ABCs of Balance: Can't Feel Your Feet?

If you can't feel your feet, you may have a nerve problem.   Because the nerves of the feet go to the brain, you may now have a brain problem.  Everything begins in the brain; and I mean everything; all movement, all feeling, and all thoughts begin in the three-pound organ on top of your head.

The brain is quite fascinating and in it are maps to the entire body.  Messages from the brain are sent to the body parts. The brain has maps so it knows where everything is located.   Maps are like highways; the more a road is travelled, the faster you can go.  No doubt about it, practice makes perfect.

Most of us have had at least one injury.  When an area is injured, we're told not to move it. The longer a body part doesn’t move, the blurrier the map of that body part becomes. Blurry maps make the brain feel unsafe.  When the brain doesn't feel safe, movement suffers.

Your feet are critical to good balance. The brain needs good mapping of the feet for good movement and balance.   The bad news is we rarely move our toes and feet and hardly ever provide sensory stimulation to them. As a result, the brain's map of the feet is blurry.

I'm certain that there are millions of undiagnosed cases of neuropathy (nerve damage) in feet and legs because people think that burning, tingling and loss of sensation in the feet is a 'normal part of aging'.  FALSE!  Healthy nerves do not tingle. Healthy nerves need activation. You need to rub and move your feet and toes regularly.

Some nerve damage is permanent but the science of neuroplasticity shows that nerves can and will regenerate!  Get hopeful.  Move your feet.  Rub your toes.  Pay attention to how your feet feel.  Book a session with me for some sensory stimulation.

I am an input, interpretation and output specialist.  I train the sensory inputs to the brain to improve the brain's ability to interpret the information and decide what to do.  I also train body movement but if you want to move better, let’s start with the inputs.

It's how the nervous system works.  It's science.  Sensory input training can change your life.

This blog is an excerpt from new book, ABC's of Balance: Aging, Balance and Coordination.  A brain-based approach to the prevention of falls.    I will be ready the first week of June!   $29 paperback, $29 Kindle.

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My Neurologist and Physical Therapist Couldn't Help My Balance

Have you been to your neurologist for nerve pain and he ran every test and still couldn't help you?  Did your neurologist send you to a physical therapist who said, 'there's nothing we can do', leaving you with numb, tingling feet and a fear of falling?   If so, you're not alone.

Educate.  Demonstrate.  Facilitate. 

I just started two Brains and Balance Training classes at Sun River Church and I am blessed to work with some amazing people.  There are people from age 63-87 and every ability level you can imagine.  The two classes are small enough that I can offer (limited) individual attention to those who are struggling or have additional needs.

One lady came up to me after our fourth class (halfway through program) and told me I was an 'absolute lifesaver'.  She proceeded to tell me that she had been to several neurologists and physical therapist for the peripheral neuropathy in her feet and after running every test imaginable, they told her there was nothing they could do for her.

In four sessions, she's learned how to activate the receptors in her feet and is learning when and how to react if she's losing her balance.  She said, "I'm learning so much in this class and it's helping me so much....I can't tell you how happy I am".

That's my goal!  As an independent contractor, I strive to help people improve their balance and brain function. I teach them what's going on with their balance and then give them tools to improve instability and weakness.  It's up to each person to do the drills that work for them: no one's going to do it for you but you!

I'm not saying that my class cures peripheral neuropathy but it can help you live with the condition.  Can damaged nerves be regenerated?  With sufficient sensory stimulation, anything is possible.   Nerves need to move and nerves need stimulation.   Lots of sensory stimulation.

If you have peripheral neuropathy or can't feel your feet as well as you used to, you're a perfect candidate for my 4-week Brains and Balance Training Classes.   Learn how to control your body.  Re-introduce your brain to numb body parts because if you can't feel it, your brain can't move it!

Brains and Balance Class with Coach Kelly.  4-weeks.  8 sessions.  Greatest retirement investment for your money, your body and your brain.