Functional Neurology

Brain Exercises

Targeted movements that reconnect cerebellar pathways. Not generic brain games — specific exercises matched to your brain map.

If you only do one thing from this page:

Figure-of-eight for 2 minutes

Draw infinity symbols (∞) in the air with your affected side. 10 reps × 3 sets. Measurable brain changes documented within 5 days of targeted training. Clinical demo: 2 minutes → instant improvement in coordination tests.

Too foggy to read this page? Start here:

  • Complete the brain self-tests first to identify your affected side
  • Start with figure-of-eight at Level 1 (shoulder). Progress only when it feels easy.
  • If exercises cause symptoms: stop. Your brain needs fuel first.
Neuroplasticity Timeline Your brain changes measurably within days DAY 0 Start 5 DAY 5 First measurable changes 15 DAY 15 Consolidation begins 90 DAY 90 Significant recovery Ongoing... KEY INSIGHT Tests improve BEFORE you feel different. Trust the process even when you don't feel changes yet. Pascual-Leone et al., 2005: Measurable cortical changes within 5 days of targeted training WhatIsBrainFog.com

Stop Signs — Do NOT Push Through

These are not signs you're "working hard." These are signs your brain is overloaded:

× Dry or watery eyes
× Dizziness
× Agitation or anxiety
× Fatigue that wasn't there before
× Headache or heaviness in head
× Nausea
× Symptoms worsening instead of improving

If any of these occur: STOP the exercise. Drop to a gentler level, reduce reps, or address brain fuel first.

Figure-of-Eight Progression Master each level before progressing. Slow and deliberate. LEVEL 1 Shoulder Whole arm draws infinity symbol LEVEL 2 Elbow Forearm only, elbow locked 90° LEVEL 3 Wrist Hand/wrist only, arm stays still LEVEL 4 Foot Lying down, foot traces in air LEVEL 5 Same Side Hand + same-side foot together ∞∞ LEVEL 6 Opposite Hand + opposite foot (hardest) ∞∞ DOSING 10 × 3 sets 2-3 min rest SIDE Highest cerebellum score STOP IF Dizziness, headache, nausea Retest RAM after each session Coordination improves = exercise working Pascual-Leone et al., 2005: Brain changes measurable within 5 days EASIER → → → → HARDER WhatIsBrainFog.com

The Exercises

CEREBELLUM

Figure-of-Eight

PROTOCOL

Draw the infinity symbol (∞) in the air. SLOW. 10 reps × 3 sets. 2-3 minutes rest between sets.

6 Progression Levels

Level 1: Shoulder

Whole arm draws infinity symbol. Biggest, easiest movement.

Level 2: Elbow

Forearm only, elbow locked at 90°. Smaller, more precise.

Level 3: Wrist

Hand/wrist only, arm completely still. Fine motor control.

Level 4: Foot

Lying down, one foot traces infinity in air.

Level 5: Same Side

Hand + same-side foot together. Both draw infinity.

Level 6: Opposite

Hand + opposite foot. Hardest — cross-body coordination.

Side Selection

Exercise the side with the HIGHEST cerebellum score from your brain map. More ticks = more disconnection = more need for stimulation.

Verification: Retest your RAM score immediately after each session. If coordination improves → exercise is working. If no change or worsening → adjust dose or fix fuel first.

Pascual-Leone A et al., Annu Rev Neurosci, 2005 — Measurable brain changes within 5 days of targeted training.

BRAIN STEM + CEREBELLUM

VOR Training (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex)

PROTOCOL

Hold thumb at eye level. Lock eyes on thumb — do NOT let go. Turn head slowly toward affected cerebellum side ONLY. Return to center.

Technique

  • Eyes stay locked on thumb — never break focus
  • Head turns slowly toward the AFFECTED side only
  • Return to center, pause, repeat
  • Work at the angle where it feels hardest — that's where reconnection is needed

You make 40,000-50,000 eye movements daily. When your brain stem can't coordinate them, your head compensates. That compensation costs energy — and the energy bill shows up as 4pm brain fog.

Hall CD et al., J Neurol Phys Ther, 2004 — VOR rehabilitation evidence.

SENSORY ACTIVATION

Vibration Therapy

PROTOCOL

Apply vibration device to sensory zones. Start with gentlest zones (feet, hands). Progress to stronger zones (chest, face) only when tolerated.

Sensory Zones (Gentlest → Strongest)

ZONE 4 Feet Gentlest • Minutes Start here for beginners
ZONE 3 Hands Moderate • 1-2 minutes Good second step
ZONE 2 Chest/Pecs Strong • 30-60 seconds Use with caution
ZONE 1 Face Strongest • 30 seconds max Only for advanced

Side Selection

Apply to the AFFECTED cerebellum side, identified from your brain map.

Regterschot GRH et al., Front Aging Neurosci, 2014

Vibration Therapy Zones Closer to head = stronger brain stimulation GENTLE → → → → STRONG ZONE 4: FEET Gentlest Stimulation Start here for beginners • Duration: minutes Proprioception activation 👣 ZONE 3: HANDS Moderate Stimulation Good second step • Duration: 1-2 minutes Fine motor pathways ZONE 2: CHEST Strong Stimulation Use with caution • Duration: 30-60 seconds Vagal activation ZONE 1: FACE Strongest Stimulation Advanced users only • Duration: 30 seconds max Direct cerebellar input PROGRESSION Start feet 5-15 days One zone at a time STOP IF Dizziness, watery eyes → drop to gentler zone NOT massage guns — too aggressive WhatIsBrainFog.com

Neuro-Stacking (Advanced)

Combining multiple exercises simultaneously for amplified neuroplasticity. Only after 5-15 days of single-exercise tolerance.

EXAMPLES

  • • Figure-of-eight + vibration on same side
  • • VOR training + vibration
  • • Photobiomodulation during exercises

Start at 50% of individual exercise dose. Monitor stop signs more carefully.

Katrina case: tried teeth brushing + figure-of-eight + calf raises simultaneously → brain overload, heaviness. Menopause and seniors especially vulnerable.

"Think of your brain like a building. Concussion, inflammation, and chronic illness loosen the foundation. When the foundation is unstable, the upper floors — thinking, memory, emotions — all wobble."

Your cerebellum is that foundation. It contains 80% of all brain neurons. It coordinates not just movement but cognition, emotions, and autonomic function. These exercises target it directly. Not generic "brain training." Specific rehabilitation for your specific disconnection.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.