Open Pathways
Transforming Lives Since 2006!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brain Integration?
Integration is the act of combining or adding parts to create a unified whole. The brain is a complex organ with two hemispheres, multiple lobes, and billions of nerve cell networks that work together to coordinate most everything that happens in our bodies, what we think, how we perform, feel, behave, etc. When all of these systems are working efficiently, we can say there is Brain Integration. But when one or more areas breakdown, as a result of stress and/or physical injury, there is dis-integration.
The symptoms of brain dis-integration vary greatly depending on the cause and the nature of the brain's response to the stress. Crossinology Brain Integration Technique (BIT) addresses symptoms related to specific learning difficulties. What is Crossinology Brain Integration Technique?
BIT is a revolutionary stress management technique, originally created by Dr. Charles Krebs and Susan McCrossin as LEAP (Learning Enhancement Acupressure Program) in the mid-80's. Susan came to the United States in 1995 and established a very successful practice in Boulder, CO using what is now called Crossinology Brain Integration Technique. She subsequently developed a certification program and now has practitioners in 89 locations, with a goal of having at least one practitioner in every region of the United States. BIT permanently improves the flow of information in the brain. It is absolutely non-invasive, using no medications, and is therefore safe and an excellent first choice for treatment of learning and stress disorders for people of all ages.
Stress takes its toll on our bodies and brains and too much stress leads to activation of our "fight or flight" response. This causes rerouting of the brain's blood supply resulting in shut down of critical brain areas. Synchronization is lost and we are unable to think clearly. When this "stressed" state is sustained over time, the brain remains out of sync until it is "relieved." Acupressure and principles of Applied Physiology relieve stress and restore synchronization of brain function, therefore improving learning difficulties that have their origin in stress. For more information about how this works, see our one page summary. | 
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Who will benefit from BIT?
Many adults and children have benefited from BIT. Anyone with learning difficulties such as AD(H)D, sensory processing disorder, dyslexia, reading fluency or comprehension deficits, difficulty with math or spelling, visual or auditory processing problems, poor coordination, work performance challenges, history of closed head trauma or brain injuries, autism, anxiety, or stress related symptoms can benefit from Brain Integration.
BIT is helpful for people of any age, infants, children, teens, and adults! Our youngest client was 6 weeks old and our oldest to date 84 years old! When integrating young children, sometimes we cannot assess certain functions because the child has not yet reached that developmental milestone. In this case, we complete the integration and might recommend bringing the child back in a couple of years to integrate the remaining areas. By the time a child is 5 years old they can typically participate in the full Brain Integration treatment.
BIT is helpful for people of any age, infants, children, teens, and adults! Our youngest client was 6 weeks old and our oldest to date 84 years old! When integrating young children, sometimes we cannot assess certain functions because the child has not yet reached that developmental milestone. In this case, we complete the integration and might recommend bringing the child back in a couple of years to integrate the remaining areas. By the time a child is 5 years old they can typically participate in the full Brain Integration treatment.
What benefits can I expect to see?
This is the most fun part of providing BIT to clients and families! BIT consistently enhances learning abilities for the people we treat. Our clients routinely experience improvement in their reading ability, comprehension, math aptitude, spelling, memory, balance and coordination. They also have better modulation of their behavior and emotional responses, all of which leads to improved self-esteem and greater ease in life. This is why we often do Brain Integration for more than one family member. When even just one person in a family receives BIT, there is a positive outcome for the entire family unit as the stress on everyone is diminished!
According to Susan McCrossin, "if there is organic brain damage, there is still improvement but it will be limited depending on the location of the damage. However, even those that were suspected to have damage (i.e. Autistic tendencies), if treated early enough (pre-puberty), often improve significantly enough that the suspected damage is no longer evident."
Also, it is important to note that while BIT enables the brain to function more efficiently, studying and perseverance are required to excel in school, work, and life. It will require some effort to learn things that you were not able to learn before, such as math facts and spelling. You may want to consider tutoring if the student is far enough behind in math or other subjects.
Your assessment appointment will include a close look at the nature of your challenges and expectations from treatment.
According to Susan McCrossin, "if there is organic brain damage, there is still improvement but it will be limited depending on the location of the damage. However, even those that were suspected to have damage (i.e. Autistic tendencies), if treated early enough (pre-puberty), often improve significantly enough that the suspected damage is no longer evident."
Also, it is important to note that while BIT enables the brain to function more efficiently, studying and perseverance are required to excel in school, work, and life. It will require some effort to learn things that you were not able to learn before, such as math facts and spelling. You may want to consider tutoring if the student is far enough behind in math or other subjects.
Your assessment appointment will include a close look at the nature of your challenges and expectations from treatment.
What happens during my assessment appointment?
Before arriving to your appointment you are asked to complete forms which include a history and symptoms for which you are seeking improvement. These forms will be reviewed and discussed with you during your appointment. During this session, we assess the electro-magnetic activity in the brain using muscle monitoring and acupressure. This technique reveals the specific brain areas that need the most attention. Depending on your needs, performance testing is done to establish your baseline. These are not standardized tests, but are important as they will be repeated once the BIT program is completed to measure your improvement! Once the assessment is complete, Nancy will be able to estimate the length of time needed for your BIT treatment.
What happens during BIT treatment?
Crossinology BIT is a protocol based treatment, correcting the specific brain areas that showed in the assessment. The treatment is relaxing and involves a light touch on specific acupressure points on the body and head, while you rest on a massage table. If you haven't watched the video yet, you can see it here.The treatment can be adapted for even the most hyperactive children with some creativity!
Will medications interfere with treatment?
It is not necessary to stop medications during BIT treatment, as they do not compromise the treatment, nor does the treatment compromise the medication. Often, medications are not needed after treatment, however, we do not make any recommendations regarding prescriptions. Please consult your doctor or psychiatrist with any medication concerns.
How quickly will I see results?
While this is of course a fair question, there is no one-fits-all answer! Everyone is different and while some people notice immediate results, others do not notice changes until much later in the process, even up to a few months. Often changes are noticed by people living or interacting with the client first. Most people do exhibit some tangible changes within the first 3-6 hours of treatment, but it is important to keep in mind that external variables like stressful family and school dynamics can affect when and how the integration takes hold.
What other factors need to be considered?
Besides family and school dynamics, there are other factors that can affect Brain Integration. Nutrition is important to consider since food sensitivities, allergies, or too much sugar or processed foods can contribute to compromised brain function, hyperactivity, or fatigue. Also, proper hydration is important for the brain and body to function optimally.
How long does BIT take and do I have to do it all at once?
Our experience is that BIT takes between 10 and 15 hours, on average, depending on the individual. It can take less for very mild cases, or longer for more severe learning or emotional issues. Treatment can be done all at once (over two or three days), or spread out over a longer period of time. For small children who have trouble being still, we recommend scheduling half-hour appointments and/or taking breaks in between.
How much does it cost?
Open Pathways is dedicated to providing affordable treatment for individuals and families. Our current fees are as follows:
30 min. sessions $50.00
60 min. sessions $99.00
purchase 5 sessions for $449.00
purchase 10 sessions for $799.00
A monthly payment plan option is also available.
30 min. sessions $50.00
60 min. sessions $99.00
purchase 5 sessions for $449.00
purchase 10 sessions for $799.00
A monthly payment plan option is also available.
Open Pathways to Learning, LLC 383 W. Drake Rd., Suite 201, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526 (970) 416-6330
