‘… even the gentle pressure of footfall on a slow walk has a big impact on blood flow to the brain. Studies by Dick Greene at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas and his colleagues suggest that when our feet hit the ground, their arteries are compressed. This increases turbulence in the blood, providing it with an extra rush towards the brain of up to 15 per cent’. (p.35)
‘Neuroscientist and philosopher Antonio Damasio at the University of Southern California says that … our body has an unconscious sense of the health and state of our muscles and bones. This ‘musculoskeletal division’ constantly send sends messages about the strength and agility of the body’s movement apparatus. (p.36)
‘Even at a tender age, moving to music seems to make us feel good. According to studies led by Morten Kringlebach at the University of Oxford, the feel good factor is because our brains work as prediction machines that constantly make guesses about what is likely to happen next’. (p.37)
‘It is the smallest of movements … But controlling the muscles in your chest and diaphragm can make a big difference to the way you think and feel. Incredibly, when you regulate your breath, what you are really doing is taking charge of your brainwaves …’ (p.37)
‘A slouched posture has long been linked to negative thinking and feelings of defeat, according to psychological research, while an upright expanded posture brings a more positive mental attitude’ (p.38)
Quotes come from the article mind altering moves, by Caroline Williams New Scientist no. 3335, 22 May 2021. New Scientist Ltd., London. p. 35-38.
From her book Move! The new science of body over mind. Profile Books, London. 2021
‘The Buzz wristband creates patterns of vibration on the skin’. (p.48)
‘The wristband is now a product called Buzz that captures sound and turns it into patterns of vibration through four motors. That information on the skin follows the nerves up to your brain, which has no problem learning how to come to an understanding of it’. (p.47)
Quotes from Claire Wilson, New Scientist medical reporter, in her interview with David Eagleman, neuroscientist at Stanford University in California, titled “I’m interested in whether we can create new senses”. New Scientist no.3334, 15 May 2021. New Scientist Ltd. London. (p. 48-48)
