We’ve learned a few different ways to reset things: sight, sound, touch. Today is an extension of the touch theory – ear massage. I’ll be honest, I tried it and then just sat quietly. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I had wrap around earbuds, or because it was about 3:30 in the morning when I did this, but it wasn’t quite what I needed today. And that’s ok.
Andrew Johnson says that our ears provide direct pathways to our nervous system and that gentle touch can be a great way to send calming signals to the brain. We don’t want to stimulate anything, we want to create a feeling of safety. He tells us that everything in the exercise is completely up to us whether or not we want to participate.
First, Andrew leads us through a couple of breaths, reminding us that this is our time to simply be. There’s nothing else to do. Nothing to fix. Next, we place our hands on our chests and take a moment to notice the sensation. No judgment. Then he asks us to bring one hand up to an ear and just hold it. Notice how it feels. We switch sides and do the same thing. Finally, with one ear first then the other, he asks us to follow the outside edge of the ear, up then down. After the exercise, Andrew asks us to notice how we feel, or if we notice any kind of shift.
That’s it. That’s the technique. Again, it wasn’t really for me but I could imagine myself doing something similar with, say, rubbing my fingers together, or maybe tracing the edges of my face or temples. We’ll see.
What did you think? Is it something you’d use to calm your nervous system? How did you feel afterward? Whatever you feel is valid – just remember that this is exploration of different ways of calming the nervous system and we need to do what works for us.
I hope you’re enjoying the challenge and that you have a great day!
#nervoussystemresetchallenge
The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
Wholeness Health and YOU! 
I learned that my ears are not identical. But I’m good with it. Because I’m karen and that’s it.
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