Rewiring Our Nervous System: How to Slay Those Unwanted Dragons
As humans, we are creatures of habit. Our behaviors and habits are deeply engrained in our nervous system, shaping our daily lives and overall well-being. However, sometimes these patterns no longer serve us, hindering our growth and happiness. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of how habits and behaviors become stuck in our nervous system and how NetworkSpinal, a transformative approach to wellness, can help replace old systems with new and healthy ones. It’s perfect timing given its proximity to the Chinese New Year, which celebrates the Year of the Wood Dragon.
When we repeat an action or behavior, our brain creates connections between the neurons involved and formulate neural pathways. These connections become stronger and more efficient with each repetition, leading to the automatic execution of that behavior. This process is known as neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections throughout life. There can also be a “cascade reward response” associated with certain neurotransmitters as. The most popular ones being Serotonin, Oxytocin and the ever popular Dopamine.
In a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, researchers found that habitual behavior is associated with changes in the connectivity of specific brain regions involved in decision-making and motor control (Graybiel, 2008). This suggests that habits are not merely a matter of willpower, but rather a result of neural circuitry. Habits become hardwired into our nervous system.
Take a moment and think about the habit of brushing your teeth or the order of things you do when you take a shower. Do you brush your teeth with the same hand each day? Do you complete the same order every time you shower? The answer is most likely yes. While these types of habits benefit your health and well-being, we also have ones that are unhealthy such as overeating, shopping, shutting down, excessive phone scrolling, etc…. Sadly, these can happen because of traumas, causing a cascade effect long after the trauma has occurred. So, what do we do about it? How do we gain the energy to make the shifts we want in our lives?
A Path to Transformation, NetworkSpinal:
NetworkSpinal is a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on enhancing the body's self-regulating capacity and promoting self-healing. It involves gentle touches and specific movements that facilitate the release of tension and stored energy in the body. By targeting specific points of access known as spinal gateways, NetworkSpinal aims to activate the body's innate intelligence and promote a state of optimal well-being. It is through this process, known as spinal entrainment, that the magic happens. Entrainments foster a release of old, stuck energy in your body and mind.
In Chinese culture, the Year of the Wood Dragon is associated with change, transformation and growth. Dragons are often seen as symbols of power and wisdom, but they can also represent challenges and obstacles that need to be overcome. Similarly, our old habits and behaviors can be seen as dragons that hold us back from living our best lives.
NetworkSpinal acts as a metaphorical sword, allowing us to slay these old dragons and replace them with new and healthy patterns. Through the gentle touches and movements, NetworkSpinal helps us release the tension and energy stored in our nervous system, creating space for new neural connections to form. This facilitates the rewiring of our neural pathways, making it easier to adopt new habits and behaviors that align with our well-being and growth. Just as the Year of the Wood Dragon represents change and growth, NetworkSpinal acts as a catalyst for personal transformation, allowing us to slay old dragons and embrace a life of vitality and wellness.
References:
Graybiel, A. M. (2008). Habits, rituals, and the evaluative brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 31, 359-387.