What is Neuroplasticity?
Since the early explorations of phrenology, we have collectively sought to understand and improve brain function, particularly during the process of aging. Neuroplasticity explores the changes in the function and structure of the brain in relation to experience. Sometimes referred to as rewiring or repatterning, modern day research on neuroplasticity indicates a far greater potential for new neural connections and networks as well as improved learning, memory, and mood regulation. Innovations on rewiring patterns from past traumatic experiences to new healthier emotional responses and lifestyle habits are coming to the forefront of mainstream conversation. We collectively seek greater well-being and harmony in our physical health and mind-body connection. We are beginning to understand that we can harness the power of the brain and optimize neurochemical responses like serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine to maintain chemical balance and our ability to function at our human highest potential.
For the longest time, it was believed that brain plasticity was limited to an individual’s early development. However, despite the existence of data indicating that neural plasticity occurs throughout one’s life, it is only recently that researchers have begun to confirm the persistence of neural plasticity in adults and aged individuals (Voss, et al). This discovery has opened a whole new avenue for individual mental development and peak performance. Although the adult brain develops new synaptic connections more slowly, there are ways to expedite the process. As alternative and complementary medicine modalities increase in their level of pronounced benefit and acceptability, research is branching out to the effect of nutrition, sensorial experience and meditation.
Neuroscience Research
With the expansion of neuroscience research, efforts have been made to examine the influence and efficacy of the ancient practice of aromatherapy. Due to the powerful connection between olfaction and the limbic system of the brain which regulates much of our physiology, specifically mood, memory and emotion, when we inhale the right essential oils, we are able to affect the nervous system and regulation of our emotional repatterning. Using pure essential oils is gaining significant traction in the fields of mind-body health. In regards to neuroplasticity, essential oils such as Eucalyptus and Lavender have been shown to lengthen attention spans and recall capacity. In conjunction with this discovery, it has been shown extensively that essential oils possess neuroprotective anti-aging properties, even being cited by researchers as significantly reducing the effects or onset of dementia, epilepsy, and anxiety (Ayaz, et al). The field of neuroscience is now becoming more holistic with the inclusion and study of lesser-used, but supremely effective medicinal practices.
Both music and aromatherapy have been shown to stimulate the release of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in encouraging neural growth. This is significant because it shows that both listening to music and immersing oneself in aromatics “stimulate the same neural network as that involved in reinforcement learning and reward” (Lv Xn, et al, Constantin).
There is a common phrase in the neuroscience community: “Neurons that fire together, wire together.” Consider this akin to building a community. The more individuals working together of like minds are stronger, more efficient and more creative than when alone. When we combine multiple sensorial experiences together and repeat these practices, our neural connections expand and strengthen.
What is neuroplasticity training?
Neuroplasticity training is known to form new synaptic connections within the brain, and with frequent practice, facilitate greater cognitive efficiency and ability. It is slowly being discovered that one of the greatest stimulants for this cognitive flexibility might come from meditation. The practice of meditation, a prolonged attention exercise, has in studies such as Magan, D, et al “Brain Plasticity and Neurophysiological Correlates of Meditation in Long-Term Meditators” been shown to “potentially enhance the explicit functions of the right hemisphere.” In other words, possibly strengthening an individual’s recall and problem-solving abilities.
Neuroplasticity is achievable through consistent healthy habit patterns. More specifically, neural growth is most noticeable in those who engage in new actions, or even in more challenging versions of known actions.
Examples include learning a new language or using one’s non-dominant hand to write. Of course, there are ways of improving the speed and fortification of neural synthesis. Essential oils, such as Rosemary, repeatedly cited in studies such as Muhammad Ayaz, et al “Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants” for its numerous health and healing properties, is known “to stimulate the nervous system and thus perk up memory and concentration capacity.” In a sense, essential oils heighten or broaden your capacity for sustained concentration, thereby creating the possibility for faster neural development.
Although it is not necessary to seek assistance to improve one’s neuroplasticity and brain function, it is often recommended to find a professional who is skilled in curating a healthy practice regimen for each individual.
How can you cultivate a daily mindful practice and empower continued learning, mood and other cognitive function?
Adora’s Top 5 Tips to Optimize Neuroplasticity
Consistency is key. Like most things in life, the more you practice, the better you become. In this case, building lifelong healthy habit practices as early as possible builds your neural networks and strengthens your synaptic connections. Carpe diem, and start making positive changes that will benefit your future health and happiness.
Essential Oils: The use of pure essential oils via Inhalation supports anti-aging, neuroprotection and emotional repatterning. Created by Adora, Aromatic Neural Repatterning™ (ANR) is a modality to rewire the brain for positive experience expectation and to clear past traumatic patterning with specific essential oils and mindfulness techniques.
Meditation: With a versatile range of benefits from lowering stress, inflammation and increasing emotional resilience and productivity, structural differences can be seen in the brains of long-term meditation practitioners. Cultivating a consistent, daily meditation practice of 20 minutes a day can offer significant mind-body benefits.
Diet: “Brain foods”: Healthy fats like Cod Liver oil and other Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), superfoods like tumeric and Goji, and whole foods nutrition. Try adding a few walnuts, high in Omega 3 fatty acids, to your favorite smoothie or salad.
Exercise: Consistent exercise supports more than just a fit body. It supports neurotransmitter release - including endorphins to keep the brain, body, mind and heart feeling good. Three to five workouts a week of your favorite type of movement will generate greater clarity and immunity as well.
Music: Listening to your favorite music can be more than uplifting. Research shows that consistent, long-term musical immersion supports the brain to release dopamine. Have you heard of the Beethoven effect on brain enhancement? Give your favorite concerto a go for 10 minutes a day for a week and notice the changes in your mental and emotional outlook and response.
References
https://www.detoxnourishactivate.com/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00168/full
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2019.0167
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447774/
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