PERC is an embodied telepsychotherapy which aims to integrate
your body and mind into a synchronized system.
PERC is an embodied telepsychotherapy which aims to integrate
your body and mind into a synchronized system.
PERC is an embodied telepsychotherapy which aims to integrate
your body and mind into a synchronized system.
PERC is an embodied telepsychotherapy which aims to integrate
your body and mind into a synchronized system.
Personalized Embodied Rhythm Coupling: PERC © 2024 by Shelia Clark, Ph.D. is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Your Psychotherapy is provided by Shelia Clark, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Resolve the effects of trauma with a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to therapy, and move towards healing and growth.
“Neuroplasticity” is a term to explain the on-going developmental process in your entire being (brain, body, cellular, bio-chemical, etc.). The neuroplasticity process created the initial “survival trauma response” of the sympathetic nervous system which is now out-dated for your life. With guidance from Dr. Clark, you will change that "stuck" pattern.
PERC is a sequential process designed to create coupling foundations in the parasympathetic nervous system which will activate the self-healing automatic regulation. In the way that the “survival trauma response” occurs in an automatic manner now, so will the “self-healing response” occur in an automatic manner. The PERC process becomes a parasympathetic “somatic sensory memory” using the same coupling mechanisms as the sympathetic “somatic sensory memory”.
Psychotherapy is based upon your individual requirements. The first session is a comprehensive assessment of your needs. (Click "FAQ" and scroll to section "Downloads" for legal documents.)
Psychotherapy has the following goals of being “embodied”:
Humans have evolved (adapted) to possess many bio-rhythms which maintain life. These range from the uniformly experienced circadian rhythm (based upon sunlight, seasons, and other aspects of earth functions) to the most recently studied human internal oscillators, which now consist of these known rhythms:
· 37 physiological rhythms (body temperature, blood pressure, bronchial patency, etc).
· 32 rhythms for cognitive function.
· 27 rhythms for endocrine function.
· 14 rhythms for metabolites.
· 25 rhythms for organic molecules.
· 18 rhythms for cellular components.
· 15 rhythms for enzymatic activity.
Psychotherapy increases your awareness of your rhythms. You learn how to alter (adjust) these rhythms with the use of IN SYNC* techniques (*see below for more information).
In human biology, the concept of “energy coupling” refers to the primary function of the cells.
In “rhythm coupling”, the process refers to the interactions which occur when different biological rhythms become coupled. In PERC psychotherapy, the primary “rhythm coupling” that we use is the coupling of the 4-8 (10 sec) deep slow exhalation breathing rate and HRV heart rate. This coupling arises from the voluntary control of the diaphragm muscle. (See *1 reference in "Evidence-Based Research")
From this coupling, we then proceed to “couple” other rhythms, which ultimately impact mind and body interactions to bring your overall life rhythm to a health status (adjustment) from a dis-ease status. This coupling adjusts the biological coupling of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
We teach you how to couple the vagus nerve rhythm to the breath and heart rhythms with use of the "sighing pacemaker." The “sighing” is performed throughout the breath exhalation. Your auditory cortex “listens” to your “sighing”, producing waves of electrical activity which consists of theta and gamma rhythms. This coupling begins the activation of conscious awareness and integration of brain functions.
(See*2 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research")
The gamma rhythm activates the motor movements brain functions. We increase this brain function by coupling the Fascia Network via Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). This process awakens the body's communication nervous system, which is based upon contraction and expansion of light and sound energy. (See*3 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research")
The coupling with CSF increases with the Fascia Network coupling. You now have achieved a congruence (adjustment) with Heart Brain, Gut Brain, and Head Brain. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is now dominant over the "fight/flight" sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
We begin Mindfulness Training for Interoceptive Perception (awareness of your internal body sensations). Then we activate Exteroceptive Perception (awareness of your external senses of vision, hearing, smell, and tactile). The brain centers which connect to the PNS become more active. (See *4 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research"). Sensory awareness will be expanded beyond the 5 senses.
Now you are ready to maintain the shift to the PNS by developing a "muscle memory" via daily practice of the "relaxation response." This "habituation" begins to shift the baroreceptor resetting to a "new normal" of supporting the PNS functions rather than the SNS, which have been maintaining your trauma survival response and the Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) mindset. The entire PERC process will impact the Oxytocin-Vasopression Pathway (See *5 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research") which are the most ancient peptide molecules which create human cognitive thoughts.
Other biological systems begin shifting as you gain and apply knowledge of how your body communicates its needs to you. Focus turns to wellness changes, such as diet. An understanding of the fascia network and the lymphatic waste removal system will increase your coupling ability throughout the body and brain.
After you have gained an understanding of the body health processes, we then introduce psychotherapy techniques for altering "stuck" beliefs and trauma-reactions which have not adjusted to the biological shifting of PNS dominant coupling. You gain skills of being able to shift from SNS to PNS in a balanced and goal-directed manner. The RNT begins to resolve.
Repetitive thought (RT) can be unconstructive and constructive. RT is defined as the process of thinking attentively, repetitively or frequently, and this can be in a negative form, such as worry and judgments, or in a positive form, such as planning, goal-setting, problem-solving. Therefore, RT can be a process for maladjustment or for adjustment. Within the treatment process of PERC, we focus upon resolving Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) as the biological rhythms become “coupled” with the domination of the PNS. This shift occurs as the SNS becomes non-dominant.
Then, while you remain in PNS, we utilize constructive RT techniques to set new habits which utilize the network of the PNS rather than the “fight-flight” network of SNS. You learn how to self-maintain your chosen adjustments. Your body movements and speech patterns will also change. Gamma wave brain functions become the dominant energy. Speech will reflect the PNS mood state rather than the SNS state.
You will learn how to self-regulate by integrating the 4-8 breath pattern with body movements. You will gain skills in doing slow micro-movements with focus on the breath rhythm as your body moves spontaneously. Starting from lying down position, you will then gradually move to other positions: rolling over, sitting, standing, etc. This process enables the body to recall childhood development of somatic body integration with breath and growing brain functions. Somatic Sensing starts from cellular, with understanding of somatic senses such as vestibular and proprioceptive gravity awareness. These movements create a sense of “body safety” and can over-ride the RNT thought process. Then you will integrate other learned body patterns, such as yoga, dance, exercise routines, integrating the 4-8 breath pattern into all muscle memory patterns. Then you will learn other PERC/IN-SYNC exercises for releasing rigid tension in each body part, moving from head to toe.
IN-SYNC: Integrative-Natural-Sensory-Yin Yang-Neuro-Cognitive
Integrative: combining science from current research such as neuro-brain studies, cognitive behavioral theories, and psychotherapy research, with integration of knowledge about evolutionary and biological developmental processes.
Natural: creating safety for the body systems (brain, nervous, digestive, etc.) to synchronize with one another in a natural manner.
Sensory: bringing conscious awareness to your internal (interoception) and external (exteroception) sensory experiences.
Yin Yang: balancing the opposites of head (mind) and gut (body) brains with the opposites of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Neuro-Cognitive: stages of treatment include psycho-education, breathing and relaxation training, sensory integration, psychotherapy for trauma issues, and neuro-learning for changing of dysfunctional beliefs.
PERC is based upon the principle of connecting to your felt experience rather than the principle of "fixing a problem."
PERC follows the principle of developing curiosity and delight in learning about yourself.
PERC recognizes that the brain learns by the principle of movement combined with attention. Attentional voluntary deep breathing fulfills that principle when the movement of diaphragm and chest expansion and contraction is coupled with heart rhythm.
PERC achieves natural learning with voluntarily-induced slow processes, focusing upon one sensation at a time, coupling one rhythm after another until spontaneous body movements (termed "fascia unwinding") begin occurring (yawning, burping, gas elimination, coughing, stretching, scratching). The brain develops connections with body rhythms rather than with RNT (repetitive negative thinking) of what is wrong and "needs fixing."
PERC principles permit you to interact with others and yourself with subtleness, gentleness, and reduced effort. The elimination of "shoulds, woulds, faster, meet goals and expectations" occurs as you develop joy for the unknown, the unplanned, and the unexpected.
PERC allows the brain learning switch to turn on, which then allows the miraculous shift to occur.
PERC gives you awareness of when to stop and allow for the integration of the new with the old to occur. If too much force is applied, the old RNT will return and prevent integration and process change from happening.
PERC activates "Awareness" as a process action, not as a passive observing. This principle is not understood by those who believe that a "goal action" must follow awareness. They rush to "fix something, to change something." When comprehension of the principle that "awareness is the action," the brain will make changes in all rhythms automatically, without the RNT "fixing, trying, doing, etc."
PERC is not “yoga training” nor “meditation” nor any New Age approach to spirituality. Though these practices may use some sort of breathing practice to activate the initial cognitive/emotional/bodily changes, the next steps of those practices differ significantly from PERC.
Meditation practices are ancient and arose in conjunction with human cultural societies. Meditation rituals of all sorts underlie social religions. https://positivepsychology.com/history-of-meditation/
Yoga arose later and encompasses a philosophical perspective, a theory of knowledge, and a precise system of practices. Yoga includes such disciplines as meditation, relaxation, control of breathing, and physical postures.
New Age beliefs are shared by Christians and non-Christians, including beliefs in reincarnation, astrology, psychics and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects like mountains or trees. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/10/01/new-age-beliefs-common-among-both-religious-and-nonreligious-americans/
PERC is evidence-based psychotherapy, provided to you by a Clinical Psychologist, licensed by the State of California at the highest Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) level. https://www.coursera.org/articles/doctorate
The APA (American Psychological Association) policy emphasizes integrating the best-available research with clinical experience. The effectiveness of psychotherapy is influenced by the unique characteristics of each patient, such as developmental history and life stage, personal problems, strengths, personality structure, functional status, readiness to change or engage in psychotherapy, degree of social support, and family and sociocultural factors (e.g., unemployment, major life events). Clinical decisions are made collaboratively with the patient with attention to costs, benefits, available resources, and options. Such decision-making involves ongoing monitoring and adjustment.
PERC follows a model that embodies “flexibility within fidelity” which relates to core components of research, rather than specific techniques, given that it is fidelity to core components during treatment that ensures good outcomes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5509639/
Our teletherapy sessions allow clients to receive quality mental health care from the comfort and convenience of their own home. We utilize a secure and easy-to-use platform to provide clients with a safe and confidential space to discuss their concerns and work towards their goals.
The current focus of bio-psychological research is on exploring why and how the breath rhythm and heart beat become coupled into rhythms which can create either health or disease.
PERC is a science-based nonmedical psychotherapy which aims to integrate body and mind rhythm coupling systems into a synchronized adjustment.
These techniques (ways of doing things) can be effectively presented via telehealth technology as YOU are the energizer of YOUR OWN transformation. View Videos: https://www.cfcninc.org/treatment-videos
Below are links to research which underlie PERC.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
Bookshelf is a full-text electronic literature resource of books and documents in life sciences and health care at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Created in 1999 with a single book as an encyclopedic reference for resources such as PubMed and GenBank, it has grown to its current size of >1300 titles. Unlike other NCBI databases, such as GenBank and Gene, which have a strict data structure, books come in all forms; they are diverse in publication types, formats, sizes and authoring models. As you learn more about your human life, please search this library for more answers. As psychotherapists, we are also on the "cutting-edge" of learning this new science. Join us in exploration and knowledge growth!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_oscillation
Neural oscillations (or brainwaves) are rhythmic or repetitive patterns of neural activity in the central nervous system. These patterns can be synchronized and/or coupled. When neurons become isolated (cannot signal to other neurons), then an impairment in the organism will appear. When functioning with oscillations in patterns, we experience this as consciousness and awareness.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544606/
This article explains the various ways in which organic systems interact with each other through various forms of oscillations and coupling methods.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7987796/
This research study shows that the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can become unsynchronized and uncoupled, not functioning in opposites as when healthy behaviors are observed. Certain stress will cause dysfunction in both systems, wherein each system shows impairment.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1959222/
The following topics are presented: regulation of activity; efferent pathways; sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions; neurotransmitters, their receptors and the termination of their activity; functions of the ANS; and the adrenal medullae. In addition, the application of this material to the practice of pharmacy is of special interest.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5899234/
Breathing occurs without thought but is controlled by a complex neural network with a final output of phrenic motor neurons activating diaphragm muscle fibers (i.e., motor units). This allows humans to voluntarily control the breathing pattern through learned control of one of the largest muscles in the body, the diaphragm.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24746049/
Cardiorespiratory coupling is an encompassing term describing more than the well-recognized influences of respiration on heart rate and blood pressure. Cardiorespiratory coupling reflects a reciprocal interaction between autonomic and respiratory control systems, and the cardiovascular system modulates the ventilatory pattern as well.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9840384/
This research shows how the breathing pattern has impact on your emotions.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8275985/
This research shows how the breathing pattern impacts neurons and energy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3BCFOlk1oQ
How heart rate is controlled by the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, with overview of baroreceptor resetting.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4431729/
This research discusses how the 6 cycles breath per minutes changes heart and brain rhythms and baroreceptors.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroreflex
The most sensitive baroreceptors are in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch. While the carotid sinus baroreceptor axons travel within the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), the aortic arch baroreceptor axons travel within the vagus nerve (CN X). Baroreceptor activity travels along these nerves directly into the central nervous system to excite glutamatergic neurons within the solitary nucleus (SN) in the brainstem. Baroreceptor information flows from these NSS neurons to both parasympathetic and sympathetic neurons within the brainstem.
The end-result of baroreceptor activation is inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic (increases) and parasympathetic (decreases) have opposing effects on blood pressure. The sympathetic neurons determines the release of norepinephrine onto cardiovascular targets, which constricts blood vessels to increase blood pressure. When baroreceptors are stretched, their firing rate increases which in turn decreases the sympathetic outflow resulting in reduced norepinephrine and blood pressure.
https://books.byui.edu/bio_265_anatomy_phy_II/154__baroreceptor_an
Another important factor in the regulation of cardiac activity is the level of ions in the extracellular fluids.
https://openres.ersjournals.com/content/erjor/1/1/00001-2015.full.pdf
Besides anxiety, you might have a medical reason. Here is questionnaire to help you determine if you might benefit from breathing regulation training: https://bronchiectasis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/BW-Nijmegen-Questionnaire.pdf
https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/holistic-healthcare/sound-vibrations-and-the-vagus-nerve.html
A simple practice of toning (producing long vocal sounds, usually vowels) can have tangible calming effects by virtue of its auditory stimulation of the vagus nerve. This, in turn, causes limbic deactivation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705176/
This study shows that humming and mantra sounds produce positive HRV, which is also related to the longer exhalation cycle. The coupling between Heart rate and respiration is apparent. They discuss studies that show that reciting the rosary prayer enhances cardiovascular rhythms and HRV, and that reading of one cycle of the rosary causes readers to breathe at 10 second intervals.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099099/
A sensation of vibration is experienced during audible ‘OM’ chanting, which stimulates the vagus nerve through its auricular branches. Calming effects are shown on the brain state of the insula, amygdala, anterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus and thalamus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427060/
The “sigh” resets the breathing “pacemaker”; each cycle of breath is “new” and capable of changing the entire functions of the brain.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480273/
The tracking of slow speech fluctuations by theta oscillations, and its coupling to gamma-spiking activity both appeared as critical features for accurate speech encoding. The different elements of speech have different frequencies: the typical frequency for syllables is about four syllables per second. Phonemes, which are the smallest elements of speech, appear at a higher frequency. The auditory cortex, the part of the brain that processes sound, produces various ‘waves’ of electrical activity, and these waves also have a characteristic frequency (which is the number of bursts of neural activity per second). One type of brain wave, called the theta rhythm, has a frequency of three to eight bursts per second, which is similar to the typical frequency of syllables in speech, and the frequency of another brain wave, the gamma rhythm, is similar to the frequency of phonemes.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859128/#
The Vagus Nerve is a connection between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), also referred to as the brain–gut axis ("gut-brain"), and enables the bidirectional connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/
This "gut-brain" communication network includes the CNS, both brain and spinal cord, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the ENS and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The sympathetic and parasympathetic ANS, transmits vagal pathways to CNS and to the intestinal wall. The HPA axis is considered the core stress axis that coordinates the adaptive responses of the organism to stressors of any kind. It is a part of the limbic system the brain, which is involved in memory and emotional responses. Both neural and hormonal lines of communication combine to allow brain to influence the activities of intestinal function, such as immune cells and cells impacting gastrointestinal dis-eases.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8IC-3AfPkw
Informative video with graphics which explain the connection between vagus nerve and somatic health of "gut-brain" functions.
Everything you want to know about the body's most ancient nervous system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9838LWKIqE
This research shows how pain is related to the fascia network.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399921002014
This study shows the interconnections between body dis-eases and fascia joints.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3091471/
This paper proposes a model that builds on the neurobiologic, ideomotor action, and consciousness theories to explain the process and mechanism of fascial unwinding.
This research shows the increased effect on Heart rate when slow deep breathing is combined with Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332580426_Active_Contractile_Properties_of_Fascia
The fascia network has inherent contractile abilities. The continued exposure of the sympathetic nervous system can create stiffness in the fascia.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2515690X17750750
The fascial system has various tools for communicating inside and outside the body, precisely because of its characteristic feature of enveloping and supporting each body area. These communications allow rapid adaptation of bodily functions, from posture to metabolic function, from vocal expression to psychological and pain perception, affecting the health and well-being of the person. The pressure generated by the contraction and elongation of the myofascial system allows the cells to deform and adapt, a phenomenon which is at the basis of mechanotransduction. Sound is generated by the sliding of the various fascial layers and the light is rhythmically emitted by the fascia.
https://juniperpublishers.com/jojnhc/pdf/JOJNHC.MS.ID.555726.pdf
Follow these instructions.
View video: https://youtu.be/ihO02wUzgkc?si=zgUrTJ3sezv9uLKY
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8272667/
All of the separate techniques tested showed significant reductions in anxiety, but deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation techniques appeared to be responsible for the greatest amount of anxiety reduction.
https://www.neseminars.com/product/rtn013/#
The craniosacral system is a physiological system which profoundly influences the functions of the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, peripheral nervous system, myofascial system, endocrine system, and immune system. The craniosacral system has only come into our understanding physiologically since 1975. Prior to that, information about the system was fragmented and understood as parts of other systems. The craniosacral rhythm is experienced throughout the body, via the fasica network and the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It expands and contracts at the rate of 4 - 12 cycles per minute, and is experienced throughout the body.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7830105/
The precise mechanisms connecting the cardiovascular system and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not well understood in detail. This study shows that slow breathing (6 cycles per minute) not only couples breath to heart rhythm, but also impacts the CSF rhythm in the brain, coupling brain functions to breath and heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1316ySwE-M
Certain traditions believe there is a ‘step-down’ process or condensation that occurs from the Source to our physical self. As this energy condenses it becomes more differentiated and visible to the human eye as physical form. As this condensation occurs, certain traditions believe that the initial ‘step’ into the body occurs at the third eye, or the brow center. At this same location is the third ventricle, a space in the middle of the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Amazingly, this same fluid space, bordered by the pituitary gland in front and the pineal gland in back, has been referred to as the ‘Crystal Palace’ and the ‘Cave of Brahma.’ The CSF is home to many neurotransmitters and signaling molecules providing an elaborate range of biological functions. The CSF utilizes volume transmission and its information can potentially be quickly dispersed and simultaneously target key brain regulatory centers due to its fluid nature. Interestingly, at the back of the third ventricle, in the middle of the brain, the CSF condenses and aggregates into a thread-like structure known as Reissner’s fiber that extends the entire length of the central canal of the spinal cord. The precise role of this fiber is unknown. Could it have a role in conveying vibratory signals from the fluid itself? In addition, the CSF contains the ‘spirit molecule’ DMT that is released by the pineal gland. Nisargadatta Maharaj said, “fluids come together and the ‘I Am’ appears.” The CSF may therefore serve as a vehicle for immediate signaling to major control centers of the brain and may be significant in regulating consciousness and the sense of ‘I Am’. Let us explore our fluid nature, our fluid body, visit the 'Cave of Brahma' and go with the flow.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6867418/ This study showed that gamma waves respond to auditory speech which then altered right hemisphere behavioral responses. The self-generated auditory vibration impacts the fascia network via sound.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5572286/
"...language and emotion processing affect each other. This has been shown for the processing of simple words...and sentences." This means that "what you hear" will create an "emotion" in your body, as well as change your thoughts.
"...Presentation of emotional words also influences the perception and appraisal of non-verbal emotional signals..." This means that "what you hear" changes "how you see and interpret" someone's body language.
"...Expressing one's own emotions to others as well as inducing emotions in others is a key function of spoken and written language..."
This means that language is used as a primary way in which a family, society, and culture, will "dog-train" our SNS. PERC is the way to activate our PNS "Peace-Brain" and change SNS conflict communication.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4876111/
The article explores the Interoception concept, such as considering the stimulus of interoception (whether endogenous versus exogenous), whether other the organs are involved (viscera versus somatic tissue), what are the homeostatic pathways through which the signals are transmitted. Although these may all contribute to interoception and affect our experience, none of these are essential to interoception, because it is in fact the CNS, where perception is created, and so it is inside our heads that we may find the very origin of our interoceptive experience.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10460568/
The conscious processing of body signals influences higher-order psychological and cognitive functions, including self-awareness. Dysfunctions in the processing of these signals has been connected to neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by altered states of self-consciousness. Studies indicate that perceiving the body through interoceptive signals (e.g., from internal organs such as heartbeat and breathing) is distinct from perceiving the body through exteroceptive signals (e.g., by relying on visual, tactile and olfactory cues). This study creates a tool for self-assessing awareness of exteroception.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02654075221099654?icid=int.sj-full-text.citing-articles.4
This research expands the role of Interoception and Exteroception into the realm of social behaviors; how another perceives the other's actions, based upon their interpretation of their own body reactions.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5346579/
This study reveals possible interactions between exteroceptive and interoceptive body awareness and pain. Movement based contemplative practices that target sensory-motor integration and foster non-judgmental reconnection with bodily sensations are suggested to improve body confidence, functionality, and quality of life.
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18524841-600-senses-special-doors-of-perception/
PERC treatment will increase your awareness of many more than “acknowledged 5 senses, including expansion of Interoceptors and Mechanoreception: balance, rotational acceleration, linear acceleration, proprioception (joint position), kinaesthesis, muscle stretch (Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindles), blood pressure, arterial blood pressure, central venous blood pressure, head blood temperature, blood oxygen content, cerebrospinal fluid pH, plasma osmotic pressure (thirst), artery-vein blood glucose difference (hunger), lung inflation, bladder stretch, full stomach.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00710/full
This research compares many studies which show that heart rate impacts cognitive (thinking) functions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35509660/
This research shows how the heart rhythm is altered with OCD (negative thoughts).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/016787609500009H?via%3Dihub
This research shows how thoughts can impact both the OCD and the heart rate.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35390760/
This research shows how the heart rate is different between the OCD condition and non-OCD.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5743651/pdf/fendo-08-00356.pdf
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) are ancient peptide molecules which evolved from a single genetic source vasotocin over 500 million years ago in reptiles. VP evolved approximately 200 million years ago (functions primarily as part of the sympathetic nervous system “fight/flight/freeze”). OT evolved approximately 100 million years ago with many of the functions associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly related to maternal nursing functions and felt “safety/love” emotions. Across the modern human lifespan, the effects of OT and VP dynamically interact and adjust to influence the perception of fear and safety. Together, in both male and female, these bio-chemical “siblings” (OT/VP) create a biological and genetic pathway that regulates attachment and bonding, and protects against threats and other forms of challenge. Both OT and VP receptors are capable of being epigenetically tuned (i.e., changed in energetic regulation functions as well as learning and memory forming events in neurons). This variation explains the worldwide differences in social behaviors and emotional attachments.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2672052/
This article summarizes the research pertaining to both negative and positive repetitive thought. In brief, either negative or positive repetitive thought can create either mental disturbances or personal growth. There is a lack of research which can link either process with either outcome. There was no review of the impact of the following upon RT: biological, interpersonal, neuropsychological and neurological factors, such as the role of neurotransmitters, functional deficits in inhibitory processes, and functional neuroanatomy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9356323/
This study focuses upon repetitive negative thinking (RNT) as it occurs on a continuum from healthy functioning to severe psychiatric disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders. RNT cuts across all diagnostic boundaries. This study examines three neural networks: the salience network, default mode network (DMN) and frontoparietal network (FPN). In brief, the level of unproductiveness of RNT was positively associated with the severity of psychopathology. Further, less level of RNT was associated with a more flexible pattern of mind wandering, whereas greater RNT was characterized by an inflexible and repetitive thinking style. More stress-vulnerability was associated with higher RNT distress. Impairment in the ability to disengage from stress-induced negative thoughts created more stress-related symptoms.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915322000312
This study discusses how Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) causes higher heart rate (ie., a decreased HRV). With an individual who has a psychological diagnosis (ie., anxiety, depression) the stress response will be prolonged due to RNT. And the individual does not return to their baseline levels after the stressful event due to the impact of pre-existing RNT.
https://drsarahmckay.com/how-to-break-bad-habits-using-neuroscience-2/
"When we start learning something new, our prefrontal cortex (PFC) and brain networks involved in the action (e.g. motor cortex) is super active. But as we keep practising the skill (or thought, or behaviour), the PFC hands over the new skill to a deep brain structure called the basal ganglia, where they’re stored for easy access. This neural-handover is why new skills can be challenging at first (they require a lot of brain power) but get easier and feel more natural over time."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5524679/
Animal studies: The dorsal striatum has two functionally-defined subdivisions: a dorsomedial striatum (DMS) region involved in mediating goal-directed behaviors that require conscious effort, and a dorsolateral striatum (DLS) region involved in the execution of habitual behaviors in a familiar sensory context. The thalamus has a significant role in conveying sensory-related information to DLS and other parts of the striatum. The thalamostriatal projections to DLS originate mainly from the caudal intralaminar region, which contains the parafascicular (Pf) nucleus, and from higher-order thalamic nuclei such as the medial part of the posterior (POm) nucleus. The thalamostriatal projections from these two regions exert opposing influences on the expression of behavioral habits.
(PERC notes: Habits can be self-directed or unconscious in execution. Either presentation may be SNS or PNS based. ) See other research on habit-formation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6673072/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/dorsal-striatum
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425246/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL44CV2i6NQ
Comments from Dr. Clark: Our thoughts, feelings, and actions influence each other during experiential learning. Our self-concept develops from childhood and societal experiences. Emotional dis-eases arise from problems in self-concept (the combined “self” of memories of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of those experiences).
The modern self-concept has much obsessional negativity associated with this internal image. In PERC, we use a term of “RNT” to refer to this chronic negativity.
This article is an attempt to cover the scope and development of Body-Psychotherapy, from Reich's early work in Europe to the growth of different methods of Body-Psychotherapy. Reich's theory of character centered around his observations that the defensive ‘armoring’ of a person’s character are both the repressed emotions and the embodied tensions that make up their ‘survival’ strategy for their childhood conflicts.
You can download a free pdf from this website.
Process Based Therapy (PBT) is a META approach and overarching framework that can be used in conjunction with all types of psychotherapy. PBT gives the therapist a holistic, multi-dimensional view of psychological problems. PBT allows the therapist to view the situation from multiple angles, and gives them a better chance of figuring out what the ‘root cause’ of what the problem might be.
It seeks to honor the complexity of each case, rather than simply labelling someone as having a particular type of disorder, and ‘batching’ them in a particular group. Good therapists do this intuitively, but PBT offers a scientific framework and training on how to do this. PBT is highly data-driven in that it requires therapists to collect a high volume of data on clients’ progress, giving them continuous feedback on what’s working and what isn’t. PBT takes both physiological and social/cultural considerations into account for designing interventions.
https://theweekenduniversity.com/process-based-therapy-introduction/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6350520/
There's still much to learn about what makes up a brain-healthy diet. Studies are finding that what's good for your heart also may be good for your brain.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082167/
This are the basic life-sustaining chemicals. Your diet will become a focus for overall health coupling capability.
https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx#
https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-melatonin
Circadian rhythms are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes an organism experiences over a 24-hour “light-dark” cycle. Scientists have termed the regulator of these rhythms the “biological clock” which is composed of proteins activated by thousands of genes which switch on and off in a specific order. This master clock is in the brain, presenting as a large group of nerve cells termed the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The amount of sunlight causes the SCN to produce melatonin. At night, the master clock makes more melatonin, causing sleepiness and begins to synchronize the other circadian rhythms in organs and tissues throughout the body and brain. In humans, every tissue and organ has its own circadian rhythm which sets sleep patterns, hormone release, appetite and digestion, and temperature. Impacts to the master clock, which can disrupt various rhythms, come from food intake, stress, physical activity, social environment and temperature.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.700431/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36563187/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37640026/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-wheat-germ
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10538658/
Our earthly existence follows a predictable daily rhythm based on the planet’s daily rotation on its axis. Life evolved the biological “circadian clock” which allows organisms to anticipate and respond to these 24-hour environmental changes. The governing oscillations are located in the suprochiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which integrates light signals from the external environment. At the cellular level, we require a protein (termed BMAL1) which regulates coupling with many different life rhythms. Without this protein, all circadian rhythmic activity throughout the organism is impacted: endocrine function, immune system, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses, and cardiovascular health, to name only a few of the circadian-based life functions. Recent research has identified melatonin as a possible dietary supplement which impacts BMAL1 to resolve chronic sleep deprivation-related cognitive impairment by alleviating oxidative stress. In rat studies, the use of “human recombinant rhBmal1 protein” (lab form of wheat germ) has reduced sleep deprivation-induced anxiety and cognitive impairment. There are no current studies on human food form of wheat germ as to impact on BMAL1 and sleep cycle issues. It is known that the plant which is the oldest human food (bread) is heavily influenced by its own “circadian clock” and that there might be an “evolved” human food need for the nutritional benefits of the wheat germ for our own “circadian clock” functions.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3528600/
https://www.uniprot.org/uniprotkb/P05129/entry
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7156284/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8602708/
“Eating at the wrong time” (night-eating syndrome, shift work, and jet lag) is associated with obesity and metabolic syndromes, susceptibility to various diseases (ie. cardiovascular, cancer) and psychiatric symptoms. Circadian rhythms are primarily entrained by light, but timed food signals (or temporally restricted feeding such as fasting), can also trigger circadian-based behavioral and physiological rhythms. In the brain, a network of structures such as the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, dorsal medial hypothalamic nucleus, and cerebellum are entrained by food timing. However, the SCN clock is not reset. This can lead to desynchrony between the SCN clock and clocks in other brain regions, which contributes to altered mood and cognitive functions.
Research on mice has indicated that timed food signals recruit PKCγ (also known as human “Protein kinase C gamma type”), which resets the clock in food-entrainable regions of the brain by stabilizing BMAL1 (the protein necessary for SCN functions). During day-light, the SCN overrides the effects of PKCγ. During “wrong time eating”, the PKCγ overrides the influences from the SCN by suppressing BMAL1 degradation, resulting in phase resetting of the cerebral cortex clock.
Additional research on human “Protein kinase C gamma type”suggests that an overriding of SCN clock may increase pain sensitivity and drug addiction throughout the body organs. Other mouse research suggests that BMAL1 and the circadian oscillations are vital to the growth and development of new cells. This is a vital requirement for healing neuroplasticity processes.
As to treatment for desynchrony between the SCN clock and other circadian clocks, we look to the natural products (NP) history, which have been used for the treatment of various ailments dating back to the Neanderthal period. NP compounds are derived from natural sources like plants, microbial metabolites, and marine organisms. Since ancient times, due to the mostly non-formal nature, and lack of knowledge, the utilities of many of these NPs are mainly anecdotal. Modern science is now extracting and studying these NPs. In particular, the human Protein kinase C (PKC) has become a target for extracted NPs. In the above URL link, a review of several natural products and their derivatives are discussed which have an impact on PKC signaling cascade. In particular: curcumin, rottlerin, quercetin, ellagic acid, epigallocatechin-3 gallate, ingenol 3 angelate, resveratrol, bryostatin, staurosporine, and midostaurin.
When you begin the physical healing component of your well-being, your understanding of the role of the breathing rhythm and heart HRV coupling will increase as will your ability to “adjust” your body functions for physical resolutions. This coupling is especially impactful to common inflammatory diseases such as skin inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The voluntary breathing activates the movement of the diaphragm, which is one of the largest muscles in the human body. It is the diaphragm movement which couples with the heart rhythm. In addition to the diaphragm’s role as the primary respiratory muscle, it also plays an under-recognized role in cardiac and inflammation immune function.
The lymphatic system circulates through the body, destroying bacteria and infections, along with other bodily waste fluids. This is how inflammation is resolved. The diaphragm serves as a pump to return carbon dioxide blood (depleted of oxygen) and lymphatic fluid waste to the heart. These undesired elements are carried back to the heart, where they dump into the heart bloodstream. From there, the breath exhalation carries the carbon dioxide from the body. The lymphatic waste is carried to the liver and kidneys where the waste is removed from the blood. The body then gets rid of this waste when you pass urine (pee) or stools (poop).
Here are links to read more details about this coupling process.
https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.760
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513247/
https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/training/
The University of Oxford, in partnership with the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative, is working to share knowledge about the science of brain development for families and professionals. This is important information for everybody to understand how our earliest experiences can affect our long-term mental and physical health. This is a free course.
Lifelong health is determined by more than just our genes: experiences at sensitive periods of development change the brain in ways that increase or decrease risk for later physical and mental illness, including addiction. That finding is the premise of the Brain Story, which puts scientific concepts into a narrative that is salient to both expert and non-expert audiences. The Brain Story synthesizes decades of research and reflects a body of knowledge that experts agree is useful for policy-makers and citizens to understand.
The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) has developed an online course to make Brain Story science available to professionals and the public. Brain Story Certification is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for lifelong health. The course is also designed for professionals seeking certification in a wide range of fields.
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