a struggle. However like anything we do in life, when small adaptations are made with increasing degrees of difficulty or skill, then the brain adapts, and these new movements become the norm.
The term used to describe this is ‘neuroplasticity’ and can initiate the most incredible changes in oral and facial development and function.
Remember that old joke? How do you eat an elephant? (One bite at a time!)
Well, in a similar way, a myofunctional therapy programme is broken down into segments: small muscular changes that precede big results. It takes time and effort, commitment and repetition to eat that elephant! It also takes understanding, developing maturation, encouragement, and partnership (and fun) to get there!
It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old the results can be life-changing. 😊
In a world full of instant everything, this is one thing that can’t be rushed! On average it takes four to six months for the brain to recognise oral functional changes as the new norm. During this time, we often do see changes in the teeth and facial development, but the response to improved swallowing, sucking, chewing, breathing and sleep habits which start early, continue over a lifetime.
Recent unsolicited feedback from parents is a testament to what is noticed…and obviously, the names have been removed for privacy reasons!
Thanks for delivering a quality program! We really appreciate all the wonderful work you did with xxxx. Your program is life-changing.🌷It is very empowering for a child to be able to stop a thumb sucking habit and now able to breathe easily through their nose.👍😤
Love your work!❤️🌺
Hi Cathy, scrolling through xxxx’s iPad today and saw so many photos with her teeth before the tongue tie release and videos of her talking. I never realised that she pushed her tongue out so much. And stopped to gulp with her mouth breathing! Thank you so much. We are so grateful for everything you have done.
As the brain responds to change, the body does too, and yes four months does make a difference!
Now there’s a thought!
