Brain/Sleep

BRAIN HEALTH

The nervous system consist of the brain, spinal vertebra, spinal nerves which carry information from body to the brain and vise versa, cranium which houses and protects the brain and series of build in survival reflexes to response to the internal (organs, tissues, PH, Inflammation, etc) and external environmental demands. These are fight/flight, Reproduction and Digestion

The purpose of our nervous system is to assist us to Adapt  through movement, Relate ( emotional and biochemical integration) , Learn ( to create meaning and self reflect) and Love ( through application of values and virtues to create a peaceful coexistence within self , family, community  and the planet).

Our state of health is a reflection of our nervous system’s ability to adapt to the changes of life (neuroplasticity) which directly affect the choices we make. The adaptation depends on how the brain integrates and makes sense of the incoming information.

• Factors necessary for a healthy nervous system are:
• Oxygen
• Food through healthy eating
• PH Balance (Acid /Alkaline balance)
• Activation through movement and exercise creating a good posture
• Sleep (body’s innate immune detoxification and stress management system)
• Emotions (the meaning we give to our perceptions)
• Spiritual Stress – inadequacy of passion, purpose & belief system

Brain integration can be interrupted through:

Structural Stress– Such as car accidents, sports injuries / strains, poor posture, head injuries, stroke, etc

Electromagnetic stress– Long term exposure to computers, telephones, electrical appliances, microwaves

Bio-Chemical stress– Poor eating habits and choices, environmental pollutants and toxins, alcohol, drugs,  too much acid forming foods.

Emotional/Mental stress – Change of career, loss of job, divorce, separations, anger, abuse, etc.

Spiritual Stress – Inadequacy of passion, purpose & belief system\

Body’s Natural Stress Management System

One of the most important building blocks for achieving health, wealth and vitality resides in the healing powers of sleep. Sleep is food for the brain, get enough of it and get it when you need it. After oxygen and water, sleep is the most important need, even more important than food.

Sleep is divided into 4 stages of Non REM 75% (purple) sleep and REM (Blue) 25%  sleep (Rapid Eye Movement). These are sometimes referred to as “sleep phases” or “sleep cycles“.

Non REM is responsible for regeneration, detoxification ( liver,gut, lymphatic system),repair, & hormonal regulation. 

REM sleep is responsible for emotional regulations, memory reconsolidation & learning.

Dreaming occurs in both stages buy mostly during REM sleep. Each cycle of NREM and REM is repeated every 90 minutes, 4 to 5 times a night. 5-6 cycles is an ideal amount of sleep required for everyone after 15 years old.

Sleep is necessary for detoxification, immunity, tissue repair, regeneration, memory consolidation, learning, emotional balancing and most importantly for recuperation of the brain from the day’s activities. 

When we achieve quality sleep, we prime the emotional brain properly;  balancing brain chemicals, creating a positive and energetic state of mind. The result is a feeling of mental and physical energy and an internal psychological push called motivation. Without it we may get  depressed and sick.

Most common sleep complaints

• Sleep apnea
• Snoring
• Insomnia
• Restless leg syndrome
• Night terror
• Sleep walking
• Sleep talking  
• Teeth grinding
• Bed wetting
• Night sweats

Modalities utilised:

• Sleep Lab Test
• Neural Organisational Technique
• Biochemical/Nutritional Assessment
• Neurotherapy
• Functional neurology
• Dentistry & Oral appliances