Emotions and Body ChemicalsEmotions and Body Chemicals

What is emotionsWhat is emotions

Mental state that Mental state that arises arises spontaneouslyspontaneouslyFor example:For example:

AngerAnger

HappyHappy

Fear/AnxietyFear/Anxiety

Sad/depressedSad/depressed

Interesting facts about emotionsInteresting facts about emotions

1.1. Affected by societyAffected by society

2.2. Affected by timeAffected by time

3.3. Affected by intensityAffected by intensity

Where Emotions develop in Where Emotions develop in Body?Body?

Lymbic SystemLymbic System

-Hypothalamus-Hypothalamus

-Amygdala-Amygdala

-Hippocampus -Hippocampus

HypothalamusHypothalamus

This triggers the physical manifestations such This triggers the physical manifestations such as the pounding heart and dry mouth that come as the pounding heart and dry mouth that come with fear. with fear.

AmygdalaAmygdala

The Amygdala influences the manners in which The Amygdala influences the manners in which we behave when emotionally aroused. For we behave when emotionally aroused. For example, laughing when happy, and crying example, laughing when happy, and crying when distressed. It is particularly active in when distressed. It is particularly active in emotional reactions associated with fear, emotional reactions associated with fear, anger, flight and defense. anger, flight and defense.

Hippocampus Hippocampus

The Hippocampus is responsible for our The Hippocampus is responsible for our memories of incidents that carry a strong memories of incidents that carry a strong emotional flavor emotional flavor

Body StructureBody Structure

Body is a system of -digestion, respiration, elimination Body is a system of -digestion, respiration, elimination etcetc

And this system is made upAnd this system is made up

1. Glands -adrenal, mammary etc.1. Glands -adrenal, mammary etc.

2. Organs- heart, liver, lungs, etc.2. Organs- heart, liver, lungs, etc.

3. Glands and organs are comprised of tissues -fat, 3. Glands and organs are comprised of tissues -fat, bone, muscle etc.bone, muscle etc.

4. Tissues are composed of cells. 4. Tissues are composed of cells.

CellsCells Cells are the fundamental functional Cells are the fundamental functional

(physiological) and structural (physiological) and structural (anatomical) parts of the human body (anatomical) parts of the human body as well as all other living organisms. as well as all other living organisms.

Some Some sourcessources told us that the average told us that the average adult human body is made up of "50 adult human body is made up of "50 million million" (50 trillion) cells, million million" (50 trillion) cells, while others put the figure closer to while others put the figure closer to 10 trillion. 10 trillion. Science Science NetLinksNetLinks, a , a resource for science teachers, stated resource for science teachers, stated that there are approximately "ten to that there are approximately "ten to the 14th power" (that's 100 trillion) the 14th power" (that's 100 trillion) cells in the human body. cells in the human body.

Cell continued….Cell continued….

So just like other body parts….our brain is So just like other body parts….our brain is also composed of cells. The number of cells in also composed of cells. The number of cells in brain is in millions. Then we have receptors brain is in millions. Then we have receptors on the surface of the cell. Example could be on the surface of the cell. Example could be golf ball/ satellite dish/ locks golf ball/ satellite dish/ locks anything…….detail is in the next slide anything…….detail is in the next slide

How our brain works?How our brain works? The brain is a complex communications network The brain is a complex communications network consisting of billions of neurons, consisting of billions of neurons,

or nerve cellsor nerve cells. Networks of neurons pass messages back and forth within the brain, . Networks of neurons pass messages back and forth within the brain, the spinal column, and the peripheral nervous system. These nerve networks the spinal column, and the peripheral nervous system. These nerve networks control everything we feel, think, and do.control everything we feel, think, and do.

To send a message, a brain cell releases a chemical (neurotransmitter) into the To send a message, a brain cell releases a chemical (neurotransmitter) into the space separating two cells, called the synapse. The neurotransmitter crosses the space separating two cells, called the synapse. The neurotransmitter crosses the synapse and attaches to proteins (receptors) on the receiving brain cell. This causes synapse and attaches to proteins (receptors) on the receiving brain cell. This causes changes in the receiving brain cell, and the message is delivered. changes in the receiving brain cell, and the message is delivered.

Chemicals (messengers)Chemicals (messengers) Ligands (general terms chemicals) which mean Ligands (general terms chemicals) which mean

substance that bind substance that bind selectivelyselectively to a specific receptor to a specific receptor site on the surface of a cell and can be natural or man-site on the surface of a cell and can be natural or man-made substances. There are three kinds of ligandsmade substances. There are three kinds of ligands

--Neurotransmitters- serotonin, dopamine, --Neurotransmitters- serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA and acetylcholine.generally norepinephrine, GABA and acetylcholine.generally made in the brain to carry information across the gap, made in the brain to carry information across the gap, between one neuron and the next.between one neuron and the next.

--Steroids- harmones testosterone, progesterone and --Steroids- harmones testosterone, progesterone and estrogen.estrogen.

--Peptide –amino acids made up of protein--Peptide –amino acids made up of protein

What Ligands do?What Ligands do?

It is the function of ligands (body chemical) to transmit a It is the function of ligands (body chemical) to transmit a message to the receptor cell that coordinate body functions message to the receptor cell that coordinate body functions such as metabolism, (digestion and elimination), and such as metabolism, (digestion and elimination), and respiration on a cellular level. These cellular processes in turn respiration on a cellular level. These cellular processes in turn bring about dramatic functional changes in tissues, glands, bring about dramatic functional changes in tissues, glands, organs, and entire body systems.organs, and entire body systems.

At the same time At the same time peptidespeptides not only coordinate almost all body not only coordinate almost all body functions on a physical level, but also on an emotional level. functions on a physical level, but also on an emotional level. These powerful biochemicals are concentrated in the limbic These powerful biochemicals are concentrated in the limbic system (see above), the seat of the emotions, and play an system (see above), the seat of the emotions, and play an important role in governing our emotions as well.important role in governing our emotions as well.

Video PresentationVideo Presentation

Here is the video which shows the better how it Here is the video which shows the better how it worksworks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqqq5eme4X0 v=Tqqq5eme4X0

Chemical effectChemical effect Neuropeptides (messenger molecules) cause chemical changes in the body that can Neuropeptides (messenger molecules) cause chemical changes in the body that can

improve or weaken the immune system. Once immune cells receive the stress improve or weaken the immune system. Once immune cells receive the stress response alarm, they undergo changes and begin to produce powerful chemicals. response alarm, they undergo changes and begin to produce powerful chemicals. These substances allow the cells to regulate their own growth and behavior, enlist These substances allow the cells to regulate their own growth and behavior, enlist the help of other immune cells, and direct these to the areas of invasion or other the help of other immune cells, and direct these to the areas of invasion or other trouble spots. Studies show that the HIV virus interferes with a peptide associated trouble spots. Studies show that the HIV virus interferes with a peptide associated with feelings of self-esteem. In one study, patients with full blown Aids, who had with feelings of self-esteem. In one study, patients with full blown Aids, who had therapy to boost their sense of self and strengthen emotional bonds, survived therapy to boost their sense of self and strengthen emotional bonds, survived statistically longer than expected. statistically longer than expected.

Another example: Rheovirus, which causes common cold, uses receptors for Another example: Rheovirus, which causes common cold, uses receptors for norepinephrine. If an individual is happy, these receptors are filled with norepinephrine. If an individual is happy, these receptors are filled with norepinephrine so happy person is less likely to get a cold.norepinephrine so happy person is less likely to get a cold.

Examples Examples

Few Body Chemicals and their effectsFew Body Chemicals and their effects:: AdrenanlineAdrenanline- bad chemical/anger- bad chemical/anger EndorphinsEndorphins – pain killer, produced by brain – pain killer, produced by brain SerotoninSerotonin – feel good – feel good

AyurvedaAyurveda

Our ancient science of life which is called Our ancient science of life which is called AyurvedaAyurveda in in Sanskrit says the same thing that depression/stress is the main Sanskrit says the same thing that depression/stress is the main cause of the physiological imbalances or, as the sages would cause of the physiological imbalances or, as the sages would say, “It’s ama”.  Stress puts blockages in our physiology, say, “It’s ama”.  Stress puts blockages in our physiology, thereby impeding the flow of life energy, dampening the thereby impeding the flow of life energy, dampening the digestive fire and generating “ama”.    Chronic stress affects digestive fire and generating “ama”.    Chronic stress affects what scientists call the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA).  what scientists call the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA).  The hypothalums(explained above) is the master controlling The hypothalums(explained above) is the master controlling region in the brain and the pituitary gland is the master region in the brain and the pituitary gland is the master

controlling gland of the endocrine systemcontrolling gland of the endocrine system. . 

Depressed individuals show this pattern of impairment in the HPA.  Depressed individuals show this pattern of impairment in the HPA.  During the depressive episode, the levels of adrennorcorticotroic During the depressive episode, the levels of adrennorcorticotroic harmone (HCTH) and cortisol secretion increase.  The levels of harmone (HCTH) and cortisol secretion increase.  The levels of serotonin, norepinenphrine, dopamine and other biochemicals fluctuate serotonin, norepinenphrine, dopamine and other biochemicals fluctuate as an adaptive response to the changes in the HPA.  Another affected as an adaptive response to the changes in the HPA.  Another affected biochemical is melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep.  Also, biochemical is melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep.  Also, when serotonin is substantially reduced by acute and chronic stress, when serotonin is substantially reduced by acute and chronic stress, there is an increase in the activity of the locus coeruleus, a part of the there is an increase in the activity of the locus coeruleus, a part of the brain that affects anxiety, anger, fear and frustration. brain that affects anxiety, anger, fear and frustration. 

Ayurveda cont..Ayurveda cont..

Ayurveda in simple words.. Ayurveda in simple words..

In simple terms- Any aggravation of the doshas affects agni (the digestive fire) and In simple terms- Any aggravation of the doshas affects agni (the digestive fire) and produces ama (toxins). Ama enters the blood stream and circulates throughout the produces ama (toxins). Ama enters the blood stream and circulates throughout the body, clogging the channels and tissues. This accumulated toxicity will slowly body, clogging the channels and tissues. This accumulated toxicity will slowly affect the vital life energy (prana), the immunity (ojas) and the cellular metabolic affect the vital life energy (prana), the immunity (ojas) and the cellular metabolic energy (tejas), and result in disease. So, ama is the basic internal cause of all energy (tejas), and result in disease. So, ama is the basic internal cause of all ailments, and it is due to the aggravation of vata, pitta, or kapha. According to ailments, and it is due to the aggravation of vata, pitta, or kapha. According to Ayurveda, the key to optimal health is to help the body eliminate toxins and Ayurveda, the key to optimal health is to help the body eliminate toxins and reestablish the balance of the doshas. reestablish the balance of the doshas.

How to control/change How to control/change emotions?emotions?

Eating habits-Eating habits-Food is one of the main reason which affects Food is one of the main reason which affects our emotions through the direct effect of taste, through the our emotions through the direct effect of taste, through the effect during digestive (virya), and the effect after digestion effect during digestive (virya), and the effect after digestion (vipaka). The resulting doshas and gunas stimulate the (vipaka). The resulting doshas and gunas stimulate the occurrence of particular Emotions. Thus all foods are occurrence of particular Emotions. Thus all foods are moodfoods.moodfoods.

Positive thoughtsPositive thoughts- Nothing more important that our own - Nothing more important that our own thought process. Most events outside us don't prompt thought process. Most events outside us don't prompt emotions. It is the interpretation of the event that prompts the emotions. It is the interpretation of the event that prompts the emotion.emotion.

Consider laughterConsider laughter -A genuine deep belly laugh floods our -A genuine deep belly laugh floods our cells with happy brain chemicals.  After a belly laugh, we feel cells with happy brain chemicals.  After a belly laugh, we feel purified, lighter. purified, lighter. 

Continued…Continued…

BreathingBreathing ExerciseExercise-Breathing exercises has positive effect on the brain -Breathing exercises has positive effect on the brain and the endocrine system.  Studies suggest that the practice of these and the endocrine system.  Studies suggest that the practice of these technique increases serotonin levels, more important, it also reduces technique increases serotonin levels, more important, it also reduces cortisol levels.  Hence we can reduce the stress and treats the depression cortisol levels.  Hence we can reduce the stress and treats the depression For exampleFor example: Kapalbhati and Bastrika breathing excersises both stimulate : Kapalbhati and Bastrika breathing excersises both stimulate the network of nerves in the abdominal cavity that regulates digestion and the network of nerves in the abdominal cavity that regulates digestion and metabolism.  These exercises trigger the release of two stimulating metabolism.  These exercises trigger the release of two stimulating substances: epinerphrine and norepinephrine.  The latter, is one of the brain substances: epinerphrine and norepinephrine.  The latter, is one of the brain chemical that is deficient in depression.  Increasing the levels of this chemical that is deficient in depression.  Increasing the levels of this biochemical in the bloodstream uplifts mood and improves physiological biochemical in the bloodstream uplifts mood and improves physiological performance in every way.  These also increase resistance to stress through performance in every way.  These also increase resistance to stress through the probable release of feel good hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin.  the probable release of feel good hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin. 

…….continued.continued MeditationMeditation -The high and low pitch "tones" of the chant resonating within -The high and low pitch "tones" of the chant resonating within

the body also enhance Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) flow. This occurs the body also enhance Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) flow. This occurs because the vibrational sound of the chant has a stimulating effect on the because the vibrational sound of the chant has a stimulating effect on the liquid medium of the CSF as it circulates around the brain and spinal cord. liquid medium of the CSF as it circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Lower pitch "tones" resonate in the chest and abdomen areas, and affect Lower pitch "tones" resonate in the chest and abdomen areas, and affect the CSF within the spinal column. Higher pitch “tones” resonates in the the CSF within the spinal column. Higher pitch “tones” resonates in the head, and therefore impact on the CSF as it circulates within the cranium.head, and therefore impact on the CSF as it circulates within the cranium.

MedicinesMedicines – From tranquilizers and sleeping pills to alcohol and – From tranquilizers and sleeping pills to alcohol and marijuana, many classes of drugs temporarily inhibit activity in the locus marijuana, many classes of drugs temporarily inhibit activity in the locus coeruleuse, thus reducing anxiety, anger, fear and frustration.  coeruleuse, thus reducing anxiety, anger, fear and frustration.  Nevertheless, the effect of these substances is only transient at best and Nevertheless, the effect of these substances is only transient at best and their side effects are negative.  For example: The antipsychotic drugs their side effects are negative.  For example: The antipsychotic drugs Haldorl, Thorazine, Risperdal block receptors dopamine; this can cause GI Haldorl, Thorazine, Risperdal block receptors dopamine; this can cause GI & immune side effects; it releases prolactin in women which causes & immune side effects; it releases prolactin in women which causes constant PMS. constant PMS.

ConclusionConclusion

We can control our emotions by different ways but We can control our emotions by different ways but you need to weigh them before applying in your you need to weigh them before applying in your life……life……

ReferencesReferences http://http://www.healthstresswellness.com/index.asp?pgidwww.healthstresswellness.com/index.asp?pgid=72=72 http://www.healtouch.com/csft/bodywork.htmlhttp://www.healtouch.com/csft/bodywork.html http://www.healtouch.com/csft/yoga.htmlhttp://www.healtouch.com/csft/yoga.html http://truthseekerjournal.com/1997archive/124_1/15_chemical.htmlhttp://truthseekerjournal.com/1997archive/124_1/15_chemical.html http://al.turtlecounseling.com/blog/Relationships/Skills/http://al.turtlecounseling.com/blog/Relationships/Skills/

FeelingsandEmotions/_archives/2005/4/7/562962.htmlFeelingsandEmotions/_archives/2005/4/7/562962.html http://lipgravy.com/whitefeatherlibrary/emotionsandfeelings.htmlhttp://lipgravy.com/whitefeatherlibrary/emotionsandfeelings.html http://www.charisma.org.uk/chapt-8.htmhttp://www.charisma.org.uk/chapt-8.htm http://www.rasas.info/body_mind_emotions.htmhttp://www.rasas.info/body_mind_emotions.htm http://kr.buddhism.org/~skb/down/papers/152.pdfhttp://kr.buddhism.org/~skb/down/papers/152.pdf