Our Body Stores Memories
The body follows what is
in the heart and mind
Psychoneuroimmunology
is the science that investigates the mind/body/immune system connection. Our bodies remember - good, bad, or indifferent
- experiences, and tag the significant with deep feeling. The body is the mind. (specifically the deeper mind)
Explained
a bit more medically, neuropeptides are the electrochemical component physically encoded into molecules which exist on cell
walls throughout our tissues. These messenger molecules, are biological carriers of emotionally charged memories and information,
a.k.a. the “molecule of emotion.” Hence, memories live throughout our body, soft tissue, and
immune system.
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< == Hence bodywork
can trigger neuropeptide sites, bringing imprinted experiences into
consciousness, thereby eliciting an emotional response. A few long-ago treatments stand out in my mind - for
starters, my own. I was still in school, actually toward the end of my studies. I remember, because I was working in
the clinic. Students not only treated clients, we were treated as well. One time, while I was on the table, out of nowhere,
I started crying. It took me off guard. The therapist/teacher was unfazed. It was explained to be a positive release of tension,
even if it was via tears. Healthy or not, I felt self-conscious.
As my professional years of practice
accumulated, I encountered similar situations. Clients would report physical and/or emotional responses, and on quite a few
occasion, yes, there were actual tears. Psychoneuroimmunology
certainly explained this phenomenon.
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A benefit of bodywork:
it can quell trigger sensations while working with qualified professionals (social workers, therapists, mental health
practitioners, etc.) on issues. This way it is possible to get closer to the root causes – instead
of having physical sensations causing us to guard, avoid, or protect. *
“People
base actions on avoidance of pain rather than pursuit of pleasure.” - Anthony
Robins
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Our system maintains
a record of all experiences with a triune memory - bodily response, emotional charge, and personal meaning. But as human beings, not only are we subject to unconscious
influences of the past,we have a choice in the present. It takes ongoing energy to keep pain tucked away. That same energy gushes forth
in abundance, becoming available for healing once addressed.
“The marriage of body and mind happens through emotion. Emotional illness results when emotions don’t
move and remain frozen within the body” ~ Alexander Lowen, an American psychotherapist and father of Bioenergetics
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The hauntings of our past may
be obvious, or not so obvious. No matter how long ago or deep, our reality will always be the sum of our experiences. If we
want to make changes we need to get to the root of the beliefs and thoughts that create our patterns. We must know our drama
or dysfunction in order to be able to dissect, challenge and/or reframe.
If we notice, are conscious
and aware, we can have the clarity necessary to address old beliefs that no longer fit our current day lives. i.e. The bullied
child we were in elementary school is far removed from the fully capable adult we are of today. Yet, those childhood triggers
remain and continue to impact current day life - our brain holds the memories, as do our muscles. *
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The system
operates on the biological imperative to avoid pain.
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Bodywork allows for better
circulation, which provides more oxygen, which leads to clearer thinking and clarity. Muscles are soothed, softened, nurtured. Natural endorphins are released,
which counters pain and discomfort. You’ve taken control and done something for yourself, you fostered
balance. The reduced physical aspect of the stress sensation is partially in your control. (a much healthier self-care
approach, as opposed to drinking, smoking or food!) The thinking brain
follows the feeling and sensory brains - when
the body is feeling better, the brain will follow.
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Internalized Stressor An external event becomes an
internalized or imprinted one when the body’s response ingrains itself in the emotional memory of the person. The
body remembers pain and is forever changed by it. The system responds to stress long after the source
of stress is removed. Repressed pain creates pockets of tissue that cannot
adequately receive nutrition. Science has confirmed that stress results in decreased immune function, increased tumor growth, and decreased absorption
of nutrients.
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How
deep does it go?
A
Heart transplant recipient started to experience the memories and food cravings of her deceased heart donor. A murderer is caught based on a heart transplant recipients precise recollections
and dreams. Read more here...
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Interesting snippet from 'Why do we remember pain?' "Medical professionals
are finding that analgesics -- drugs that prevent pain in the nervous system -- given to patients before surgery
prevent chronic formation of pain memory, which diminshes the development of chronic pain later on."
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People who
are emotionally impacted often have rounded shoulders, forward bending neck, and a concave chest. Our posture gears towards
protecting the emotional center – the heart. We feel vulnerable. Not as strong and confident. Yet if we sit and/or stand straight
hold our head high – our brain follows. We can fake it, till we make it. Try
it: Assume the Supergirl stance
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We can also try a smile
verses a frown. It takes 17 muscles to smile, and 42 to frown. The mere act of smiling lifts our mood, we feel more energetic. Try
it: Smile
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Words render
a direct response in the body. (What are you exposing your Self to. What is your internal dialogue? Are you kind to YOU?)
The body follows
what is in the heart and mind. Emotions trigger an on-going cascade of endorphins and/or stress hormones. Our emotional
tone directly influences the sum of biochemical processes.
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Louise L. Hay has done extensive study on the Mind/Body Connection Pain Areas and Probable Causes: Neck - Refusing to see other sides of the question.
Stubbornness, inflexibility. Spine - Upper/Lack of emotional support. Feeling unloved. Holding
back love. Lower/Fear of money. Lack of financial support.
Other
Connections: Arthritis - Feeling unloved. Criticism. Resentment.
Stiffness - Rigid,
stiff thinking Weakness - A need for mental rest
Click here to view the full Emotional Pain Chart as gathered from Heal Your Body A-Z by Louise
L. Hay
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Self-care is essential! Please reach out for professional support as needed. Click here for additional Recommendations. <<
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