The body Mind Flashcards
What is your understanding of the concept of the BodyMind?
The concept of the BodyMind stems as far back as the 1970’s and the work of Dr Candace Pert, PhD and her studies of how emotions are stored in the cells and tissues. Particularly emotions that had yet to be fully processed.
More research over the last twenty years has come to recognise that the ‘body’ and the ‘mind’ are intimately interconnected.
No longer is the brain considered the powerhouse of thought and the engine of control. This has been found in the organ of the heart, that has more neural pathways than the brain. The gut, that looks like a ginormous brain has now been confirmed to be the store house and creator of 90% of serotonin production.
Our emotions which are created and stored within the body, are like messengers that are constantly sending and receiving information and informing the ways we respond to life on a cellular level.
How would you describe this concept to a student who is new to yoga?
The ‘body’ and the ‘mind’ are intimately interconnected.
No longer is the brain considered just the powerhouse of thought and the engine of control. It has been proven that the heart has more neural pathways than the brain and that the gut creates and stores 90% of the bodys Serotonin production.
Studies show how our emotions are also stored in our cells and tissues, particularly emotions that have yet to be fully processed and act like messengers that are constantly sending and receiving information and informing the ways we respond to life on a cellular level.
Through the practices of yoga, we have the ability to move/dislodge the emotions that are stored in our cells. Bringing them to the surface to be witnessed by awareness. This is often why in backbends strong emotions of anger and frustration can rise, whereas in forward bends, we are more likely to feel teary.
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain is made up of over one hundred million neurons or nerve cells that are interconnected and operate by sending information along these neural pathways.
Neuroplasticity is based on the concept that we can consciously change these connections by disconnecting from one thought pattern and reconnecting to new patterns through consistent reinforcement, which further strengthens the neural connections. This means that through neuroplasticity, we can rewire our brains to better manage our day-to-day, momentary challenges by establishing new ways of thinking that are more conducive to positivity through consistent practice.
List the hormones and neurotransmitters released into the body during the practice of Āsana and meditation
- Dopamine(Hormone/Neurotransmitter), is most known as the reward system of the body, food, water, sex
- Endorphins(Neurotransmitter), responsible for the Yoga high after class
- Oxytocin(Hormone) produced throgh touch(Hugs) and Yoga students who attended class from social bonding
- Serotonin(Neurotransmitter) affects mood and behaviour, low levels cause depression, Yoga, meditation and Prayer increases Serotonin
- GABA(Neurotransmitter) - Stabilizers mood disorders, such as anxiety, Meditators produce this
- DHEA(Hormone) Low levels of DHEA increase Heart attacks, Diabetes, Cancer
- Melatonin (Hormone) produced by the Pineal gland in the brain, used for sleep
- Human Growth Hormone HGH- Diminished amounts of HGH lead to Fraility and Bone Density issues
- Cortisol(Hormone) Accelerates ageing, Yoga and meditation decrease high levels of cortisol in the blood.
