The Power of Bilateral Movement and Walking for Improved Health

Jo Moore
Apr 20
5 min read

In our fast-paced world, many people overlook one of the simplest, most effective ways to enhance their physical and mental well-being - bilateral movement, especially walking. Bilateral movement refers to coordinated use of both sides of the body, which strengthens neural connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Activities such as walking, running, swimming, dancing, and certain physical therapies help balance brain function, improve cognition, and enhance emotional resilience.

This article delves into the benefits of bilateral movement, the science behind left-right hemisphere integration, and how to incorporate these principles into daily life for improved overall health.

What Is Bilateral Movement?

Bilateral movement refers to any activity that requires both sides of the body to work together in a coordinated manner. Walking is the most common and natural example of bilateral movement, as it involves alternating arm and leg movements on both sides of the body. Other examples include swimming, cycling, dancing, yoga, and certain physical therapy exercises designed to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain.

From a neurological perspective, bilateral movement activates and strengthens the corpus callosum - the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This connectivity is essential for cognitive processing, emotional regulation, motor coordination, and overall brain efficiency.

The Brain and Bilateral Movement: The Left and Right Hemispheres

The brain is divided into two hemispheres, each responsible for different cognitive and motor functions:

Left Hemisphere: Associated with logical thinking, language processing, sequencing, and analytical tasks.

Right Hemisphere: Governs creativity, spatial awareness, emotions, and holistic thinking.

For optimal brain function, communication between these two hemispheres is essential. When both hemispheres work in harmony, people experience improved problem-solving, better emotional balance, and enhanced coordination.

Bilateral movement plays a crucial role in integrating both hemispheres. For instance, rhythmic walking, where the left leg and right arm move together and vice versa, stimulates cross-hemispheric communication. This synchronization strengthens neural pathways, making cognitive processes smoother and more efficient.

"Bilateral stimulation enhances communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed and integrated." – Francine Shapiro (Founder of EMDR)

Benefits of Bilateral Movement for the Brain and Body

1. Enhances Cognitive Function

Engaging in bilateral movement improves memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities. Research suggests that physical activities involving both sides of the body, such as walking or dancing, can enhance neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. This is particularly beneficial for learning and preventing cognitive decline as we age.

2. Improves Emotional Regulation

Bilateral movement is widely used in therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help individuals process traumatic memories. The rhythmic activation of both hemispheres through movement can reduce anxiety, enhance emotional stability, and improve mood.

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Walking, especially in nature, lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increases the release of endorphins, which promote relaxation and well-being. Activities that integrate both sides of the body, such as tai chi and yoga, have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

4. Boosts Coordination and Motor Skills

Bilateral movement strengthens the neural circuits responsible for motor control, improving balance and coordination. This is particularly important for children developing motor skills and older adults seeking to maintain mobility and prevent falls.

5. Supports Neurological and Rehabilitation Therapies

Bilateral movement therapy is widely used for individuals recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Rehabilitation exercises that engage both hemispheres can help restore motor function and improve brain plasticity.

6. Enhances Creativity and Problem-Solving

Since the left brain governs logic and the right brain governs creativity, balanced hemispheric activity allows for more innovative thinking. Many people find that they generate their best ideas while walking, as the bilateral movement activates both sides of the brain.

7. Aids in Trauma Recovery and Mental Clarity

Techniques such as EMDR use bilateral stimulation (such as alternating eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues) to help individuals reprocess traumatic experiences. Similarly, walking meditation and other bilateral exercises can facilitate mental clarity and emotional healing.

"Movement helps us metabolize emotions that words cannot express." – Unknown

Bilateral Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Healing

Bilateral therapy is a structured approach that uses movement or stimulation to synchronize brain function. Some popular methods include:

1. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a psychotherapy technique used to treat PTSD, anxiety, and emotional trauma. It involves guided eye movements that mimic the bilateral stimulation of REM sleep, helping individuals reprocess traumatic memories in a less distressing way.

2. Bilateral Sound Therapy

Listening to alternating sounds in each ear can activate both hemispheres of the brain, improving focus, relaxation, and cognitive function. This technique is often used in neurotherapy and stress reduction programs.

3. Bilateral Tactile Stimulation

Light tapping or alternating vibrations on either side of the body (such as placing a vibrating device in each hand) can improve focus, memory, and emotional processing.

4. Dance and Rhythmic Movement Therapy

Dancing requires coordinated movements across both sides of the body, making it an excellent tool for neurological integration, emotional expression, and physical fitness. In fact, most somatic exercises will have such a desired effect.

"If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk." – Hippocrates

How to Incorporate Bilateral Movement and Walking into Daily Life

1. Walk Regularly (Especially Outdoors)

Walking is the easiest and most accessible form of bilateral movement. Try to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, preferably in a natural environment, to gain additional mental health benefits.

2. Practice Mindful Walking

Engage your senses while walking - focus on your breath, the rhythm of your steps, and the movement of your arms. Walking mindfully strengthens neural pathways and promotes relaxation.

3. Use Bilateral Exercises for Brain Activation

Incorporate simple exercises like:

- Cross-body marches (raising opposite arm and knee)

- Alternating tapping on knees or shoulders

- Figure-eight hand movements to improve coordination

4. Try Bilateral Music or Binaural Beats

Listening to alternating sound patterns through headphones can enhance focus, creativity, and relaxation.

5. Engage in Activities That Cross the Midline

Activities that require crossing the body’s midline, such as yoga poses, juggling, or certain sports, reinforce left-right brain communication.

6. Dance or Engage in Rhythmic Movement

Dancing to rhythmic music engages both hemispheres of the brain, improves mood, and enhances coordination.

7. Experiment with Bilateral Tactile Stimulation

Try tapping or using sensory tools that provide alternating stimulation to both sides of the body to boost cognitive processing and relaxation.

Final Thoughts

Bilateral movement is a simple yet powerful way to enhance brain function, emotional well-being, and physical health. By incorporating walking and other bilateral activities into your daily routine, you can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, boost coordination, and promote overall brain balance.

Whether you are looking to sharpen your mind, recover from emotional trauma, or simply feel more energized, bilateral movement provides a natural and effective way to achieve a healthier, more balanced life.

Further Research

1. Books on Bilateral Therapy & EMDR

"Getting Past Your Past" by Francine Shapiro (Founder of EMDR)
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
"Tapping In: A Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Your Healing Resources Through Bilateral Stimulation" by Laurel Parnell