When someone’s frowning, or beaming, or gaping in surprise, they’re wearing their heart on their face. That’s because the muscles that control facial expression are linked to the smart vagus, says Stephen Porges, PhD. Thanks to the vagus nerve, the emotions we feel are displayed on our faces and in the sound of our voices. […]
Neuroplasticity and Trauma: Can Brain Science Give Us a New Perspective on Healing?
The brain can be a powerful ally. Our brains are always looking out for us. They’re wired to help us survive – alerting us to threats and ramping up our amygdala to help us take action. But that same survival trigger makes healing from trauma difficult, says Pat Ogden, PhD. In fact, the very systems […]
Using Mindfulness to Change the Brain: A Different Way to Deal with Pain
It’s probably safe to say that most people have experienced pain at some point in their lives, be it acute or chronic. . . . . . and many of us have heard the phrase “mind over matter,” but when it comes to pain, does it actually work? It turns out that there is a […]
Brain Science Has No Borders: Changing Brains (and Transforming Lives) Around the World
Brain science is one of the most fertile areas that we, as practitioners, have right now to help our patients . . . . . . from improving relationships, to strengthening focus, and turning negative experiences into positive ones, the benefits of brain change are astounding. And better yet, the pool of knowledge about neuroplasticity […]
Why The Brain Series Means So Much To Me
Have you ever felt like you were meant to do something? I guess you could say it’s a calling, or maybe just an instinct. For me, it came in the summer of 2005 . . . . . . the three people I was closest to were all touched by some kind of negative neuroplasticity […]