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SusanAMatthews.com

Susan A. Matthews, M.S.
Shanti School of Internal Martial Arts
An Institute of Research and Education
Southwestern Colorado, USA
970-903-5723
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GeorgeXu.com

New DVD!

Brain Workshop™
Exercises for a New Brain-
Use Mind Power and Movement to Change Your Brain

Web site Design: Susan Matthews
© 2003-2008
all rights reserved
No part of this web site may be reproduced
without expressed permission.

Brain Workshop™ Programs are presented in Seminars offered nationally. You can also access this information Online as a part of several Special Topics in the Ten Minute Tai Chi Program. If you would like to sponsor a Brain Workshop seminar with Susan Matthews please email Susan at mail@susanamatthews.com.

Get the Ultimate Training for the Brain and Nervous System Strength, Flexibility, Freedom

Get Started Now with Lesson One Qi Circles Watch this introductory video. Lesson One QiCircles™- basics for building and moving qi. (Special Introductory rate online only $5.) You can also Complete the FREE custom program questionnaire to identify your specific needs, physical condition and goals. Get Started Questionnaire Submit and receive a customized action plan to reach your goals: Purchase individual lessons, DVDs, private consultation, seminars according to your plan.

Watch a web lesson sample now! video

Brain Workshop™ 9 Brain Workshop™ Clinic for Neural Rehabilitation, Caregivers Included, Advanced Training for Therapists

This special seminar contains elements of Brain Workshop training for speeding neural repair and plasticity in patients with movement disability such as those who are recovering from stroke, brain injury, or who have progressive neurological symptoms as seen in Parkinson's Disease.

This seminar also contains tools and specific movement principles for therapists to use to aid in learning and memory acquisition. For example, speech and reading therapists can incorporate rhythmic movement as a right-brain activity to facilitate left-brain repatterning.

Similarly, this mind-body integration training uses movement synchronization and rhythm coupled with mental practice that effects both physical and mental balance. For mental health, Brain Workshop technique is like EMDR therapy using the whole body. See current schedule. Email Susan now to Register or for more information: mail@susanamatthews.com

Workshop and Lesson Contents: 

Introductory Information: Upon registration each participant will receive the DVD "Training Your Mind & Movement to Change your Brain" as an excellent introduction to five aspects in her workshops central in her approach to movement, tai chi, and brain health. She explores them in class and works with participants to understand their meaning and how they may be incorporated into any modality:

First, movement with synchronicity, rhythmicity, and symmetry has been linked to brain activation during memory acquisition, states of consciousness, locomotion, neural repair, and rehabilitation.

Second, mental practice, including visualization and movement imagery, are receiving greater significance for treatment potential. New imaging techniques show that when you visualize going over movement in your mind (imagery), neuronal (nerve cell) activity in the brain actually mirrors that movement. This capacity of the nervous system is just beginning to be explored in brain injury research and treatment. Tai Chi and other ‘internal’ martial arts training tools greatly enhance mental agility by tapping into the mind connection between visualization of internal energy (qi) and movement.

Third, balanced, integrated, left- and right-sided movement is accompanied by balanced brain activity. Such movement activates the motor and sensory neural circuitry of the whole brain. Balance is accomplished by using two major components of training: 1) “central equilibrium training,” and; 2) mechanical spiraling in the joints.

Fourth, engaging and integrating multiple sensory systems both physically and with mind intention, wakes up the entire body and brain, and can speed up the healing process. These systems include visual, kinesthetic, the sense of gravity and position, muscle load, stretching and contracting, sensors in the skin, and the sensation of qi (vital energy).

Fifth, using these techniques and others to train the mind achieves three levels of adaptation. First, increased awareness of the sensation of internal qi energy flowing in the body. Second, the ability to direct internal energy and physical movement to flow in harmony. Finally, the training cultivates awareness of, and harmony with, the energetic movement in the space surrounding the body.

Part 1- Dynamics of the Spine

Central Equilibrium Training. This training explores the concept of developing a straight spine with an energetic central “plumb line.”

Anatomical Structure of the Spine, Shoulder and Hip. Redefine the relationship of neck and shoulder to hip through the spine and down to the feet. Learn how to use relaxation and hip stretch to realign structure. Learn what is meant by the "art of the body."

Hip and Spine Biomechanics.  Apply Chinese Yin-Yang Theory to the movements of Daily Life to increase energy and efficiency and decrease pain and fatigue. Energetically and physically: left/right, up/down, in/out, forward/backward, solid/empty, lifting/sinking.

Part 2- Mental Practice

Sinking/Rooting: A strong root and balance is obtained with understanding postural alignment in gravity, lowering the center of balance, and the mechanics of transferring weight and awareness to the feet.

Mind-Energy Walking ("Chi Walking"). Learn effortless walking using yi or mind intent, visualization of Qi or energy movement, central equilibrium, and gravity.

Part 3- Whole Body One Unit Synchronicity

Learn revolutionary biomechanical and internal movement principles involved in synchronicity, rhythmicity, and bilaterality. Participants are encouraged to explore application of the mind-movement principles in their own form of exercise, sport, dance, manual therapy, walking, balance therapy, energy practice, or martial-art form. Exercises are perfectly adaptable to sitting and slow movement, yet still provide high-quality content and results for neurorehabilitation after stroke, movement disorders (parkinsonism), and movement and mental dysfunction that result from aging.

Learn Waist/Hip Mechanics: Stable, rotational hip mechanics; sacrum, tailbone function in transmitting movement through the spine.

Using Back and Waist Power: Unifying the back and waist stabilizes the low back and transfers shoulder power to the more powerful hips and legs.

Brain Workshop™ Neural Rehabilitation Training includes instruction and individual feedback in a set of ten specific exercises that incorporate the essential components of the training described above.

Throughout the workshop references to the relevant scientific literature supporting the theories presented will be discussed.

Times: Morning Session- 9:00am - Noon; Lunch Break; Afternoon Session 1:30 - 4:30pm

Tuition: $125.00 full-day of lecture and training plus registration and payment of tuition includes the DVD "Training Your Mind & Movement to Change your Brain." Registrants are expected to view this 60 minute video in preparation for the course. Under certain circumstances registration for half-day may be possible. Patient + Caregiver Package Price- $175.00.

For additional support outside of class two bonus DVDs are provided at a substantial discount off the regular price for only $25 ($55.00 value): Qigong Practice: Blood Circulation and Energy Gathering Qigong and Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong.

Participants receive Certification for Brain Workshop™ Clinic for Neural Rehabilitation and are eligible for CE Hours (7).

Email Susan now to Register or for more information: mail@susanamatthews.com (I will email you an invoice to pay through Pay Pal)

Brain Workshop™ ─ More Program Details

Brain Workshop™

1 Blood Circulation and Relaxation for Nervous System and Cardiovascular Health (more)

2 Balance and Posture (more)

3 Biomechanics (more)

4 Bone and Joint

5 Senior Health and Longevity

6 Advanced Meditation and Mind Training Techniques

7 Advanced Taiji Principles
8 Women’s Health and Empowerment