The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

photo credit: HaPe_Gera

If you’re like me, your first inclination will be to dismiss this simple yet astonishing exercise in “metaphysical” fitness. It came to me, compliments of the Barefoot Doctor and now I happily share it with you. The italics are mine, the content is universal.
Enjoy….

When the world seems strange, your habitual reference points have slipped all over the place, you can’t quite get your bearings and it’s making you feel odd inside, rather than attempt to change it or in any way make yourself feel less odd, welcome and embrace the oddness. Allow yourself to feel odd (or whatever else you may be feeling).

Lightly press your forefinger into the centre of your forehead, just above the bridge of your nose, in the small indentation there, in line with the eyebrows, ask yourself, ‘could I let go of wanting to change this?’ and if the answer is yes, ask, ‘would I let go of wanting to change this?’ and if the answer is still yes, you’ll probably notice you no longer feel odd, that the oddness has been integrated and transformed into normality (whatever that is).

Remove your finger slowly and notice your head relax. Allow the relaxation to spread downwards throughout your body. Breathe slowly, deeply and freely, allowing your belly to swell on inhalation and flatten on exhalation, so your diaphragms can work efficiently, look around you and remind yourself it’s you who’s manifested the appearance of reality as you’re perceiving it and it’s you who is free to change it at will, simply by choosing to see it differently.

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photo credit:johdax

Terpenoids are naturally occurring aromatic organic compounds that have been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years — we know them as aromatic or “essential oils”.

Menthol, camphor, thymol, eugenol and incensole acetate are all examples of plant terpenoids with psycho-active properties. Yep, I said psycho-active.

Apparently burning incense is more than just tradition — it’s intended to take you to a better place and now we understand why.

To put it another way, we “are what we eat” and we “feel what we smell!”

Here’s how it works.

A little know gene known as transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV3), codes for the even lesser known ion channel found in the brain with the same name. In fact, the TRPV3 ion channel is scattered throughout the brain wherever neurons are found.

Hidden within the resin of Boswellia serrata (the Frankincense tree), lies incensole acetate, a common ingredient found in incense and the subject of a recent study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal.

As it turns out, incensole acetate is a potent activator of TRPV3 channels with potent anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties, as determined by mouse behavior.

Based on observed behavioral changes, scientists concluded that “the biochemical and pharmacological effects of IA may provide a biological basis for deeply rooted cultural and religious traditions.”

Approximately fifteen million Americans have depression and about half as many suffer from anxiety-related disorders. It is estimated that half of all patients do not seek treatment for depression or even continue recommended treatments once started.

Incense alone will not cure depression, but a clear understanding of the neurochemistry opens the door to better treatment modalities.

Who knows, aromatherapists may find themselves vindicated in the not-to-distant neuro-society!

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