NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF TRAUMA AND WELL BEING
Our brains are organized into 3 parts. The top/outside/gray matter is
called the cortex, responsible for thinking, judgment, and language.
The limbic brain, in the middle portion of the brain, governs emotions.
The old, or "reptilian" brain, was good enough for the dinosaurs, and we
still depend on it. It is responsible for maintaining life functions,
such as heart rate, digestion, breath and the release of hormones and
neuro-chemicals which allow communication between the cells of the
body. For instance, the release of adrenaline increases blood flow to
the muscles, sharpens our vision, and decreases the perception of
pain. These were natural and effective responses when we were
hunter-gatherers, needing to escape the occasional lion. These energies
of fight or flight are powerful and allow us to take effective action
Today our stresses are chronic, with no escape from commuting, an angry
boss, or financial worries. We have learned to interfere with the
expression or discharge of these sensations, or else we get stuck in the
freeze (unconscious) state. Imagine trying to move your vehicle with
one foot on the brake and another on the accelerator. The engine
stalls. In humans, overly contained impulse and action leads to
symptoms in the body.
Trauma is an individualistic response, occurring in our bodies and
nervous system, and what may be difficult for one person may not affect
another. Trauma response is not just a result of a mugging, a car
accident, or too much disaster coverage on T.V. Powerful emotions can
be triggered by a divorce or cancer diagnosis. The nervous system
becomes destabilized, and needs help coming back into balance.
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Well being is an experience of pleasure and flow. Muscles are relaxed
and attitudes are positive. Rest is easy, sleep is deep. We move
consistently towards fulfillment in a way that seems easy. We find our
boundaries are more effective. There is enough energy and time to
pursue goals. We don't feel "on edge", or worry constantly. We
experience a sense of physical vitality. There is more of the hormone
oxytocin, the "tend and befriend" hormone, which increases our feeling
of contentment. The stress chemicals cortisol and adrenaline are
reduced. We can move fluidly between cycles of activation and rest,
trusting in our own daily rhythms. I can teach you simple, playful
exercises and easy meditation techniques that can be enjoyed to support
daily well being.
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