Brain Development and Stress

Data from a Princeton University study adds still another reason to reduce stress in our lives.

Prior to Professor Elizabeth Gould’s research, modern neuroscience was predicated on the hypothesis that all brain neurons emerge during prenatal and early postnatal development; that brain cells were thereafter fixed. Brain development was believed to be determined by effort and determination.

Her research demonstrated two important findings to the contrary:

1. The primate brain (that includes ours!) is always creating new neurons.

2. The structure of the human brain is largely influenced by its surroundings, not by individual effort and determination. The research proved that chronic stress halts the production of brain neurons. This groundbreaking study revealed that the brains of stressed primates literally stopped creating new cells and neural pathways. In addition, evidence showed that existing cells retreated inward. (The brains were said to “disfigure.”)

Gould’s research carries monumental implications when we consider, not only our personal health, but also a society in which stress factors continue to mount.

Fortunately, there is much we can do with reflexology for our clients and ourselves when it comes to both combating stress and encouraging brain development. Reflexology is a modality proven to shift the autonomic nervous system from its “flight or fight” response to stressors to the healing state of “rest and repair”.

When people request a stress-reducing session from me, I immediately focus in on the reflexes of the central nervous system and the solar plexus; add in the adrenal reflexes to support those busy glands in their efforts to respond to excessive stimulation and the diaphragm reflex to aid in deep, relaxed breathing and improved oxygen delivery to the brain.

It’s nice to know, isn’t it, that both stress reduction and brain development can result from something as simple as a soothing session of hand or foot reflexology?

Please join us for an upcoming Reflexology for the Hands workshop or (foot) Reflexology workshop and learn more!