Bi Lateral Stimulation
How Bi Lateral Stimulation Breaks The Anxiety Cycle.
Bilateral stimulation or BLS, involves activating both sides of the brain through various means, and it can assist in alleviating anxiety by interrupting its harmful cycle.
There are different types of BLS, such as:
- **Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):** A well-known therapy modality that involves the client focusing on a moving object or following the therapist's fingers moving back and forth with their eyes. It helps the client process and reduce the impact of traumatic memories and has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety.
- **Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique - EFT):** A self-help technique that involves tapping on various acupressure points on the body while focusing on a specific issue or memory. The tapping is believed to help release emotional distress and anxiety by activating the energy meridians.
- **Physical movement:** Exercises and activities that engage both sides of the body (e.g., walking or swimming) can also provide bilateral stimulation and help to reduce anxiety by synchronizing the brain's hemispheres.
The theory behind BLS is that when both sides of the brain are engaged simultaneously, the communication between the right (emotional) and left (logical) hemispheres is enhanced. This allows for the integration and processing of traumatic or distressing memories and experiences, ultimately reducing the intensity of anxiety.
The practical benefits of BLS:
1. **Reducing anxiety levels:** By facilitating the processing of distressing thoughts and emotions, BLS techniques can help lower anxiety levels over time.
2. **Reprogramming the brain:** As the brain processes and integrates difficult experiences, new neural pathways are created, which can help reduce anxiety triggers.
3. **Long-lasting results:** BLS techniques are believed to provide long-lasting benefits as they address the root cause of anxiety and promote healing at a deeper level.
In the sessions I offer, you will learn tapping techniques and specific muscle BLS exercises to do at home to begin to combat those anxious moments you experience.
