Brainpaths

Sensory Stimulation – Brainpaths

Brainpaths® provide stimulation to the brain by stimulating the thousands of nerve receptors in each of our fingers.

Brainpaths ® is a unique concept. It is based on the fact that each of our fingertips contain more than 3000 nerve receptors that connect directly to our brains. As the grooves in the discs are traced repeatedly with the fingers, those receptors send messages to the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe of the brain. The somatosensory cortex processes signals coming in from all parts of the body to create “touch” perceptions. The image at the right is an actual fMRI image that was taken while the brain’s owner was enjoying the benefits of her Brainpaths device. The red and yellow in the image indicate brain activity. As the video (below) indicates, the brain activity is in the region of the somatosensory and motor cortices. This is just the area we would expect to show activity as the result of tactile stimulation.

Sensory Stimulation is Brain Stimulation!

Sensory stimulation like that provided by this device is known to moderate mood; to decrease agitation and anxiety, and to contribute to a sense of well being. At least one published study reported increased communication and social engagement in those with dementia who participated in the study. Appropriate sensory stimulation can even enhance memory and cognition. Some researcher suggests that stimulating the senses can even decrease the need for drugs to control certain behaviors.