Maintaining harmony within the body

It is an amazing fact that the human body is an electrical and vibrational matrix of subtle bio-electrical charges. Every living thing produces an electromagnetic field and a vibrational frequency. Even the organs and body parts that form a living creature have their own resonance. In fact, the Earth itself also produces its own electromagnetism and vibrates at frequencies between 7.8 Hz (or cycles per second) and 40 Hz (also known as the Schumann resonance). As such, the body receives its energy from the earth’s electromagnetic poles and electrons from the sun simultaneously, producing a loop of energy that continually supplies the body with vital life force, rendering us necessarily connected to the resonant vibrations of our environment.

In the modern left-brain dominated culture in which most people are endlessly striving to cope with the daily stresses of busy lives, health is often one of the most neglected factors. From the shock produced by the alarm clock in the early mornings, to work commutes in busy traffic, to stressful days on the job, to financial stressors of modern living, much of our time is spent in a highly reactive state of mind. The brain remains anxious in its attempt to continuously problem-solve, analyze, categorize, program, prioritize, control, reason, and avoid mistakes in the attempt to make sense of the information overloaded often encountered.

As the routines of busy lives take over, we often forget the need to nurture the right brain; the intuitive, creative and sensitive part of the brain. It is through the attention given to the right hemisphere that one can harbour the ability to perceive the world at a much deeper level, feeling no boundaries to logic or reasoning. It is the key to mental expansion and well-being as it allows from the enjoyment of creative arts like music and dancing, the sensual heart in which nature and peaceful moments can be appreciated, and the core of mental aperture.

Imbalances and disruptions in the harmony between the right and left hemispheres of the brain lead to the accumulation of negative emotion that upset our vital life force energy. This is because each of our emotions, thoughts, feelings and perceptions emit specific vibrations that resonate within our body. The body and mind thus not only communicate through the nervous system but also through a vibrational feedback mechanism. There are many studies related to this concept and many therapeutic approaches that have emerged from this understanding. These include Light and Sound therapies, Bioresonance and Biofeedback, Reiki and Quantum Healing, TCM and Kinesiology, etc. The purpose here is not to provide a list of recommended treatments but to encourage the acknowledgement and comprehension of the effects the mind can have on the body.

Seeing order take shape when we assume our natural world is random causes some awe when we can literally see the effects of sound with our bare eyes. Watch this video for more information on how everything (from crystals to electrons to liquids and gasses) is formed by vibrational energy that is constantly in motion.

Can You Become Immune to Disease?

One of the most ground-breaking and most ruinous events in the history of medicine was the separation between the body and the mind. Before  Descartes suggested that the body and the mind were separate entities, people believed that dissecting the body for examination was equivalent to fragmenting the spirit itself. Even the mere thought of dismembering a human cadaver was considered sacrilege.

Descartes evolved with the notion that the body and mind were separate entities, correlated and bound but distinct nonetheless. With this assumption, doctors allowed themselves to accumulate significant knowledge on the various functions and miracles of the body by cutting, dissecting, analyzing, categorizing and manipulating the various organs and parts. Had it not been for this revolutionary idea, modern medicine would never have come to be.

Unfortunately, we have forgotten to put all the pieces back together and research often continues to distinguish the various parts of the body as separate entities. The body, the brain, the heart, and every cell and organ within us compose the full human organism of inseparable living units and energy flows. Furthermore, the synchronization and harmonization of each of these entities is unique within each person, rendering everyone visibly and spiritually different from the other. The mechanisms behind this distinctive configuration are still mysterious to scientists and researchers alike.

Even in ancient times man believed disease was provoked by evil spirits in the weak moments when one fell prey to negative influences. Because malady was thought to originate from within, rather than from external influences, and thus caused by imbalances in the life of the individual, practices like exorcisms or ritual healings were performed. Examples of these include the Babylonians in 2500BC who encouraged introspection to uncover the endogenous causes of the ailment. Ancient Jews believed sickness was a punishment for having disobeyed divine laws. In India, Ayurvedic medicine, one of the most ancient forms of medicine, considers health to be representative of the balance between the body, mind, spirit and the environment. Even Socrates from the Ancient Greek claimed one could not treat the eyes without examining the head, nor treat the head without including the body so one could not cure the body without addressing the spirit.

In 1968, Dr. Silverman published a study that examined the interrelation between the body and mind in various cases including allergies, back pains, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and other illnesses instigating the study in psychosomatic diseases. In 1976, Dr. Thomas published the results of a 30-year longitudinal study in which students of medicine who had taken a personality test at the beginning of the study were found to have specific illnesses, such as cancer, heart problems or hypertension, according to their psychological profile. There are many other studies that confirm the mechanism of psychosomatic disorders but without going into such detail one can easily accept the notion that the body and the mind function as a whole, whereby the body’s immune system is highly influenced by the state of mind.

It is therefore important, in order to maintain a healthy and vital life, to consider not only who we are as individuals but how we function mentally and physically. Though we may be genetically predisposed to certain ailments, it is the standard of living that activates the symptoms. We are there individually responsible to become cognizant of healthy lifestyles and mental states and improve our habits in order to increase inner balance. Achieving a disease-free existence is possible.

“One is more likely to learn about the course of tuberculosis by looking into the patients head than in his chest.”

~Sir William Osler

Mental Comfort Zone

In the previous blogs I mentioned that there are four different kind of brainwaves. I have been made to note that this leaves out the fastest documented brainwave activity ranging from 40Hz to 70Hz. This is called the Gamma waves which have the smallest amplitude on an E.E.G. in comparison to the other four basic types of brainwave frequencies.  The reason I left this out was because there is some debate over whether Gamma brain waves are in a distinct class or are just another level of Beta waves. Up until recently, they have received little attention from researchers.

Gamma brainwaves have long been considered the brain’s information and sensory-binding brainwave – or the brainwave that is able to link and process information from all parts of the brain.  It has also been linked to having a great memory and an increased perception of reality but has been found o be a rather rare occurrence.

Gamma brainwaves have also been linked with the ability to process large amounts of information in relatively small amounts of time while having extremely heightened senses that may lead to seemingly out of body or supernatural experiences. It has been found to be related to experiencing paranormal phenomena and was therefore considered to be the exceptional mental functioning of yogis, shamans, spiritual healers, etc.

But in all honesty, Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma are not really separate brainwaves. The categories are just for convenience. One brainwave state may predominate depending on the activity of the individual, but the remaining brainwaves are still present in the mix of brainwaves at all times. For example, a person who is wide awake produces a high amount of Beta brainwave as well as a component of Gamma, Alpha, Theta and Delta. But because the others are only at trace levels, one would “label” this persons brain function as Beta.

The key to optimal performance remains nonetheless to be able to alter one’s mental state from one predominant brain wave to another. Insomniacs usually can’t lower their brain function below Beta. Poor learners seem to be unable to activate the higher brainwaves. Artists are often primarily in Theta while computer programmers are mostly in higher Beta.

People generally have a comfort zone which is maintained through habit and conditioning. If one has been often punished for being “distracted” they may be conditioned to avoid Alpha states and remain in Beta as much as possible. This will ultimately hinder their creativity and empathetic abilities.

But in order to have meaningful close relationships, be comfortable with the self, be productive at work, financially organized, innovative, driven, motivated and overall successful both with work and family, one must avoid fixation on a specific form of mental functioning while being able to freely access all the powers the brain has to offer.

How to Increase Your Brain’s Capacity

Human beings are capable of thought, perception, emotion, determination, memory and imagination that take place within the brain. We have the awareness of consciousness, the ability to control what we do, to know what we are doing and why. We are able to obtain deep understanding of our lives and environment and therefore adapt as need be. Our ability to analyze situations renders us competent in developing solutions to problems and practical solutions. We may not be able to see in the ultraviolet range, but we may design instruments that do. We may not be able to see atoms, but we can design experiments that enable us to know their properties.

In order to make the most of our mental capacities, one must learn to flow easily between one type of brain functioning and another. I described the various brainwaves and their ideal uses in my last post so now I will discuss how to optimize this ability.

Meditation Routine – A meditation routine will help the activation of Alpha or lower brainwaves fairly quickly after some practice. If you make meditation a daily practice, you will be able to tap into that Alpha state with ease. Guided meditation may also smooth the progress of accessing lower brainwaves

Brainwave Entrainment Technology – Brainwave Entrainment can be a powerful method for tuning into various brainwaves. This involves is listening to a specific tone through headphones allowing the brain wave state to match the audio stimulus. In other words, the brain begins to pulse at the desired speed.

A Beta Exercise — Become extremely aware of all your 5 senses. Take note of what you can smell, the taste in your mouth, what your hands are touching, become acutely aware of what you hear and see. Feel free to write this down. Having done this you will know that you are in beta due to the intense external input and the total lack of awareness of your body, feelings or sensations.

Accessing Alpha — Try the following exercise first with your eyes open & then repeat it with your eyes closed. Take a deep breath, hold it and notice the sensations as your heart beats three times, relax & breath out — repeat 3 times. Breathe in and out slowly to a count of 4, as you do so notice how your body feels —relaxed & warm.

So how do you know if you’ve managed to change from one mental state to another? The descriptions below should help:

Delta Brain Waves ( O.5 to 4Hz)

0.5 Hz – Relaxation, helps soothe headaches
0.5 – 1.5 Hz - Pain relief. Endorphin release
0.9 Hz – Euphoric feeling
1 Hz – Well being. Harmony and balance
2.5 Hz – Production of endogenous opiates (pain killers, reduce anxiety)
2.5 Hz – Relieves migraine pain. Produces endogenous opiates
3.4 Hz – Helps achieve restful sleep
3.5 Hz – Feeling of unity with everything. Whole being regeneration
3.9 Hz – Self renewal, enhanced inner awareness
4.0 Hz – Enkephalin release for reduced stress
4.0 Hz – Allows brain to produce enkaphalins, all natural pain killer
4.0 Hz – Full memory scanning. Releases enkephalins
4.0 Hz – Vital for memory and learning. Problem solving, object naming
1 – 3 Hz – Profound relaxation, restorative sleep. Tranquility and peace

Theta Brain Waves ( 4 to 8 Hz)

4.5 Hz – Brings about creativity and imagination
4.9 Hz – Induce relaxation and deeper sleep
4.9 Hz – Introspection. Relaxation, meditation
5 Hz – Reduces sleep required. Theta replaces need for extensive dreaming
5.35 Hz – Allows relaxing breathing, free and efficient
5.5 Hz – Inner guidance, intuition
6.5 Hz – Centre of Theta frequency. Activates creative imagery
7.5 Hz – Activates creative thought for art, invention, music. Problem solving
7.5 Hz – Ease of overcoming troublesome issues
7.83 Hz – Schumann earth resonance. Grounding, meditative
3 – 8 Hz – Deep relaxation, meditation. Lucid dreaming
3 – 8 Hz – Increased memory, focus, creativity
4 – 7 Hz – Deep meditation, near-sleep brainwaves.

Alpha brain waves ( 8 to 12Hz)

8- 10 Hz Increased learning new information, memorization
8.22 Hz – Associated with the feelings and sensations in the whole body
10 Hz – Enhanced serotonin release. Mood elevation, arousal, stimulant
10 Hz – Provides relief from lost sleep, improves general mood
10 Hz – Mood elevator. Used to dramatically reduce headaches
10 Hz – Clarity, subconscious correlation. Releases serotonin
11 Hz – Relaxed yet awake state
12 Hz – Centering, mental stability.
11 – 14 Hz – Increased focus and awareness
12 – 14 Hz – Learning frequency, good for absorbing information passively

Beta brain waves ( 13 to 30Hz)

14 Hz – Awakeness, alert. Concentration on tasks, Focusing, vitality.
16 Hz – Releases oxygen/calcium into cells
12 – 15 Hz – Relaxed focus, improved attentive abilities
13 – 27 Hz – Promotes focused attention toward external stimuli
18-24 Hz — Euphoria, can result in headaches, anxiety.

(Data taken from synthesislearning.com)

Make the Most of Your Brain

Neuroscientists have been using advanced brain measuring equipment to map the most brilliant minds of our time to help them understand what separates them from the rest of us. From yogis and monks to celebrated artists, physicists, business leaders and top athletes, their brains have been monitored during those peak state moments when brain states change and enter into cognitive states such as when creativity is experienced.

Now it is clearly understood and accepted by experts, that specific brain patterns are connected to various states of mental functioning. The brain is driven by a vast interconnected system of neurons which spark electrical energy waves in distinct frequencies and patterns called brainwaves. Brain monitoring equipment like EEGs show us the tiny electrical signals through out the brain and we are able to measure the electrical pattern and determine the frequency of the pulses and their intensity.

When you are awake and focused, the dominate brainwaves you are producing are Beta brainwaves which are above 12 Hz (or cycles per second). Beta waves are characteristics of a strongly engaged mind, when we think logically, solve problems, and confront external stimuli. A person in active conversation would be in Beta. A debater would be in high Beta. A person making a speech, or a teacher, or a talk show host would all be in Beta when they are engaged in their work.

However, too much Beta can cause significant problems for the individual by increasing muscle tension, raising blood pressure, and creating a state of anxiety for the individual. Beta waves can bring panic and result in thinking too much but resulting in little outcome, thus becoming exasperating and worn out. While it is possible to teach the highest level cognitive processing and complex artistic expression, attention must also be paid to assist the individual in achieving a degree of physical relaxation.

Alpha brainwaves are slower between 8-12 Hz. The beginning of relaxation occurs during this wave length. During Alpha awareness the mind is relaxed and alert. It is a state of passive awareness, composure, and of physical and mental relaxation and this specific state is the main gateway through which the conscious mind accesses the subconscious. Emotional sensations in the alpha state include a sense of well being, pleasure and tranquility while also increasing mental function.

Alpha brain wave production is the hard drive of our brains.  One consequence of the modern stressful lifestyle is that we forget how to produce Alpha brain waves. With an emphasis on multitasking we easily fall victim to anxiety and stress-related diseases which reduce the efficiency of our immune systems. People who produce more regular intervals of Alpha brain waves experience less anxiety and their immune systems appear healthier.

Theta brain waves are the direct access to the subconscious mind. Ranging from about 4-8 cycles per second, Theta is present in dreaming sleep and provides the experience of deep meditation. This is also the storehouse of creative inspiration where one is open to all feelings and possibilities. Connection to inner strength, truth, knowledge and inspiration occur through vivid dream-like visualizations.

Below Theta is the Delta brain wave which is almost only attained during deep sleep. People with high amounts of Delta have been found to have increased empathy and access to the subconscious mind but may feel mentally unfocused, emotionally drained, and often tired as this is not the brainwave necessary for daily interactions.

Scientists have discovered that the most successful and emotional healthy people have the ability to access different mental states as they need them. When a state of simultaneous thinking and meditating occurs, one can flow easily between the conscious mind and subconscious mind.

The key to optimal performance, inventive creativity, true inter-personal empathy, and exceptional recuperation abilities is to use the various types of brain waves as we need them rather than get stuck within a certain framework for all the various occasions. Just like we wouldn’t wear a swimsuit to a formal reception, we must allow our brain to change gear according to the road it’s driving on.

Boost Your Energy

Both ancient wisdom and modern research has shown that life is driven by an energy that is similar to electrostatic fields, yet far more complex (in pulsation, but not in nature), and this is essentially observable in every natural process. Professor Harold Saxton Burr quoted in his book that “Electricity is the way nature behaves” and by discovering that all living things are shaped by electro-dynamic fields, which could be measured and mapped with standard voltmeters, he coined the term “fields of life,” or L-fields, as the basic blueprints of all life on this planet. These L-field voltages revealed physical and mental conditions, and helped diagnose physical, psychological and neurological illnesses before symptoms developed.

Why do I mention this? Because it’s one of the many proofs that we are energy.

From the electric circuitry in our brain to the powerful pump of our heart, we are pure energy. And as energetic beings, we sometimes feel full of energy, in which case we are motivated, strong and powerful, and other times we feel completely depleted of energy. We spend our days either using our energy or seeking to gain energy and if done properly, we can continuously feel like we have a full tank of gas rather than going from first gear to too exhausted to move.

By being attentive to the body’s natural reaction to stimuli, one can become conscious of the energy levels within the body and the elements that positively or negatively contribute to these energy levels. Though we are often deluded by false energy, like sugar highs, the hypoglycemic after-effect offers the clue that such a substance is to be avoided in order to maintain high energy levels without allowing for energy highs and lows.

I once wrote an article entitled “Achieve True Victory, Achieve Self-Trust” in which the importance of trust in one’s feelings is outlined as necessary for knowing what are the right decisions to make in life. Similarly, one must come to trust the body’s signals and act upon the received input. Hence, one’s health and spirit depend on one’s ability to advocate for the body and hold firm one’s personal standards of well-being.

So how can one begin to be attentive to natural energy levels and maintain a new “normal” energy level that is higher than ever before?

Preserve Positivity: a positive attitude in life can go a long way for a positive mind provides a positive body. Image the body like a dog and the mind like the owner. Mistreat the dog and it may either stop working eagerly for you or come back and attack you in its own way. Be kind, give it rewards for good behaviour, speak encouragingly to it, and go play outside every once in a while.

Rest Assured: Moments of activity and rest must be balanced. Too much activity with little rest will drain a fuel tank to the point that only extreme lengthy recuperation will be needed. Similarly, laziness “trains” the body work on less energy and will thus develop an energy limit. A good eight hours of tranquil rest and deep sleep are necessary for moments of high energy and productivity.

Dump the Drains: There are many energetic drains in our lives that we often deem non-negotiable, believing that we have a sense of duty or obligation to sustain them. Often, a bit of reprogramming and sheds light on ways in which we can reduce the things in life that drain our energy. These include traffic jams, neon lights, monotony, excess stress, poor eating habits, specific working or living conditions, noise levels, poor air, water and food qualities, etc.

Have Fun: Fun-filled events, creative moments, engagement in one’s passions, and moments of hearty laughs are all ways in which one can boost energy levels without much difficulty. Often we believe that “fun” involves drinking or going to the pub, but these imply the use of energy drainers: drinking alcohol, being in smoky environments, high noise levels, poor rest, etc. Rather, “fun” implies a level of playfulness often only seen in children, when one can let go of all social restrictions and really feel free to laugh, play and fool around

It is necessary to orientate toward a paradigm that includes the study of life behaviour from an energetic perspective if we are to understand life driving forces and their applications. Vitalism and Life Force energy paradigms are key to understanding how the body works and uncover its purposeful function in life.

As energetic beings, we are all linked to the universe as a whole, including other people, animals, and natural fluxes. One’s spiritual and bodily energy levels thus affect everyone and everything within the shared environment and it is therefore part of our responsibility not only to increase our own energetic vibrations but also encourage the positive energy in others.

“It is only when you have both divine grace and human endeavor that you can experience bliss, just as you can enjoy the breeze of a fan only when you have both a fan and the electrical energy to operate it.” ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

For oriental medicines, organs are capable of responsiveness and the cells of which they are composed can be sensitive to specific emotional waves or states of being. Furthermore for traditional medicines all symptoms are a non-verbal communication expressed on the body in a specific area or system, in order to express an internal conflict or discomfort. In other words, everything we think and feel impacts our body in one way or another so that you can actually read the body to understand how a person thinks or feels. This is the origin of psycho-somatic disorders.

In traditional Chinese and oriental medicines organs are known to be associated to certain emotional conflicts. If a certain organ isn’t working properly, it may be an indication of a particular emotional state that should be addressed.

Though the science behind this can be quite complex, some simple examples include the following:

• The Kidneys can be affected by fear or shock
• The Spleen and Pancreas can be affected by worry or pensiveness
• The Liver can be affected by anger or frustration
• The Lungs can be affected by sadness or suppressed grief
• The Heart can be affected by excess excitement

Criticisms claim that because the brain is the main holder of short and long term memory, an extensive synaptic network would be required for other cells to tap into and preserve the same memories. However, Professor Wolfgand Prinz, of the Max Planck Institute for Psychological Research in Munich Germany, believes that the digestive tract is an example of the body’s “second brain” capability. His research showed that the digestive tract is made up of about a 100 billion brain nerve cells. Similar findings have been found for the spinal cord. This research suggests that cells retain information on physical reactions to mental processes and release signals to influence later decisions. It may also explain how emotional reactions to events can be stored selectively in particular tissues or organs.

It appears clear that different states of mind and perspectives taken on different levels of consciousness affect our awareness, thoughts, feelings and actions. The human nervous system and neural networks have the capability to generate the phenomena of consciousness, the sense of ego and the capability to use complex symbolic communication. But neurons are not the only ones to communicate. All cells communicate in their way.

The Importance of Following One’s Nature

Nature has made simple and functional methods of communication available to us which can and should be used at all times. If one listens closely to what Nature communicates, through the understanding of an adapted language or the reading tendencies, archetypes and “signs” (semiotics), it is possible to obtain a reasonably clear vision of how things work as a whole. These environmental stimuli allow us to proceed in life in a functional and prosperous way.

A distinguished person who uses this process was once called “Jen”, according to Confucian Chinese tradition, or a person in his/her ideal state: a “Real person”. This person was in a state of being which used innate morals and sensitivity to humanity in general: a universal virtue. Confucius explained the concept of Jen as “understanding human beings” (Dialogues 12, 22) or “a sum of respect, empathy, sincerity, integrity and wisdom” (Dialogues 17, 6). The ancient Chinese philosophy recognized that the evolving human should center on the real nature of the “human being”.

The “Ren Gen” would therefore be the person who is perfectly integrated in Nature, honored with a genuine sense of humanitarianism and be proficient in social integration and psychophysical equilibrium. This “Real” being would thus be oriented towards a synergy with his/her neighbor rather than towards personal desires that would confirm his/her own ego and impose with on the collective.

From the beginning of times, humans were naturally driven towards a path of evolution both on the personal and integrative levels. As our brains developed, our skills magnified, our productivity increased and our desire for more grew exponentially, we became evolved humans in a technological modern world. Unfortunately, the path of personal development and synchronicity with our Nature is inversely proportional to human egoism. The disproportionate growth of individualism and personal desires suffocates the “Natural Way” or “Real human beings”. One of the objectives of Holonomics is thus to separate or isolate the nature of this “Evolutionary Glitch”, correct it when possible, and proceed with the focus on integration of all humans into a system beyond individualism.