The rhythmic movements of rocking are calming, make you happy, and stimulate the balance center in the ear. In this article, you will find out why this is so important and why it strengthens your body and mind.
The history of the swing takes us back to the deities Isis and Osiris, who enriched Greek mythology. In the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, the Indian deity Nāga Irandati was depicted on a swing, and in the 17th century, the French nobility enjoyed swinging. These are just a few examples to make it clear that this swinging, rhythmic movement has a long tradition. It brings back happy childhood memories and feelings of freedom, weightlessness, and flying.
However, it doesn't necessarily have to be an Estonian swing or a traditional children's swing that swings you into the high air. A comfortable porch swing, the gentle movement of a cradle, and regular rocking on the rocking chair also have numerous health benefits. The rhythmic movements are calming, make you happy, and stimulate the balance center in the ear. In this article, you will find out why this is so important and why it strengthens your body and mind.
The vestibular system, our center of balance
In order to better understand how the gentle rocking movement stimulates our balance center in the ear, we will briefly and succinctly explain the most important thing about the structure of our balance organ (vestibular apparatus): It consists of three semicircular canals that are filled with fluid and extend into a bulge (ampoule). mouth. Diagonally beneath the semicircular canals are two atrial sacs, which, like the ampullae, are equipped with fine sensory hairs.
For example, when you turn your head, the fluid in the semicircular canals presses on the sensory hairs, causing them to bend. They now send a nerve signal to your brain, which processes this information. As soon as you stop the rotation, the liquid bends the sensory hairs in the other direction. The corresponding nerve signals to your brain enable you to react reflexively, for example with rapid eye movements, in order to perceive your surroundings clearly despite the movement.
The balance organ reacts sensitively to rotational accelerations. The information is processed in the brain and then passed on to other organs so that they can react accordingly. This allows us to maintain our balance and orient ourselves in space.
Rocking stimulates the balance center in the brain
When rocking, the gentle movement stimulates the balance center in the ear , which has a very pleasant effect on the entire body. The body weight is regularly shifted slightly while various muscles are activated. Rocking stabilizes muscle tone, promotes blood circulation, and has a positive effect on various cognitive functions.
Rocking against dementia, anxiety, and depression
A study by the Institute for Healthcare Innovations and Applied Nursing Research (IGAP) examined the effectiveness of rocking movements in dementia patients. This research shows that longer periods of rocking can reduce the depression, pain, and anxiety that many people with dementia suffer from.
Those study participants who enjoyed swinging and made a special effort were able to achieve more positive effects and, in particular, improve their balance, mobility, and independence. Both their physical and cognitive condition were rated better.
American researcher and nurse Nancy Watson mentions that the gentle, repeated movements of rocking not only soothe babies but also help older people in emotional distress: “The nursing assistants immediately noticed the most dramatic effect: the chair served to calm an emotionally disturbed person. The attendants helped the resident into the chair and rocked him, and the patient immediately calmed down.”
The rocking chair was probably invented around 1620 by the Shakers, followers of a Protestant free church, in the USA. We still benefit from this pleasant experience today.
Supplement to therapy programs
Rocking movements are used, among other things, as part of basal stimulation , which treats people with impaired perception. They are also a helpful addition to other therapies in long-term care. Among other things, the following advantages should be highlighted:
- Improve coordination and balance and therefore reduce the risk of falls
- Better blood circulation and less muscle pain
- Maintaining physical activity and improving physical performance
- Support for anxiety and depression
- Improving general well-being
- Relaxation of the central nervous system and better sleep quality
- Improvement of the sense of movement and spatial orientation
- Gentle relief from pain
Hollywood swings were known in Germany from the 1930s. They became particularly popular in the 1950s through various Hollywood films. There are also indoor porch swings that benefit the entire family all year round.
Conclusion
The rocking movement activates the body and mind and has many other benefits that you can benefit from at home at any age. Make yourself comfortable in your rocking chair and relax. Listen to your favorite music or immerse yourself in good reading. The rhythmic and activating movements for two on your porch swing are particularly entertaining. While you chat and enjoy time together, swinging keeps you physically and mentally fit.
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