The Secret to Longer Life
I know what you’re thinking – what in the world is Neurohacking?
If you ask me, the word “Neurohacking” sounds reminiscent of something straight from a science fiction movie – like the matrix or star-wars.
However, Neurohacking is not science fiction – it’s better! Simply put, Neurohacking is where science fiction meets modern medicine.
If you think about it, science can now prove that the brain is not as static as we think. Instead, the brain is extremely malleable with a vast potential for bio-chemical change – also known as Neuroplasticity.
So, if we understand that much of our health – or lack thereof – is purely cognitive, we can start to incorporate simple principles of Neuroplasticity to heal the body. Sounds exciting, right?
To learn how Naurohacking can improve your life, keep reading…
The Nuts & Bolts of Neurohacking
This relatively new practice is used by many functional medical practitioners and Neuroscientists to improve the health of their patients. But, why?
Your brain is made up of about one hundred billion neurons. All of which, are responsible for carrying out an endless amount of physiological functions.
For this reason, scientists have conducted many cognitive behavioral studies using MRI imaging. These images reflect how emotions effect the brain.
For instance, when the body is under stress, the MRI will pick up a more chaotic wave length frequency. While, in a coherent relaxed state, the graph will reflect a healthier wave pattern – less erratic wave spikes.
What’s The Purpose of Neurohacking?
The purpose of brain hacking is to improve the mind and body connection. For this single reason, Neurohacking techniques play a critical role in calming the CNS (central nervous system).
If the CNS is over stimulated, this will directly affect specific regions and receptors of the brain –which may trigger a cascade of negative feedback in the body. Some of the symptoms of a hyperactive nervous system include digestive issues, anxiety, and fatigue – just to name a few.
So, by incorporating Neurohacking techniques within your day, you can effectively rewire the brain in a positive way.
3 Ways To Neurohack The Brain
Neurohacking sounds complex – but really, it’s not. Basically, by initiating breathing and mindfulness, you can greatly influence your health.
Now, lets go over three simple ways on how to Neurohack the brain…
1. A Walk in The Woods
In a Stanford-led study called, “Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation” they compared urban walking vs. Nature walks. The results are astonishing!
The study concluded that although both urban and nature walking produced similar physical benefits, the cognitive benefits were very different.
In the study, and I quote, “Before and after, the researchers measured heart and respiration rates, performed brain scans and had participants fill out questionnaires. The neural activity of the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a brain region active during rumination – repetitive thought focused on negative emotions – decreased among participants who walked in nature versus those who walked in an urban environment.”
To make a long story short, go take a hike in the woods!
2. Tai Chi
Cutting-edge research from Harvard has now scientifically proven why a daily Tai Chi practice can improve brain function. In the book, Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi the text thoroughly explains the vast cognitive benefits of this ancient Chinese practice.
In one excerpt, Tai Chi has been called, “medication in motion.” The reason is because Tai Chi helps build Neuro-network pattern’s in the brain.
Even further, consistent practice will thicken the gray matter – the area in the brain that contains neuronal cell bodies. Some of the functions of gray matter include muscle control, sensory perception, emotions, memory, and speech.
3. HeartMath
The creators of HeartMath have designed a heart-brain-body connection tool to improve ones coherence. Companies such as NASA and The New York Times are raving about the benefits that this technology has to offer.
So, how does HeartMath work? Hearthmath has created a user friendly monitoring system for the personal computer and even for the iPhone – the app is called inner balance.
The theory behind HeartMath revolves around calming the nervous system by changing behavioral patterns in the brain. In an excerpt from Heart Math, they have found that,“Improvements in mental & emotional well-being in over 5,500 people in just 6-9 weeks using HeartMath training and technology.” By consistently practicing, the body will shift back to a more relaxed and healthy state of mind – and it’s all done within minutes.
At the SOPHIA Natural Health Center, when it comes to understanding and successfully treating the body, we use a synergistic blend of both Western Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In a nutshell, SOPHIA only uses all-natural and proven methods to effectively prevent and heal the body from the inside out. For more information, call 203-740-9300 to schedule for a complimentary consultation.