Cellular Science and Holistic Healing.

HOLISTIC HEALTH AND CELLULAR SCIENCE

”The question frequently asked is, when a person has manifested disease in their body temple or some kind of discomfort in their lives, can it be turned around through the power of right thinking?! And the answer is absolutely yes!” Beckwith, M, The Secret. [33].

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION:

From a scientific perspective: I am fascinated by how our cells are our life centers, and how they provide energy and life throughout our bodies. I’ve had a massive interest in love to go into scientific details of this, to understand it in depth. I am especially interested in the immunological and neurological functions of our cells, in the science that shows the extent to which both immune and neurological systems are deeply interconnected (including at a cellular level) and how we can consciously and actively mediate the communications and signals between the physical body and the brains! Epigenetics is an interesting science on how ”environmental”  signals including thoughts and emotions, affect cellular communication and DNA expression – I love the science of this – and so I have written this post on cellular health and epigenetics.

CONTENT:

Part one: Cellular Science, Antioxidants, Inflammatory Diets, and Functional Medicine.

     Defining health, holistic health.

1. Cellular science: the functions of our cells.
2. Ensuring cellular health: the impact of free radicals. (Telomeres, cellular ageing and disease, causes of free radical activity, oxidative stress, and the reduction of telomere attrition).
3. Nutritional healing: whole food, nutrient-rich diets, and antioxidants.

Part two: Cellular Science, Epigenetics, Emotional Health, Stress Impact and the Power of Thought. 

5. Neuroscience: thought and emotion, and cellular influences.                                          6. Linking emotional and physical health, in cellular health and in disease (/recovery).                                                                                                                                           7. Physiological impact of stress on the immune response.

Part three: A Healing Holistic Health Lifestyle: Routes to Mind & Body Balance.

Increasing internal resilience: nutritional stress reduction (brief);  positively impacting the neuroplasticity of the brain; physiological benefits of yoga, meditation and diaphragmatic breathing; personal development, emotional intelligence, and holistic healing practices.

 DEFINING HEALTH!

So, what does health mean to you? What is the true meaning of health and wellbeing…?!

• It’s being in balance physically and mentally.
• Having a strong immune system; the possibility to overcome a virus or disease within the body.
• Being disease free.
• Being symptoms free, stress-free and pain-free.
• Feeling strong, youthful, energised and happy.
• It is to be sufficiently nourished with nutrients and to be hydrated.
• Keeping fit.
• Maintaining consistent balanced levels of energy!
• Balanced in mood! – Feeling happy and positive mentally.
• Having mental clarity and focus!
• Ageing well
• Having great skin, hair, nails. (When your external beauty reflects your inner beauty…)!
• Having the strength and wellness, that frees you to invest time in others and to support others when needed.
• Physical strength, mental confidence. Being physically and mentally in balance.

‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. The WHO, 1948. [55].

PART  ONE: CELLULAR SCIENCE, ANTIOXIDANTS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIETS, AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE.

1.  CELLULAR SCIENCE: THE FUNCTIONS OF OUR CELLS:

Cells are the centre of our health, they carry out vital physiological processes, within our cells are the chromosomes that make up our DNA, our cells carry our genetic makeup. Cells are the foundations for health and for the physiological functioning of a living organism, they are life!  Cell science considers; the ”complex, interconnected processes and communications happening at a cellular and physiological level, and how they support and maintain all vital functions in the body, and it details the ways the intricate workings of the cells and the physiologically functions of the body that maintain cellular health. This knowledge is powerful and provides because it provides us with crucial understandings of how our body manages our health and disease. Cellular science looks into the power of our cells, their interactions with our ”external environments,” and our own human ability to mediate those experiences to better our health; and indeed, positively influence these physiological processes. This makes the science of cells and cellular health extremely fascinating and important! Though science we can become expert at understanding our health, and empower ourselves with knowledge of how to protect, restore and optimise our health!

Soooo, let’s take an in-depth look at the foundations of our health, our cells!

The Science And Functions Of Our Cells:

The body is intricately designed and made up of trillions of microscopic cells. [11]. ‘The ”organs” in the body are made up of ”collections of specialized tissues,” and these ”tissues are collections of groups of cells.” [12], cells make up the entire structure of our bodies. Cells are the structural and functional units of life. All biological processes within in the body are carried out cells, as they communicate and interact, and carry out different functions throughout the body, including; metabolism, nutrient synthesis, energy production, transportation secretion of substances, and immune responses, [12], tissue repair, detox processes, and anti-inflammatory responses.

  ”Health starts; at a cellular level.” 

”The health of every organ in the body is determined by the health of the cells, that perform physiological processes, to keep us alive, functioning, healing, repairing thinking, breathing, – they are everything.”

Cells make up an incredible system within the body, they ”contain our DNA, and through mitosis, they replicate themselves independently. Because some cells perform specific functions, they have specially modified structures.” To outline the immunological and neurological functions of cells we can look at two specific cells types: immune (white cells) and neurons (brain cells), playing crucial roles in immunity and in neurological communications in health.

White Blood cells: Immune Cells.

Immune cells, known as lymphocytes, are white blood cells that defend the body against disease. The two types of lymphocytes are B-cells, which make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins, and T-cells, which help destroy infected or cancerous cells. Killer T-cells are a subgroup of T-cells that kill cells that are infected with viruses and other pathogens or are otherwise damaged. Helper T-cells help determine which immune responses the body makes to a particular pathogen. [14].

[Note: another important aspect of the immune process is the function of prostaglandins, found in most tissues and organs and produced by almost all nucleated cells. They have various functions in the body. But specifically relevant here, prostaglandins are made at sites of tissue damage or infection, where they cause inflammation, pain and fever as part of the bodies healing process.

Neurons: Neurological Communication.

Neuropeptides: A neuron is a nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are similar to other cells in the human body in a number of ways, but there is one key difference between neurons and other cells. Neurons are specialized to transmit information throughout the body. These highly specialized nerve cells are responsible for communicating information in both chemical and electrical forms. There are also several different types of neurons responsible for different tasks in the human body. [18.]

               Epigenetics: Cellular and Genetic Activation; Environmental Influences.

Modern Science has impressively evolved its understanding of the effects of personal experience and conditionings on cell behaviour and genetics. Epigenetics (literally, control beyond genetics) is a new field of biology that is exploring the effect of the environment on cellular behaviour. The “environment” includes one’s physical, social, and electromagnetic environment as well as beliefs, perceptions, lifestyle, habits, behaviours, and mind-body practices…. [16].

Firstly, we are going to cover the risks to cellular health, before discussing the functional health practices and lifestyle habits that can intervene to optimise the body’s ability to recover from (as well as prevent) ill health.

2.  ENSURING CELLULAR HEALTH: THE IMPACT OF FREE RADICALS.

”Free radicals can be defined as molecules or molecular
fragments containing one or more unpaired electrons in
atomic or molecular orbitals” (Halliwell and Gutteridge,
1999. [Pala and Gurkan]). [40].

Of the four million radicals produced per day, a balance must be struck for between the potential cellular/ tissue damage and the benefits of radicals needed for healthy intercellular signalling processes.” [47]. A level of free radical activity is good, as free radicals  do have a role ”in healing processes in the body;” in combating ”inflammation, killing bacteria’ for example.” Pala and Gurkan. [40]. However, ”overproduction of free radicals, and ”uncontrolled free radical activity” has health risks. ‘ Free radical activity can cause ”oxidative” and ”nitrosative stress” in the body, which can lead to significant biological damage.” (Kovacic et al., 2001; Ridnour et al., 2005; Valko et al., 2001].  Pala and Gurkan.[Ibid]. ‘Toxicity of free radicals contributes to proteins and DNA injury, inflammation, tissue damage, and subsequent cellular apoptosis.” Uttara et al. [41].

Free radicals, which is a chemical structure that has at least one impaired electron which can cause cellular and genetic changes due to their highly reactive state that can act to produce damage [over the nm range e.g. the hydroxyl (HO)] radical]….”[47].

Telomeres.

For a more intricate understanding of cellular health and the protection of DNA, research looks at the role of telomeres. ”Telomeres are protective DNA–protein complexes at the end of linear chromosomes that promote chromosomal stability.” [222]. ”Telomeres, are connected to the chromosomes within cells, ‘while they do not contain genes they are important for the replication or duplication of the chromosomes during cell division.’ They also play an ‘important protective role in our cells; …preventing ‘genetic material from being lost during cell division.” [111]. ”Telomere maintenance is required for the complete replication of DNA, protecting chromosomes from nuclease degradation, from end-to-end fusion, and from cellular senescence.” [222.] Research has discover that a ”telomerase enzyme” repairs ”telomere attrition.” This ”enzyme has protein subunit (hTERT) and an RNA subunit. It helps to maintain telomere length by adding telomeric repeats “TTAGGG” to ends of the chromosome during DNA replication.” [333].

Cellular Ageing & Disease.

Telomere length and rate of telomere shortening are indicators of mitotic cell age; telomeres shorten during normal cell divisions  [222] and shortening can also be accelerated by the accumulation of damage (and by oxidative stress).

”Regarding cellular ageing and risk of disease: Telomere shortness in humans is emerging as a prognostic marker of disease risk, progression, and premature mortality. The aspect of cellular ageing that is conferred by diminished telomere maintenance seems to be an important precursor to the development of many types of cancer.2,3.” [222]. Oxidative stress and free radical activity along with other factors has the potential to ”cause some diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, cancers etc. The balance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defences in the body has important health implications….” Pala and Gurkan. [40].

In terms of physical health and health risks, protecting cells and reducing damage, reduces the risk of oxidative stress and disease in the body. In regards to cellular health span, as well as telomere ”shortening occurring in normal cell division, telomere shortening is also accelerated by oxidative stress. In-vitro studies have suggested that a portion of the oxidative damage sustained by telomeres remains unrepaired and affects the amount of shortening in the next cell division. 38,39” [222].

Causes of Free Radical Activity. 

It is useful to identify the causes of increased free radical activity; in order to avoid this occurrence, and to ”counteract” damage at a cellular level,” and so that we can limit toxic exposure.

Some ”internally generated sources of free radicals include [8]Mitochondria

• Xanthine oxidase
• Peroxisomes
• Inflammation
• Phagocytosis
• Arachidonate pathways
• Exercise. (Note: ‘regular physical exercise has many health benefits including a lowered threat of all-cause mortality along with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes (45, 77, 283). Paradoxically, contracting skeletal muscles – [during excercise] – generate free radicals, and prolonged and intense exercise can result in oxidative damage to cellular constituents. (10, 86, 98, 107, 165, 321, 325).].” [32].
• Ischemia/reperfusion injury
• [Chronic stress].

Some externally generated sources of free radicals are:

• Cigarette smoke
• Environmental pollutants
• Radiation
• Industrial solvents
• Ozone” [47].
• ”Alcohol intake.
• Burning of organic matter during cooking, forest fires, volcanic activity.
• Industrial effluents, excess chemicals, certain drugs, pesticide and herbicides, some metal ions, asbestos, fungal toxins.
• UV radiation, X-rays, Gamma Rays and microwave radiation.” Lobo, V, Patel, A. et al.  [57].

Accumulative stressors, such as those above, have an impact on our health at a cellular level, they impact the biological system and risk onset of disease. [See Appendix A.1].

Reducing Telomere Attrition. 

Healthy diet and activities have ”great potential to reduce the rate of telomere shortening or at least prevent excessive telomere attrition, leading to delayed onset of age-associated diseases and increased lifespan” [555]:” As outlined in the paper by

• ”Antioxidants: Antioxidants can potentially protect telomeric DNA from oxidative damage caused by extrinsic and intrinsic DNA damaging agents.
• Stress reductions: The stress is associated with the release of glucocorticoid hormones by the adrenal gland. These hormones have been shown to reduce the levels of antioxidant proteins [53] and may, therefore, cause increased oxidative damage to DNA [54] and accelerated telomere shortening [55].
• Reduction: ”Dietary restriction or eating less has an extremely positive impact on health and longevity.” Studies indicate that ”reducing food intake (in animals) leads to reduced growth rate [58,59], reduced oxidative burden and reduced damage to DNA [59].”
• Exercises: can reduce harmful fat and help mobilize waste products for faster elimination, leading to reduced oxidative stress and preservation of DNA and telomeres. [555].

 

3. NUTRITIONAL HEALING & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE: WHOLE FOOD, NUTRIENT-RICH- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIETS AND ANTIOXIDANTS.

There is extremely interesting research into naturopathic medicine and how we can ”consciously” and actively protect our internal health from external stressors that damage; specifically with the use of antioxidants.

Combating Free radicals; Antioxidants:

‘’Antioxidant is a micronutrient and a collective name for the vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols that protect the body from harmful free radicals,” (preventing damage caused by oxidation)…. ”Antioxidants biological role in the body” are very important,’’ for protection, and ‘’prevention of possible disease from oxidative stress;” including in health conditions such as ”cardiovascular, carcinogenic, neurological disease and in delaying chronic health problems like cataracts.’’ Antioxidants prevent free radical induced tissue damage by preventing the formation of radicals, scavenging them, or by promoting their decomposition. [47].

”An antioxidant is a molecule stable enough to donate an electron to a rampaging free radical and neutralize it, thus reducing its capacity to damage. These antioxidants delay or inhibit cellular damage….” [30] ”Low-molecular-weight antioxidants can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged.” [57].

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE:

 ”Healthy, well-nourished cells supply” an ”abundance of energy,” giving ”overall vitality in the body,” and higher ”resistance to stress and degenerative diseases.” [56]. 

”Dietary and other components of plants form a major source of antioxidants [supports the body’s regulation of free radicals].” The traditional Indian diet, spices, and medicinal plants are rich sources of natural antioxidants; higher intake of foods with functional attributes, including a high level of antioxidants, is one strategy that is gaining importance.” [47A] Especially with specific ”applications” of ”ingredients that make food functional are dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, oligosaccharides, essential fatty acids (omega-3), lactic acid bacteria cultures, and lignins. Many of these are present in medicinal plants. Indian systems of medicine believe that complex diseases can be treated with complex combinations of botanicals, [and specifically whole foods]… Some medicinal plants and dietary constituents having functional attributes are spices such as onion, garlic, mustard, red chilies, turmeric, clove, cinnamon, saffron, curry leaf, fenugreek, and ginger. [Other medicinal plants with functional properties include herbs such as bixa orellana and vegetables like amla, wheat grass, soyabean… almala, and aloe vera]” 47, 47A.

Nutrition medicine understands the importance of food in health. When it comes to diet, we can make a conscious choice to eat more natural beneficial foods that support the natural processes happening internally, or we can hinder them with improper nutrition. ”The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets. It comprises of all essential vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, beans, cereal grains, and starchy food (bread or pasta), olive oil, and fish.” The Mediterranean diet model has already been linked to a number of beneficial health effects: both fat and non-fat components of the Mediterranean dietary pattern have been shown to exert important anti-inflammatory activities by affecting the arachidonic acid cascade, the expression of some pro-inflammatory genes, and the activity of immune cells. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular, have been shown to affect lymphocyte and monocyte functions, crucially involved in adaptive and innate immunity. ” [78].

  On the other hand, a diet high in simple carbs, lacking in whole foods and high in synthetic chemicals, additives, and preservatives, and is a cause of increased toxicity. The ”more low nutrient calories that you consume,” the higher ”the build-up of toxic substances in the cells. ” Calories which lack the accompanying nutrients to aid their assimilation and metabolism lead to a build-up in toxins and increases risk of free radical activity at a cellular activity promoting cellular aging” and increasing the risk of disease. Fuhrman, J. [46].

A balanced whole food diet (providing macronutrients proteins, good fats and proteins; and micronutrients: plant foods; fruit and veg, (rich in essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients – with antioxidant effect) is, therefore, key for overall health, and for disease prevention. [48]  ‘It is estimated that 60% of chronic diseases, could be prevented by a healthy diet.” [79] Our body is given a health advantage if it is supported with natural whole foods. In fact, ”we can eat to affect inflammation, and indeed, anti-inflammatory” diets are more likely to decrease pain and other symptoms of disease.

Much research has been done on the role of antioxidants having a protective role in human health; research has also specifically looked into the benefits of antioxidants on the rate of telomere shortening related to cellular ageing. Examples include; ”a study by Farzaneh-Far et al. [60, 666] which indicates that a diet containing antioxidant omega-3 fatty acids is associated with reduced rate of telomere shortening, whereas a lack of these antioxidants correlates with increased rate of telomere attrition in study participants…. [666] Similarly, the women who consumed a diet lacking antioxidants had shorter telomeres and a moderate risk for development of breast cancer, whereas the consumption of a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene was associated with longer telomeres and lower risk of breast cancer [61, 666].” Shammas published article recommends that we would make lifestyle changes and increase antioxidant-rich foods to protect telomeres to improve chances for cell longevity.  (Telomere shortening, lifestyle cancer and aging). Which of course again emphasises that a balanced diet of wholefoods rich in nutrients and antioxidants, to support cellular healing and health can work to protect long term health and reduce risk of disease development. 

Our cells are extremely intelligent. They are constantly communicating, they are activating physiological processes, immunity, detox processes, hormones, and mental communications, affecting emotions and health. Cellular health has a vital role, in our overall wellbeing. So, our job is to offer them the best possible support: providing the body with beneficial nutrients, (and the conditions) that fuel the cells to carry out these processes effectively.

Inflammation and Anti-inflammatory Foods action on Disease.

In the case of disease, there are various psychological responses happening in the body to combat disease. Looking again at the science of the aforementioned prostaglandins, and specifically in the context of more chronic conditions gives further understanding of the relevance of an anti-inflammatory diet. Firstly the chemical reactions that make prostaglandins involve two types of enzymes: ”cycoloxygenase-1 and cyclooxgenase 2. When the body is functioning normally the baseline levels of prostaglandins are produced by the action of COX 1 When the body is injured (or inflammation occurs in any area of the body) COX 2 is activated producing extra prostaglandins”  [102] to assist the bodies healing processes… ”However, this natural response can sometimes lead to excess and chronic production of prostaglandins, which may contribute certain diseases by causing unwanted inflammation. ” [ibid]. In medical science, drugs have been used to inhibit COX 2 activation to inhibit the release of prostaglandins, however, ingredients used in functional medicine have been used as natural anti-inflammatories which inhibit inflammation naturally (and also have multifunctional medicinal actions on disease).

Examples of common anti-inflammatory ingredients include; turmeric (curcumin), starflower oil, omega fish oils, ginger, cardamom, ginger, chili, cinnamon (cassia), sage, cloves, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, frankincense (bosweillia serrata) rosemary, spirulina, CBD oils, and green tea.

The specific application of anti-inflammatory curcumin for specific health conditions (in functional medicine):

Tumeric (Curcumin): Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory component curcumin has received worldwide attention for its anti-inflammatory mechanisms and has been used in functional medicine to support the treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. [ibid]: Several clinical trials have found Curcuma long, (or curcumin a compound in turmeric) to be a notable anti-inflammatory and analgesic.” By way of example, take turmeric: several clinical trials have found Curcuma long, (or curcumin a compound in turmeric) to be a notable anti-inflammatory and analgesic.” Although for anti-inflammatory effect, curcuminoids are not directly accessed via turmeric, without increasing its bioavailability (the active component of black pepper, ”piperine, has been used to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.” [Hewling and Kalman, 103].

Curcumins application for the condition Alzheimer’s.

”Epidemiological studies have suggested a reduced risk of in
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with long-term use
of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which
may show the role of brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s
disease. It also has been shown with increased cytokines
and activated microglia. It has been shown that curcumin
has NSAID like activity and reduces oxidative damage. To
evaluate whether it could affect Alzheimer-like pathology,
the effect of 160 ppm and 5000 ppm doses of dietary
curcumin on inflammation, oxidative damage, and plaque
pathology were tested. Both doses significantly lowered
oxidized proteins and IL-1, a proinflammatory cytokine
usually elevated in the brains of these mice. In view of its
efficacy and apparent low toxicity, this spice has promise
for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. [Rabiei, Z et al 2014, (15,16) Nasari et al. 2014 105].”

Tumeric: A Spice with Multifunctional Medicinal Properties. [2005]

(See link for clinical studies, safety, and uses of curcumin).

The specific use of ginger to support healing and recovery with specific health conditions:

Ginger:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a non-toxic highly promising natural antioxidant
compound having a wide spectrum of biological function (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic). Ginger and its bioactive components have the potential for the development of modern
medicine in the treatment of anemia and inflammation associated diseases.

Ginger has been discovered to be a ”dual inhibitor of
cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase (thus may have a better therapeutic
profile and have fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs). [Additionally], the characterization of the pharmacological
properties of ginger entered a new phase with the discovery that a
ginger extract (EV.EXT.77) derived from Zingiberofficinale
(family Zingiberaceae) and Alpinagalanga (family Zingiberaceae)
inhibits the induction of several genes involved in the
inflammatory response. These include genes encoding cytokines,
chemokines, and the inducible enzyme cyclooxygenase-2. This
discovery provided the first evidence that ginger modulates
biochemical pathways activated in chronic inflammation. The
earlier report suggested that in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
Osteoarthritis (OA) patients, use of powdered ginger for 3-month
to 2.5-year period, reduce pain and inflammation in 75% of patients
without any adverse effect and suggested ginger is an anti-inflammatory
agent [24J, 106]. 6-gingerol acts as an anti-inflammatory
compound that may be useful to treat inflammation without
interfering with antigen presenting function of macrophages [Kumer et al, 38J, 106].”

The A-Z of Medicinal Herbs and Spices.

These ingredients are worth including in a general diet for their curative and healing properties. And of course, prevention is better than cure!

For more on ginger and Curcumin: Anti-inflammatory action of ginger: A critical review in anemia of inflammation and its future aspects.[106], Curcumin: A Review of its Effects on Human Health),  Ginger and its Effects on Anti-Inflammatory diseases

Also see, Spirulina: The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Spirulina Plentenis extract via the modulation of Histone Deacetylases Boswellia (Frankincense): Boswellia (Boswellia Cartarii), Natural Standard Cooperation

[See Appendix D, for advice on treatment using functional medicine for complex health conditions, and for history and use of traditional medicines].

PART TWO: CELLULAR SCIENCE, EPIGENETICS, EMOTIONAL HEALTH, STRESS IMPACT AND THE POWER OF THOUGHT.

Dr C. Pert, explains cellular communication within the body, in terms of energy: “Every cell in our body has a characteristic vibration. When these cells vibrate at a certain rate and in a certain pattern, the body functions well and the person feels good. When they vibrate at a different rate and pattern, the body functions less well and the person feels not so good … every thought is a pattern of energy characterized by a certain vibratory rate and pattern … the vibratory pattern of the thought and its consequent emotion are experienced throughout the entire body, by each cell, and this vibratory influence triggers the release of certain kinds of neuropeptides which flood through the body … thus thoughts are patterns of energy which influence the functions of the whole body.” Dr. Candace Pert in Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine [4].

Chris Prentiss quotes the film ‘What the Bleep Do We Know,” stating that in the film, Dr Joseph Dispenza explains; when a new cell is produced, it isn’t always the clone of the old cell, but a cell that contains more receptors for whatever peptide it received that caused it to split….. If the cell received peptides produced by depressing [thought and emotion] the new cell will have more receptors for depression and fewer receptors for feel-good peptides.” [36].

As Christidou, emphasis that Dr Pert’s research has highlighted the science of emotions, and summarises that: ‘peptides are tiny pieces of protein that are produced in the brain and throughout the whole body e.g. endorphins (our happy hormones), serotonin (our feel-good chemical), vasopressin (regulates blood pressure) and insulin (regulates metabolism and sugar). Christidou [23].

There is now more in-depth understanding, on the neurological role in health and mental health: The discovery of neuropeptides opened the way to connect the processes of body and mind; “the chemicals that are running our body and our brain are the same chemicals that are involved in emotion” (C.Pert).” Chrisitdou. [23].

Key findings of Dr Pert’s research.

”We were able to overlay a biochemistry of specific neuropeptides to brain regions implicated in the expression of emotions and behaviors.

In the limbic system, the classical seat of emotions in the brain is also the focal point of receptors for neuropeptides, some of which were first identified as hormones

With beta-endorphin, we come to the first of the neuropeptides- which are simply peptide structures produced by nerve cells in the brain. Beta-endorphin is created in nerve cells, it is a chemically a peptide, so it is a neuropeptide.

 The striking pattern of neuropeptide receptor distribution in mood-regulating areas of the brain, as well as their role in mediating communication throughout the whole organism, makes neuropeptides the obvious candidates for the biochemical mediation of emotion.” Pert, C [22.]

Further explanation: The book the ”Zen and the art of Happiness” by Chris Prentiss, discusses Scientist, Candace Pert work. She researched cell receptors and has explained the significance of neurological communication between cells, as involving ligands (specifically peptides produced in the hippocampus) which seem to be the ”basic units of a language between the cells throughout the organism. The connection of peptides with cells allows communications across systems, including ”the endocrine, neurological, gastrointestinal, and even the immune system.” [36, 37].  Prentiss concludes that the peptides produced ”are determined by what we think and feel.” Pert, C. Pretiss, C. [36].

Gestalt therapist Christidou also emphasizes Dr. Pert’s research in her writing and states: ”each emotion is associated with a particular neuropeptide; so if we have a tendency to experience a particular emotion, our cellular structure will be modified to accommodate more of the neuropeptide associated with that emotion.” (She also states, ”imagine what happens when you experience fear and anxiety on an everyday basis)” Christidou [23]. (And of course, we should add, ‘imagine what happens when you experience, the happiness, inner peace, and balance on an everyday basis. Emotional health is another crucial aspect of cellular and overall health.

If positive thinking/emotions are good for you, imagine what negative thinking can do.”

So in overview, ‘thoughts, the mind’s energy, directly influences how the brain controls the body. Thoughts, a form of energy, can activate or inhibit the function of a cell’s proteins via constructive or destructive interference. Our conscious mind experiences the chemical communication signals between cells as emotions. Dr Lipton. Biology of Belief, Qigong Institute [16].

Evidently, the conditions of our mind are influencing how we think and feel. Our thoughts and emotions are based on sensory inputs from our external worlds, our interactions with them and from our (conscious and subconscious) memories of them.

6. LINKING EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH, IN CELLULAR HEALTH AND IN DISEASE (/RECOVERY).

Addressing Stress Impact:

Stress, Rhonda Byrne in the secret states, that: ”all stress begins with one negative thought. One thought that went unchecked, and then more thoughts came and more, until stress manifested. The effect is stress, but the cause was negative thinking.” The mind is powerful.

We should then also acknowledge that mind-body connections equally impact physical health.

Christidou and the Australian Association of Psychoneuroimmunology,” our thoughts, our daily mood or emotional state have a big influence on our physical health. ”When our mental and emotional state is out of balance, neuropeptides will cause physical symptoms to appear in the body.” [23, 24].

Going back to Dr Candace’s research, Lisa Hindmarch, shows interest in her work and understanding of repressed emotions on our cells. Lisa asks why is it that our cells get diseased in the first place? She refers to Deepak Chopra (author of Quantum Healing and other books) and his equal emphasis on how ‘cell memory’ whether it is healthy or diseased is carried and passed onto each new generation of cells. Lisa Hindmarch. Munhay Holistics,[8].

It is extremely useful to consider links between stress and disease, due to the massive impact stress can have on our health. As Hindmarch, has summarised quite well how with chronic stress, ”suppressed emotions literally get locked into our bodies on a cellular level; as science has discovered there is a direct correlation between our emotions, how easily we express them and how healthy our body is.” [ibid].

Sustained neurological stress, is linked to disease and inflammation in the body.  ”The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a vast network of nerves reaching out from the spinal cord, directly affecting every organ in the body. It has two branches, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, [to help our body respond well to stress]. The sympathetic ANS helps us deal with stressful situations by initiating a ‘fight or flight’ reaction after the ‘danger’ has passed, the parasympathetic ANS takes over, decreasing heartbeat and relaxing blood vessels.” Collingwood, J. [32]. However, in some cases, stress reactions may become activated for longer periods, and the body is under ”chronic stress.” This is a common concern for our health and well being. We can also consider how stress can restrict immune response in health and disease.

7. PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF STRESS ON IMMUNE RESPONSE:

Why is managing stress so important to human health!? – Consider the impact of stress on the human body at a cellular level. What does stress mean at a physical and cellular level?

Stress can impair or obstruct important physiological processes in the body, in turn affecting both immune processes and neurological communication. Long-term stress leads to physical health impacts, since stress triggers numerous reactions in the body, causing cellular reactions, and a strain on organs that work harder to manage intense stress responses. Natural stress responses in the body include; blood being diverted to the brain, heart, lungs, and muscles, the flight or fight response to ‘perceived’ danger; the heartbeat speeds up to more effectively pump blood more effectively to these organs; blood is diverted away from the digestive tract (and may have an impact on digestion); breathing speeds up to get oxygen supplies to the muscles as quickly as possible; sweat levels go up to stop the body from overheating; blood sugar levels go up dramatically making glucose available to feed the brain and muscles; blood vessels constrict. [77]. Therefore managing stress has a key role in the management of health and well being.

The physiological process of stress in the body: impacts on anti-inflammatory immune responses.

Kandhalu’s article on the ”effects of cortisol” [and other stress hormones] on physical and mental health, discusses the biological process of hormone and cortisol production in the endocrine system, and immune function, based on the research of Metrovic. Starting with cortisol production in the hypothalamus, Kandhalu, that hormone production, and psychological processes, ‘ down the ”HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary axis)” ultimately leads to the ”secretion of cortisol (glucocorticoids) from the adrenal gland.” ”In the first step of this process, the hypothalamus contains neuroendocrine neurons that synthesize proteins, which act as hormones when released.” [63]. She quotes Metrovic, who explains that ”90% of cortisol is eventually bound by proteins, whereas 10% of free cortisol is unbound, and therefore biologically active – this free cortisol creates a negative feedback loop whereby it binds to the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to inhibit the secretion of CRH and ACTH hormones.” Kanhalu’s, Mitrovic, 63, 64. ”Glucocorticoids inhibit inflammatory response; specifically, cortisol suppresses the synthesis and secretion of arachidonic acid, a key precursor for a number of different mediators of inflammation. Metrovic, Kandahalus. [63, 64]. In regards to the immune system, this stress response can restrict immune function as a reduction in inflammation is an important part of a healing process.

A study carried out by Sheldon Cohen’s research team, led by Carnegie Mellon University’s, found that ”chronic psychological stress affects the body’s ability to down-regulate the inflammatory response.” [26].

Their findings:

”GCR refers to a decrease in the sensitivity of immune cells to glucocorticoid hormones that normally terminate the inflammatory response (6–9). Evidence for GCR in response to chronic stress has been found in parents of children with cancer (10), spouses of brain-cancer patients (11) and in persons reporting high levels of loneliness (5). Without sufficient glucocorticoid regulation, the duration and/or intensity of the inflammatory response increases, heightening risk for acute exacerbations such as occur in asthma and autoimmune diseases, as well as for the onset and progression of chronic inflammatory diseases such as CVD, and type II diabetes (12).” [26].

Again, further studies have linked neurons to inflammatory responses in health conditions:

For example, an article on the ”Neural and Humoral Control of Airways” the publication summary states that, ”several neural mechanisms are involved in the regulation of airway caliber and abnormalities in neural control may contribute to airway narrowing in disease. There is a close interrelationship between inflammation and neural responses in the airways, since inflammatory mediators may influence the release of neurotransmitters via activation of sensory nerves leading to reflex effects and via stimulation of pre-junctional receptors that influence the release of neurotransmitters. Airway afferent nerves may become sensitized in inflammatory airway diseases, resulting in increased symptoms, such as a cough and chest tightness. Coughing is a prominent symptom of asthma and COPD, and there is evidence that cough sensitivity is increased.” [24].

Essentially, in regards to airway narrowing in disease, the research here found abnormalities in neutral control to have increased symptoms. Further research by Candace Pert, outlines interactions between emotional biochemicals (peptides) and immune cells which suggest that neurological and immune system are ”two aspects of the same process.”

Dr Pert, has also discovered specialist scientific findings, about linking peptides and immune cells.  She outlines that, monocytes (immune cells, which ingest foreign organisms) ”have receptors for opiates, endorphins, for PCP, for another peptide called oxytocin,” [etc]. She suggests, that these ”emotion-affecting biochemicals actually appear to control the routing and migration of monocytes,” crucial in the immune system. Monocytes turn into the tissue macrophages that control repair processes, they communicate with B-cells and T-cells to cause immunity,  interact in the whole system to fight disease” Pert, C. [22]

These studies demonstrate how stress can inhibit immune functions in the body; indicating that stress impedes recovery, from illness, and implying that reducing stress supports recovery.

Finally, very interestingly, Pert also reveals that ”subsets of immune cells make beta-endorphins (chemicals affecting mood in the brain), and the other opiates peptides. She emphasizes, ”immune cells control the tissue integrity of the body and also make chemicals that control mood. [22]. She identifies the production of peptides and same peptide production in both neurological and immune cells. She links emotional and physiological cellular functions, suggesting that cellular communications, between cells involved in neurological (emotional) and immune processes, may have cross- interactions. Which may just be the science behind why our ”feelings and emotions” have an impact on our health.

It is indeed interesting that cellular science can identify, the intricate interconnections of cells with both specific and adaptative functions in the body; and that interrelated processes of different cells may be identified.

Of course, if stress, which is so inextricably linked to our emotions, perceptions, and conditioning, can affect multiple biological processes happening within the body then it is not surprising that we can affect physiological processes happening (consciously and subconsciously), and therefore that stress may affect our ability to protect and recover from disease.

 ”Neurons have intricate communication systems, that involve neurological communication networks to the brain:’‘When we have a specific feeling, thought or drive, it affects our nervous system by using neuropeptides who carry the messages back and forth between mind and body. Neuropeptides – who link perception in the brain to the body and emotions- are constantly changing their configuration, reflecting changes in our emotional state throughout the day.”  Christidou [23].

In his bestselling book, “The Biology of Belief,” Dr Lipton further reiterates, that ”since our cells, genes, and DNA are manipulated by our mind — then we can literally “think our way to great health.” Qigong Institute. [16].

Rhonda Byrne, ”the effect was stress, but the cause was negative thinking, and it all began with a negative thought. Where stress can be the cause of disease in the body or can impair disease recovery, it ”can it be turned around by positive thinking, absolutely yes!” Positive thinking definitely plays a massive part in the holistic healing! Beckwith, M. Byrne, R. The Secret! [33].

At an emotional level, when we think positive thoughts, we feel better and we boost our emotions; the same is true when we think negatively this causes what are considered ‘more negative’ emotions. The science behind this is fascinating! It is incredible how interconnected the mind and body truly are; that how we think and feel is influential on the emotional and physiological level.

During the human lifetime, cellular health may be impacted by various factors in varying degrees; some may live with optimum conditions for health, minimal stress, balanced nutritional intake, minor disease, and of course the opposite; high levels of stress, poor nutrition, chronic disease which have an impact on cellular health. It is worth treating the body the best we can and giving cells a chance for longevity in order to maximise our health span. Making lifestyle choices that allow for the healthiest internal conditions possible to give the cells of the body a chance to thrive, gives us the best chance for optimum health and quality of life. When they say ”your body is a temple,” treat is as such!

PART THREE: A HEALING HOLISTIC HEALTH LIFESTYLE: ROUTE TO MIND BODY BALANCE.

Increasing internal resilience: nutritional stress reduction (brief);  positively impacting the neuroplasticity of the brain; physiological benefits of yoga, meditation and diaphragmatic breathing; personal development, emotional intelligence, and holistic healing practices (massage, essential oils etc).

Since stress can have such a great impact on our overall health it is worth outlining ways in which we can mitigate stress, and how we can improve our bodies capacity to rebalance and from stress and ill health. Since shows how we can increase our bodies resilience, and if we improve our habits and lifestyles we can increase our quality of life and personal resilience.

There is a myriad of ways to prevent and reduce stress, and a positive balance of habits and lifestyle practice increase our long term longevity, health and quality of life. Of course, if we become out of sync with our natural physiological rhythm, reestablishing basic beneficial practices and habits can allow us to mitigate stress, reduce risk of disease, accelerate healing processes, increase cellular health and longevity and slowing down physical ageing processes. By bringing emotional and physical body back into balance we can have a positive impact on our current and future, health and wellbeing. And of course, there is amazing science demonstrating how we can manage our health.

8. NUTRITIONAL STRESS RECOVERY.

As previously discussed, to maintain overall physicological and including emotional health, proper nutrition is required. Proper nutrition and an anti-inflammatory diet (and lifestyle), to give cells the energy and ‘resources’ required for their effective function so that they can achieve optimum function and allows the body to mitigate stress factors at a biological level, to maintain health and also to combat external factors impacting health. If the body is under stress then it is worth making use of the natural food resources that help balance stress (certain nutrients and herbs, for instance, can help to balance the nervous system and support the body to regulate stress (and of course disease see: …………).

– If the body is  ‘fighting to combat long-term stresses (and or illness), proper nutrition to support the body to manage the stress response bring down cortisol levels and manage (inflammation) can reduce physiological stresses. 

   

   (8. B). NEUROPLASTICITY OF THE BRAIN.

THE HEALING NATURE OF ”THOUGHT’ AND VISUALISATION.’

There is a myriad of ways in which we can adapt our thought processes – re-pattern our thoughts, to think in healthier ways, to shift limiting beliefs and to think positively about our health, life, relationships etc. ”Neuroplasticity can be defined as brain’s ability to change, remodel and reorganize for purpose of better ability to adapt to new situations.” Demarin, V. [44] [Appendix B2]. Then consciously, learning and experiencing new things, exercising our brain, connecting with the people, spending time in nature and finding ways to improve our own thinking, stimulates positive transformations in the brain.

”Neuroplasticity can be defined as brain’s ability to change, remodel and reorganize for purpose of better ability to adapt to new situations…. ”Brain reorganization takes place by mechanisms such as “axonal sprouting” in which undamaged axons grow new nerve endings to reconnect neurons whose links were injured or severed. Undamaged axons can also sprout nerve endings and connect with other undamaged nerve cells, forming new neural pathways to accomplish a needed function.” [MedicineNet 104.] 

The fact is that neural networks are not fixed, but occurring and disappearing dynamically throughout our whole life, depending on experiences. ”For example, if one hemisphere of the brain is damaged, the intact hemisphere may take over some of its functions. The brain compensates for damage in effect by reorganizing and forming new connections between intact neurons. In order to reconnect, the neurons need to be stimulated through activity.” [ibia 104].

Functional neuroplasticity depends upon two basic processes, learning, and memory. They also present a special type of neural and synaptic plasticity, based on certain types of plasticity causing permanent changes in synaptic effectiveness (15). During learning and memory, permanent changes occur in synaptic relationships between neurons due to structural adjustments to intracellular biochemical processes. [Demarin V et al. 44].

While we repeatedly practice one activity such as a sequence of movements or a mathematical problem, neuronal circuits are being formed, leading to better ability to perform the practised task with less waste of energy.” [Demarin, V et al. 44]. Once we stop practising a certain activity, the brain will redirect these neurological circuits, [following] a ‘use it or lose it principle’.” Neuroplasticity leads to many different occurrences such as habituation, sensitisation to a certain position, medication tolerance, and even recovery during brain injury. [ibid, 44]. Therefore was can replace learned thought patterns with improved patterns of thinking.

See: Neuroplasticity of the Brain, Neuroplasticity of the brain.

”Repetition of an affirmation changes the neural pathways in your brain over time to produce the new belief.  Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz, MD, PhD, a practising neuropsychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont School of Medicine says, “We can rewire the patterns in our brain with cognitive behavioral therapy or affirmations. (Affirmations change the way our brains are wired and the brain lights up differently).” [Rosalynd, M. 86].

…The possibilities of consciously reconditioning our minds using fundamental health practices.

We have the power to recondition our own mind, adapt our thoughts, emotions, and reactions to external stimuli, through improving neurological functioning and communication, essentially by ‘rewiring’ our neurological communication system for improved mental development. Exploring emotional intelligence and self-awareness and stress management, practising stress-relieving activities, physical and cognitive exercises, (and of course nutrition to support cellular development), works to helps to support and improve the brains overall functioning. It is scientifically and medically possible to improve mental capacity, recover from short-term and chronic mental health conditions, and the recovery of conditions Alzheimer’s and brain trauma can be supported, using fundamental health practices that support neurological development.

Positively programming the subconscious mind:

”Epigenetic science reveals that you are an extension of your environment, which includes everything from your thoughts and belief systems, to toxic exposures, exposure to sunlight, exercise, and, of course, everything you choose to put onto and into your body (as we have seen with food). ” Mercola [81].  External influences that interact with us on a biological, such as sunlight and exercise, can impact the physical and emotional health of our physiological system (positively or negatively). When it comes to thoughts and beliefs: sensory experience, vision, physical activity, relationships, are all stimulus for our thoughts and emotions (and at a cellular level our neurons): therefore the physiological processes linked to emotion are activated by thoughts triggered by our reactions, interpretations, and perspective to our external environment), benefit from positive environmental conditions and relationships; or from consciously altering our perspectives and reactions to them.

Self-hypnosis specifically uses techniques to communicate directly with the subconscious mind in a language the subconscious mind understands (direct suggestions, metaphors, visualizations, and feelings/emotions). Melrose media. [30]. Visualization is a quick and effective technique that can be used, any place anytime, it involves focusing on positive mental images in order to achieve a particular goal. It is the ability to vividly imagine something—to “see” it in the mind’s eye—before it exists in any physical reality. Rambert, R [86].

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF MEDITATION, YOGA & DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING.

YOGA & MEDITATIONS IMPACT ON CELLULAR AGEING:

The ”Impact of Yoga and Meditation on Cellular Ageing on Apparently Healthy Individuals: a Prospective Open-Label Single Arm Exploratory Study,” [2] conducted a 12 week study, exploring the biological benefits of two well known holistic health practices: Yoga and meditation. The results of the study show the benefits of yoga and meditation after a 12-week programme:

”The results of this study highlight the positive impact on biomarkers of cellular ageing and in promoting, cellular longevity, through changes in both cardinal and metabotropic biomarkers. Their findings suggested that the impact is mediated through improvement in genomic stability, telomere metabolism, and balancing of cellular oxidative stress, well-regulated stress and inflammatory responses, and increase in neuroplasticity, and nutrition sensing.”   M, Tolahunase et al. [2]

Ivana Buric, a psychologist at the Coventry University’s Brain, Belief and Behaviour lab, and her colleagues have now conducted the first systematic review of studies, determining the benefits of meditative practices. The team analysed 18 trials including 846 participants, ranging from a 2005 study of Qigong to a 2014 trial that tested whether tai chi influenced gene activity in people with insomnia. Newscience and Frontiers in Immunology, Ivana Buric. [5,6]

Although the quality of studies was mixed and the results were complex, Buric says an overall pattern emerged. Genes related to inflammation became less active in people practicing mind-body interventions. (Genes controlled by a key protein that acts as an inflammation “on-switch” – called NF-ĸB – seem to be particularly affected). Newscience, [5]. This study is a great example of how the body how subtle movements and restful practices great healing potential in the body.

It is also worth noting that a primary benefit of practices such as yoga (meditation, qi gong etc) is associated with the diaphragmic breathing involved in the practices. As focusing on taking full breaths rather than chest breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing is important for physiological health for a myriad of reasons.

Diaphragmatic breathing:

● Increases ”oxygen supply to the brain and musculature.”
● Stimulates ”the parasympathetic nervous system. This branch of
your autonomic nervous system promotes a state of calmness. It works in a
fashion exactly opposite to the sympathetic branch of your nervous system,
which stimulates a state of emotional arousal. (A practice that enables us to regulate and reduces stress).
● Increases ”oxygen supply to the brain and musculature.”
● Facilitates ”more efficient excretion of bodily toxins. Many toxic substances in the
body are excreted through the lungs.” (Supports the detoxification). Guelph Therapist [150].

Mindful practice, deep breathing, and mindful moments allow mitigation of stress, improve cellular health, increase longevity, reduce our risk of disease.

MEDITATION – A HEALING STATE OF REST.

Meditation is another practice that allows us to heals our body. The consistent practice of meditation to enable us to mitigate stress in the body, by putting the body in a complete state of rest and restoration.

• ”Decreases tension in the body… one of the physical benefits of meditation includes feeling lower stress levels in all areas of the body. During meditation, the mind and body become relaxed which reduces cortisol levels.” [50].
• ”Numerous studies have attested to the fact that meditating helps lower the resting heart rate and slow down breathing…. As your heart rate and breathing become regulated, this lowers the risk of many diseases, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.”’ [ibid].
• ”Meditation can increase the body’s immunity by boosting the presence of antibodies within the blood, which help fight infections. One study performed by researchers at UCLA found that HIV positive patients who meditated regularly maintained their level of CD-4 cells (a type of white blood cell that protects the body from infections), while those who did not meditate showed a drastic decrease in these cells.” [ibid].

It has been shown to support us to manage thoughts and emotions, improve neurological health (as discussed)

Thought awareness is meditation:

Meditation is a practice that allows you to achieve a mentally clear, and an emotionally balanced calm state. It can empower a person to process thoughts, focus the mind and manages negative thought:

Meditation focus: ”When a thought surfaces, mindfulness trains us to neutrally “observe” it from a distance. Not a good thought, not a bad thought. Just a thought.” EcoInsitute [1]. By interfacing with your thoughts on the deepest level, meditation is the only true method of going face to face with your incomprehensibly complex mind. Meditation is a great way to put your thoughts “up on the rack”, run diagnostics, and repair whatever is keeping them from firing on all cylinders. Ibid. [1.].

Since our thinking has such a great impact on our emotional state and can have the power to trigger stress and stress responses mindful thinking is another important way to manage our wellbeing. It is, therefore, worth exploring the psychology of how we think:

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE LANGUAGE.

Positive psychology concentrates on positive experiences at three-time points: (1) the past, centring on wellbeing, contentment, and satisfaction; (2) the present, which focuses on concepts such as happiness and flow experiences; (3) the future, with concepts including optimism and hope. Mheducation [71].

Positive emotions widen our thought processes, which can be built up over
time and banked to create a ‘protective reservoir’ upon which a person can draw from
during unpleasant or distressing times. ibid].

”What is the good life? Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato believed that when people

pursued a virtuous life, they would become authentically happy. Epicurus
and later utilitarians preached that happiness was indeed the abundance of positive
feelings and pleasures.” Mheducation. [ibid].

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:

Personal Development: Humanistic Psychology Theory.

Maslow (1970) suggests that all experience personal development, which occurs through a process called self-actualization.” Self-actualising being a process of self-discovery and personal growth.

”Maslow identified self-actualizing people as individuals who are highly creative, who have peak experiences, and who are able to resolve the dichotomies inherent in opposite contraries such as those constituted by “freedom and determinism,” “the conscious and the unconscious”, as well as “intentionality and a lack of intentionality.”  [69].

According to Maslow development depends on certain hierarchical needs being met, and suggests that ‘when one level of need is satisfied can a higher one be developed….of course this is changeable as, life is and the level of need motivating an individual, and their behavior also shifts.” [68].

 

Maslow’s hierarchy of personal development shows physiological, psychological needs, social connections to be the foundations for self-actualization (given that they support overall health, wellbeing). Other important, personal development needs (additional aspects of Maslow’s hierarchy) include; positive social connection, self-esteem, and self-worth (self-empowerment and self-awareness, which frees consciousness), life purpose (having a positive purpose and ”deeper understanding), creative development, and finally the need for self-actualization. The path of actualisation, is essentially about being emotionally and physically aware, (accessing an inner consciousness – and inner intuition) enabling you to ”experience life fully, and to maximize your human potential. Skills you need, Maslow [67, 68].  During personal evolution and development, as a person goes through these stages, and ascends society constructs and ideas, formulating their own values and ideas, self-actualisation may empower the individual to consciously create and design their life, so that aligns with strong positive and moral values (those which maximise human potential). 

Self-actualisation is according to psychologists, achieved through emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is ”the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.”  -Mayer & Salovey, 1997 [100].Psychologist Daniel Goleman emphasises that emotional intelligence is knowing one’s internal states, preferences, resources, and intuitions [and having] the ”ability to monitor internal states, thoughts, and emotions as they arise.’ [Zhu, J. D, Goleman, 101].

To enable ‘full’ personal development, there is an important psychological need to express emotion. As previously discussed, the suppression of emotions can have a negative impact on wellbeing. When we can suppress challenging experiences, thoughts, and emotional responses, they become embedded in the subconscious mind (with impact on both mental and psychological ‘programming).’  When it comes to mental health, it is often ”suppressed emotional thoughts that are the cause of ‘stronger psychophysiological’ responses.” Nyemecz, M. [70] ”Subsequent research measuring the tendency to suppress unwanted thoughts (Wegner & Zanakos, 1994) augments prior findings that suppression may be a precursor of psychopathological reactions ranging from obsession to depression to anxiety…” Nyemecz. [70].

”Wegner and Zanakos: ”depression,” is essential – ”dislike of negative thoughts” and, reacting to them with suppression. Nyemecz. [70]. However, self-expression, (especially, within a safe environment, that supports the healthy and free expression of personal experience (including of associated feelings and emotions), allows reframing of negative thoughts and can create a space in which negative thoughts can be transmuted into positive thoughts. Healthy thought expression supports positive personal development and self-actualization, and can cause a positive shift a state of mental and thus physiological balance. As previously discussed it is well known that stress can upset the physiological balance and even immune function. ”Psychological experiences such as stress and anxiety can influence immune function, which in turn may have an effect on disease development and progression (Azar, 1999).” Nyemecz. [70].” So positively regulating thought and emotion is vital for reducing stress and lowering the impact that stress has on cellular health; in order to support long term physiological, and including neurological, balance. Clearly, mental and physical health are strongly interrelated, in exploring solutions to health, both aspects should be considered and addressed, from a holistic health perspective.

THE POWER OF SLEEP!

Of course, we should forget to include sleep in the equation. It is a time when our body naturally goes into a restful state of diaphragmatic breathing. Sleep is a crucial time for rest, repair and recovery. During sleep many cells show increased production of proteins, the essential building blocks needed for cell growth and repair from damage (including psychological stress, from external stresses that cause damage, such as exposure to ultraviolet rays, unnatural chemicals, pollutant etc). The fact that many biological and physiological process take place, during sleep, [a time when they have a break from all the daily demands put on the Physical body whilst we are awake], has to lead to a consensus among researchers that adequate sleep is essential to health and wellness. [85].

The Science of Slumber: https://www.sciencenews.org/sites/default/files/sn_sleep_fulledition_lo.pdf

The Sleep Wake Cycle: 

Sleep Wake Cycle: its Physiology and Impact on Health.

 

HOLISTIC LIFESTYLES, AND HEALTHY WAYS OF LIVING.

A healthy balanced lifestyle, protects, nurtures, and balances the body. A healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and hydration; alongside exercise (a balance of vigorous and gentle exercises), functional medicine, and holistic health practices (such as massage, acupuncture, cold water therapy) all contribute to better well being and a higher quality of life. Nourishing the body with organic whole food diets that provide essential nutrients and antioxidants, and physically ”detoxing” riding the body of toxins, through adequate hydration, exercise and holistic practices (that boost circulation and aid detoxification) facilitate and boosts our body’s internal natural healing process.

Holistic health ‘practices’ such as holistic massage, meditations, hypnosis, and yoga etc. are gentles ways of looking after our physical and mental wellbeing. Intermittent fasting may also be helpful (when done safely) as it gives the body’s organs and digestive system, a rested break (requires keeping the body hydrated).

Another important lifestyle focus, is integrating natural ways of living into your life: eco-lifestyles, (living in naturally preserved environments, proximity to plant and wildlife, and including ecodesign that integrates nature into cities and homes), minimizing natural ingredients and utilizing natural essential oils and botanicals, (personal cleansing regimes, natural cleansing agents for the home). These are all lifestyle choices that minimise risk exposures, and that support health, against oxidative stress and disease.

See: Thought Management. The Importance of Positive S/elf -Talk. [Examined existance].

The studies and science exampled here definitely back the concept of healing thinking. A positive attitude puts us into a positive mindset, and allows us to make intuitively great choices in our lives!

See: Pilates and Yoga Benefits and practices: Pilates and Yoga Health Benefits

See Acupuncture: 

Treatment Benefits

Some acupuncture benefits: Increasing peripheral circulation, augmenting skin and muscle blood flow, decreasing heart rate and reducing elevated blood pressure, regulating the autonomic nervous system, normalizing gastro-intestinal motility, boosting immune function, balancing reproductive hormones (See link above for further details).

Acupuncture: The World Health Organisation

See: Massage Treatments and Benefits: 

Benefits of Regular Remedial Massage.

Massage looks after the body and mind: ”decreasing stress hormones” and ”boosting the immune system efficiency.” It ”increases circulation and improves lymphatic drainage,” which again provides boosts immune responses.

Stress Management In-depth Massage Art. The Mayo Clinic.

Hydrotherapy: 

HYDROTHERAPY:  Scientific Evidence-based affects of Hydrotherapy on Various systems of the Body. 

”Hydrotherapy is the external or internal use of water in any of its forms (water, ice, steam) for health promotion or treatment of various diseases with various temperatures, pressure, duration, and site. It is one of the naturopathic treatment modality used widely in ancient cultures including India, Egypt, China, etc.” [Citation from article link above].

Scientific Evidence – Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body.

”Cold bathing has been claimed to have multiple beneficial effects on health such as improvement of the immune system, cardiovascular circulation and vitality, but any true association remains unclear.[2] Previous investigations on the short-term effects of cold exposure have shown increases of cortisol and norepinephrine concentrations with modulation of the physiological response but showed minimal or no immune modulation.[3–7] However, the cumulative clinical effect and relevance for health after adaption of cold exposure (response conditioning) in healthy humans remain speculative as randomized controlled trials are lacking. But essentially there is a therapeutic effect with these types of therapy and they can play a part in a recovery process.” [Citation from article link above.]

Cold Water Immersion

Ishnaan: The Science of Hydrotherapy.

HEALTH SOLUTIONS: HOLISTIC HEALTH

Holistic health in medical practice is a concept that ‘upholds all aspects of peoples well needs, psychological, physical and social. Another definition views holistic health as a result of physical, emotional and environmental imbalances, which is used in holistic medicine. There is a board view on how to look after health, and one of those is living a lifestyle that promotes good health, so a good quality life can be maintained. Our basic human needs, of course, are the first focus of a health practitioner. Is a person getting a balance of healthy nutrition, hydration, exercise, rest, sleep and routine? (These are things that boost our health and give us a higher chance of recovery from poor health). However, other things like stress, poor food habits, alcohol, smoking, sleep deprivation but a strain on our health. Integrating better habits can shift a person’s habits and can empower them with improved health. Holistic health promotes and supports these changes, and offers more therapeutic ways to help a person move away from detrimental habits and lifestyles.

Note:  This article is solely intended to inform and provides some of the foundations for understanding health. However, please also consider that the information provided on nutritional health is generic, if seeking health advice, please do seek support from a qualified practitioner. Each individuals health is complex and unique to the individual; each individual has a unique set of variables affecting health: we have environmental and genetic conditions affecting health and our bodies responses to food types, levels of exercise, to emotional stimuli is different for each individual. I also emphasise that if you are suffering from a chronic health condition and are looking for advice please see a qualified health care practitioner for guidance!

Disclaimer:  I have written this article out of a fascination for the subject. , I am not a qualified researcher in the science of cellular health, nutrition nor holistic health (I graduated at university, with a degree in International Relations at university). However, I have now had a massive interest in researching health and after training with a nutritionist in Nottingham, for two years in 2014 – 15, I have thoroughly researched this area of science, using published research articles grounded in scientific research and studies. I now work in a holistic health environment and have the interest to gain to study to become a qualified nutritional health practitioner. 

 

Please do take a look at these videos (cellular health affirmation and visualisation meditation).

[Videos 27, 28].

Additional areas of interest in health: gut microbe plays a huge role in health and well-being. Do have a read of the following links:

How Epigenetics and our Gut Microbe Interact.

‘Gut health’: A new objective in medicine?

APPENDIX.

A.1.

Free radicals: ”The most important oxygen-containing free radicals in many disease states are hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen singlet, hypochlorite, nitric oxide radical, and peroxynitrite radical. These are highly reactive species, capable in the nucleus, and in the membranes of cells of damaging biologically relevant molecules such as DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. [6] Free radicals attack important macromolecules leading to cell damage and homeostatic disruption…Free radicals reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are generated by our body by various endogenous systems, exposure to different physiochemical conditions or pathological states….” Lobo, V,. Patel, A et al [57].

”A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues. Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger a number of human diseases. [57].”

Appendix D.

See link: A History of Use of Traditional Medicines.

Notes on Functional medicine:

 In Functional Medicine, specific dosage and application of medicinal supplements and herbs may be used to treat health conditions (in specific cases may be used to support conventional medicine interventions). However, specialist knowledge of individual uses, dosage specifications, contradictions (interactions with pharmaceutical remedies) and understanding of complex health conditions is required for safe application of herbal and nutritional medicine especially in complex medical conditions; in these instances, functional medicine should be used under the supervision of qualified health and naturopathic practitioner.

Nutritional medicine is very complex, since everyone is genetically very different, and we all respond differently to different types of foods groups, food ingredients etc, so if looking to adjust their diet, and/or to use nutritional medicine specifically to support recovery for specific health conditions its advisable to seek advice from a qualified health and nutritional practitioner. Food testing would also be helpful to discover specific foods effect on the individuals, paying attention to and understanding the foods that work for us, can improve our intuition for foods that we should increase and decrease or avoid in our diets for disease prevention and for cure. [”Genetic food typing” is particularly interesting, if you want to get into individual and genetic aspects of nutrition and health]!

Appendix B2.

Neuroplasticity of the brain: ‘synaptic plasticity mainly depends on receptors binding neurotransmitters. Mental events activate structural changes in the brain (including ”neuro” communications and ”regulatory factors referring to DNA and RNA).” Research on long-term changes within the synapse consider different types of memory based on different types of mechanisms. Within the cortex,  glutamate is the most excitatory neurotransmitter. …Activation of metatropic glutamate receptors (NMDA) occurs, this enables calcium influx which participates in protein synthesis and permanently changes postsynaptic neuron.

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[Mind Body Connection: Mindfulmysticmama.com, 13]

Science gives evidence, that the body processes everything at a cellular level; thoughts that are affected by experiential and visual experiences, trigger emotional reactions, linked to psychological processes happening at a cellular level.

Final notes and references.

The chapter the Secret to Health, Rhonda’s book, highlights the power of thought, in affecting (other diminishing or of course accelerating) the recovery of disease or injury.  Byrne, R. 127. [33].

Brain, S and Cox, N. 2006. Neuropeptides and their receptors, innovative science providing novel therapeutic targets. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1760747/ [26.]

An interesting article,”Neuropeptides and their receptors, innovative science providing novel therapeutic targets, may demonstrate the role of neurons” suggests, a proinflammatory role of neuropeptides.