The “hand model of the brain,” (video) created by Dr. Dan Siegel, is a simple and visual way to understand basic brain functions. It’s especially useful from an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective. Here’s why
Easy to Understand
The hand model makes it easy to understand how the brain works. Using your hand, you can see and remember the different parts of the brain and their functions.
Seeing the hand model helps you quickly grasp basic concepts of neurobiology.
Key Brain Parts
Wrist/Palm: Represents the brainstem, controlling basic functions like breathing and heartbeat.
Thumb: Represents the limbic system, involved in emotions and memory.
Fingers Folded Over Thumb: Represents the cerebral cortex, especially the prefrontal cortex, involved in thinking and self-control.
Connects Brain to Behavior
The model shows how different brain parts affect our behavior. When calm, the “fingers” (prefrontal cortex) cover the “thumb” (limbic system), allowing clear thinking. When stressed, we “flip our lid” (lift the fingers), and emotions take over.
Integration and Regulation
It shows how different brain parts need to work together for us to function well. IPNB emphasizes this integration for overall well-being.
Understanding the hand model helps us learn to regulate our emotions better.
Practical and Memorable
The hand model is a practical tool you can use to understand and manage your responses in real-life situations.
Using your own hand makes the model relatable and easy to remember.
Foundation for Further Learning
The hand model provides a solid foundation for learning more about the brain and IPNB concepts.
Encourages Self-Awareness
It promotes mindfulness and self-awareness by helping us understand what’s happening in our brains.
The “hand model of the brain” is a great starting point for learning about neurobiology because it is simple, visual, and easy to remember. It helps explain key brain areas and their functions, connects brain activity to behavior, and emphasizes the importance of brain integration and emotion regulation. This foundation is especially useful for understanding how our brain and relationships shape our well-being from an IPNB perspective.
This post includes content generated by ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. The AI-generated content has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and relevance.
