Brain Buttons

Presentation

Brain Buttons are one of the fundamental energizing exercises in the Brain Gym program, developed by Paul Dennison, Ph.D. This simple yet powerful exercise involves firmly massaging the soft tissue located beneath the collarbones (in the infraclavicular hollows, on either side of the sternum) with the thumb and index finger of one hand, while the other hand rests flat on the navel. The massage continues for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then hands are switched.

The stimulated points correspond to the K-27 acupressure points (Kidney 27, or "Shu Fu" in Traditional Chinese Medicine), the terminal points of the Kidney meridian, located in the depressions below the medial ends of the clavicles. In Western physiology, these areas are richly vascularized and innervated, near the carotid and subclavian arteries that supply the brain.

Brain Buttons hold a central place in the PACE protocol (Positive, Active, Clear, Energetic), the Brain Gym warm-up sequence. They correspond to the "C" (Clear) step, aimed at clarifying the mind and preparing the brain to receive new information. This protocol is systematically used at the beginning of educational kinesiology sessions, before each learning session in class, or as a morning ritual.

Creator: Paul Dennison, Ph.D. (1941–), founder of Educational Kinesiology

Fundamental Principles

Brain Buttons rest on the principle of reflex stimulation of cerebral blood flow. The infraclavicular areas contain a network of sensory receptors connected to the autonomic nervous system. Firm manual stimulation triggers a vasomotor reflex that increases blood flow in the carotid arteries, improving oxygen and glucose supply to the brain.

The second principle is meridian energy connection. In TCM, K-27 points are the terminal points of the Kidney meridian, linked to vital energy (Jing), willpower (Zhi) and bone strength. Stimulation traditionally "awakens" the body's energy.

The third principle concerns bilateral integration through asymmetric posture. Placing one hand under the collarbones and the other on the navel creates a posture that crosses the body's midline, sending proprioceptive signals that help the brain integrate information from both sides.

The fourth principle is activation of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS). This brainstem neuron network regulates alertness and wakefulness. Sensory stimulation of infraclavicular points, combined with navel pressure, sends sensory afferents that stimulate the ARAS, increasing cognitive alertness and availability.

Technical Sheet

Full Name

Brain Buttons

Brain Gym Category

Energy Exercises

Creator

Paul Dennison, Ph.D.

Target Dimension

Focus (front-back) and laterality

Position

Standing or sitting, upright posture

Recommended Duration

30 seconds to 1 minute per side

Stimulated Points

K-27 points (infraclavicular) + umbilical zone

PACE Protocol

Step "C" (Clear)

Massage Intensity

Firm but non-painful pressure, circular movements

Minimum Age

From 3 years (with guidance)

Equipment Required

None

Main Indications

• Decreased alertness, drowsiness and mental fatigue
• Concentration and sustained attention difficulties
• Reading comprehension difficulties (decoding without understanding)
• Brain fog and cognitive confusion
• Exam, presentation or interview preparation
• Transition between activities requiring cognitive "reset"
• Jet lag and circadian rhythm disruption
• Concentration support during prolonged screen work
• Difficult morning awakening and slow cognitive start
• Neurological rehabilitation support (complementary)

Session Procedure

In educational kinesiology sessions, Brain Buttons are typically integrated into the PACE protocol at the start. The practitioner guides the patient through four steps: first drinking water (E — Energetic), then Brain Buttons (C — Clear), followed by Cross Crawl (A — Active), and finally Cook's Hookups (P — Positive).

For Brain Buttons specifically, the practitioner begins by locating the points: the patient places thumb and index finger of one hand in the hollows below the collarbones, about 2-3 cm below the clavicle and 2-3 cm on either side of the sternum. These areas are often slightly tender to pressure, confirming correct location.

The other hand is placed flat on the navel. The patient then massages the infraclavicular points with firm circular movements for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply. After 30 seconds, hands are switched for balanced bilateral stimulation.

The practitioner observes activation signs: brightening gaze, spontaneous posture straightening, yawning (autonomic nervous system readjustment), increased verbal reactivity. A kinesiological muscle test can objectify the neuromuscular response improvement before and after.

For self-practice, Brain Buttons are recommended every morning upon waking, before starting work or studies, and whenever alertness drops. Total duration: 1 to 2 minutes.

Variations and Sub-techniques

• Classic Brain Buttons: infraclavicular massage + hand on navel, standard form
• Earth Buttons: two fingers below the lower lip (on chin) and other hand on upper edge of pubic bone — grounding, center of gravity connection
• Space Buttons: two fingers above upper lip and other hand on tailbone — spatial orientation and verticality
• Balance Buttons: pressure behind the ear (mastoid) and hand on navel — balance and vestibular integration
• Energy Yawn: opening mouth wide while massaging temporomandibular joints — jaw tension release and cerebral circulation stimulation
• Thinking Cap: unrolling ears from top to lobe with gentle massage — activation of over 400 auricular acupressure points

Contraindications

• Recent clavicle or sternum fracture
• Recent thoracic or cardiac surgery (pacemaker, sternotomy)
• Upper limb lymphedema (post-lymph node dissection)
• Local skin inflammation or infection in the infraclavicular area
• Central catheter or implanted port (port-a-cath) in the area
• Active umbilical hernia (adapt hand position on abdomen)