How do brain hemispheres function in men and women?
The human brain consists of two hemispheres with distinct functions that complement each other. The right hemisphere is responsible for intuition, emotional empathy, and holistic perception of the world, while the left hemisphere processes information linearly, analytically, and logically. Traditionally, it is believed that women are more right-brain dominant, while men tend to rely more on the left hemisphere.
However, this pattern is not fixed, as brain function is heavily shaped by the environment. External factors such as upbringing, social pressures, stress, lifestyle, and interpersonal relationships can shift the natural balance between hemispheres. If environmental influence is strong enough, it can override the body’s structure and alter the nervous system’s functionality. This means a man might start relying primarily on the right hemisphere and develop more feminine behaviors, while a woman might be forced into left-brain dominance, resulting in more masculine behavior. In today’s world, such imbalances between hemispheric function and the body are increasingly common. The AEQ Method® offers a gradual way to restore the connection between perception, movement, and understanding of one’s behavior.
The link between physical structure, hormonal influence, and neurological function
The physical structure of men and women affects how their brains are organized and how they function. The male body, with more muscle mass, higher testosterone levels, and different neural connectivity, naturally supports fast analytical problem-solving and direct action, primarily activating the left hemisphere. Women have stronger integration between the body and the right hemisphere, along with greater sensitivity to emotional and sensory stimuli, which reinforces right-brain activity.
Hormones play a key role in this dynamic. Oxytocin and estrogen in women promote emotional bonding and intuition, further activating the right hemisphere. In men, testosterone enhances goal focus, competitiveness, and rational problem-solving, strengthening the left hemisphere. But if environmental pressures force a person to function in a way that’s misaligned with their body’s structure, the brain reorganizes and begins to operate contrary to biological tendencies. This can result in short-term adaptation or chronic changes in hemispheric function, affecting one’s behavior, feelings, and identity.
In the Novak family, where a family business is passed down through generations, tradition dictates that the son takes over the trade. But when the family has three daughters, the parents face the challenge of continuing the legacy. They notice that their eldest daughter, Tanja, might take on the role typically meant for a son. Unaware of the process that leads a child to assume a role that restores family balance—even at the cost of her spontaneity and authenticity—the parents unknowingly steer her development. Alice Miller and more recently Dr. Gabor Maté have written extensively on such dynamics.
From early childhood, Tanja is exposed to different expectations than her sisters. While her sisters are encouraged to express emotions, creativity, and nurture relationships, Tanja is pushed toward discipline, analytical thinking, and competitiveness. The parents notice that she is stronger, more decisive, and more rational than her sisters—a perfect fit for the role. These traits are linked to left-brain dominance.
Over time, Tanja’s neuromuscular system adapts to this reality. Her environment rewards her masculine behavior and role, while emotional and feminine expressions are met with doubt or discomfort—even if her parents weren’t consciously aware of this at the time. Later, when discussing this with her parents, she learned they truly did respond that way. Although her physical structure reflects her female biology—with higher estrogen levels, softer muscle tone, and increased emotional sensitivity—her brain reorganizes under pressure from her environment. Her naturally dominant right hemisphere recedes, while the left hemisphere takes over. This enables her to successfully run the business, but it creates a misalignment between her body and neurological structure. Estrogen becomes an obstacle, not an aid, in her work and development.
As an adult in a romantic relationship, Tanja often appears cold and detached. Her brain has adapted to logical problem-solving at the expense of emotional perception and intuitive adaptation. Relationships are exhausting, as she struggles to connect with her emotional side and to express tenderness.
Eventually, this imbalance affects her physical health. Though seemingly fit, she begins to experience irregular, painful, and unpredictable menstrual cycles. Over time, she develops reproductive issues, including polycystic ovary syndrome and fertility challenges. Medical tests show her hormone levels are within the normal range, yet her body isn’t functioning in line with its natural female biology.
The role of the AEQ Method in restoring balance between the body and brain hemispheres
When Tanja encounters the AEQ Method®, she gradually begins to recognize the misalignment between her body and brain function. Through AEQ exercises, she develops a renewed sensitivity to bodily signals that had been suppressed by long-term adaptation.
The first change occurs in her breathing. Previously shallow and controlled, it begins to deepen, enabling greater oxygen and energy flow throughout her body. With regular AEQ practice, her right hemisphere becomes reactivated. She reconnects with her emotions, begins to shift how she communicates, and becomes more aware of when her behavior stems from a learned masculine pattern versus her authentic self.
Her hormonal balance improves. After a few months of consistent practice, her menstrual cycle stabilizes, pain subsides, and her body starts responding more in line with natural biological rhythms.
She becomes more present in her relationship. Her previously rational and analytical approach is gradually replaced by emotional and intuitive perception, deepening her connection with her partner.
Through the AEQ Method®, Tanja is able to gradually restore harmony between her brain hemispheres and body. Reduced left-brain dominance and increased right-brain activity allow her to reconnect with her biological nature, leading to improvements both physically and psychologically.
This demonstrates how strongly environment influences neurological organization, and how being forced to function contrary to one’s natural bodily structure can lead to chronic issues.
The impact of upbringing on brain hemisphere function and AEQ as a path to balance
The key to stability is alignment with biological structure. Only through understanding and accepting natural differences, and consciously balancing environmental influences, can we achieve harmonious relationships, stable family dynamics, and a society based on mutual complementarity rather than neurological discord. The AEQ Method® offers a practical solution for neurological and bodily realignment, enabling more stable and confident functioning in life.
Author: Aleš Ernst.
