The term brain-body connection is more than a new-age catchphrase, science has shown us that every thought or emotion you experience can actually be reduced to the binding of tiny molecules called neurotransmitters in your nervous system.
Happening at lightning speed, you have a specific thought or emotion, synapses in your nervous system are firing causing a chain reaction through the release of neurotransmitters. When you think about certain things or feelings, different parts of your brain are activated.
As an example, a fond memory, or thoughts about a pleasurable experience would release endorphins that activate the opiate receptors in your brain, giving you feelings of happiness or peace. Feelings of fear or anger would release molecules called catecholamines, giving you a burst of energy and causing your circulation to increase or your face to flush.
Neurotransmitters are also involved in the body’s physical systems. The pumping of the heart, the movement of the stomach in digestion, the breathing of your lungs – these are all controlled by the binding of neurotransmitters to the cells in your body.
The Mind-Body Connection In Daily Life
The same neurotransmitters involved in thought and emotion also have receptors in the various organs of the body. What this means is that not only are your thoughts and emotions physical processes, but they also have an effect on the systems in your body.
Your digestive system has been referred to as “the second brain” because it is so rich in nerve endings and receptor sites. These nerves in your digestion have many of the same receptors as the ones in your brain.
So when you have certain thoughts or emotions, the release of neurotransmitters are going to have an effect on your digestive system. We’ve all had the experience of a nervous stomach, or felt the effects of anger in our gut. The organ systems of the body release neurotransmitters that have an effect on our brains, and this can then affect our thoughts and emotions. The human body is a complex system of feedback loops.
Descartes said “I think, therefore I am,” implying the pinnacle of humanity is the power of the mind. We use our minds to control our bodies, to pursue our ideals often at the expense of our physical health. Understanding the science of neurotransmitters and receptors challenges this thinking. The mind is not elevated above the body – the brain and the body are one and the same. The mind and body are inseparable.
While you are here, go ahead and check out our other blog on the connection between our brain and healthy sleep.
How You Can Help
If you want effective training, so you can provide coaching for a healthy mind and body, the Mind Body Fitness Coach program is for you. You’ll gain a broad knowledge of mind-body exercises and fitness strategies and methods.
Become a leading authority on brain optimization through proper training, sleep, nutrition, neuro-conditioning and flow state. As a Brain Fitness Coach, you know how important things like mindset, focus, clarity, determination, distraction control and flow are to success: mental, physical or financial.
Our programs are open to anyone with a desire to learn and help others. There are no prerequisites.
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