Knittng is more than just an ancient pastime.
It is more than just an enjoyable hobby.

Knitting is a 'super-craft' which produces an incredible array of
physical, spiritual, cognitive and emotional benefits.

Knitting is an amazingly creative act
not only because of all the beautiful creations you can produce,
not only because it connects you deeply to your own creative energy,
but because of the phenomenal changes it creates in you!

Did you know that knitting actually changes your brainwave patterns
producing, in many, a higher Alpha-wave output than yoga or meditation?

Research shows that knitting has incredible therapeutic benefits
and that's why we, at Brainwaves, are proud to introduce our new division
KNIT MAGIC
devoted entirely to Creative Healing.

CREATIVE HEALING
works by building upon the zen-like calm
produced by the creative process of knitting in order to help the body heal.

WHO CAN IT HELP?

At Brainwaves, we believe that knitting will improve everyone's overall health and spiritual well-being.  We believe that the key to a thriving, happy existence is connecting with the creative energy we all posess. For this reason,
we have made it our mission to teach the world to knit!

HERE'S THE REALLY EXCITING PART!

In addition to helping the average person, knitting has been proven to help those coping with a vast number of health-related issues:

1) CHRONIC PAIN: When the calm state produced by a high Alpha-wave output is combined with the intense focus required to read knitting patterns, the result is that pain signals are diverted from the brain.

2) ADD & ADHD: Knitting is one of the few activities that activates both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, thereby enhancing one's ability to concentrate and retain information.  Typically, those suffering from attention deficit issues are said to be "right-brained learners" which can often create difficulties in a tradtional left-brained teaching system.  Knitting's simultaneous activation of both hemispheres facilitates the development of left-brained learning skills.

3) CANCER RECOVERY: The physical toll that cancer treatments take often render patients unable to do much more than lie in bed and contemplate their situation. The link between cancer and stress is now well documented and the link between one's recovery and one's mental attitude is key.  Knitting is a perfect pastime for the bedridden and can be a wonderful activity for the whole family to take part in, alongside their convalescing loved one.

4) POST-TRAUMATIC & GRIEF-RELATED STRESS: The psychiatric community agrees that those suffering from post-traumatic and grief-related stress are often greatly helped by being able to talk about their experiences. For many, the key to opening up is being calm enough to do so but, so often, dredging up traumatic experiences creates just the opposite reaction.  Once again, knitting's calming brainwave pattern produces an immediate state of physical and mental calm, allowing individuals to be relaxed enough to share their feelings.
For more information on our courses for the bereaved,
please see Special Interest Programs at the bottom of the CLASSES page


5) COGNITIVE & MOTOR SKILLS IMPAIRMENT: Those recovering from traumatic brain injuries are faced with the daunting task of attempting to re-generate brain function in any number of areas. Knitting can be extremely effective for individuals who are re-learning motor skills. The simultaneous stimulation of both hemispheres can also prove effective when re-learning cognitive brain skills.

These are just a few of the conditions that can be helped through knitting therapy.
The list is endless and new research studies are being conducted all the time.

One of the forerunners in the field of KNITTING THERAPY is the amazing Betsan Corkhill.
She and her team in the UK are overseeing groundbreaking new research and her website
is helping knitters all over the world connect, share and start getting the help they need.
When Betsan found out about the work Knit Magic is doing in Canada,
she contacted us asking how she might help.  We are overjoyed
to be part of her ever-growing network and urge everyone to check out her website,
particularly the Testimonials page where you will be inspired by the incredible stories
of those whose lives have been given back because of knitting.

CLICK HERE to visit THE STITCHLINKS WEBSITE

 
Individuals recovering from life-altering issues have one thing in common: a desire to feel better so that they can regain some semblance of normalcy.  Many believe that to 'do better' in life, they must first find ways to 'feel better'.  In fact, it is the other way around. When people learn new skills, the brain can then focus on these external tasks rather than pain messages, painful emotions and/or stress.  First we 'do' things that divert our attention from problems while at the same time boosting our self-esteem, and then we 'feel better'.

And you end up with a lovely, one-of-a-kind, handmade garment to wear with pride,
or you can use your new creation to help you feel better in one more important way...
through THE JOY OF GIVING!
Sometimes, the best way to lift our spirits is to get outside of our own issues
for a little while and focus on helping others.

For more on our CHARITY-THEMED COURSES,
and all of our KNIT MAGIC programs,
check out the CLASSES page.