Our Body Stores Memories

Psychoneuroimmunology is the science that investigates the mind/body/immune system connection. Our bodies remember - good, bad, or indifferent - experiences, and tag the significant with deep feeling. The body is the mind. (specifically the deeper mind) Explained a bit more medically, neuropeptides are the electrochemical component physically encoded into molecules which exist on cell walls throughout our tissues. These messenger molecules, are biological carriers of emotionally charged memories and information, a.k.a. the “molecule of emotion.” Hence, memories live throughout our body, soft tissue, and immune system.	< ==  Hence bodywork can trigger neuropeptide sites, bringing imprinted experiences into consciousness, thereby eliciting an emotional response.   A few long-ago treatments stand out in my mind - for starters, my own. I was still in school, actually toward the end of my studies. I remember, because I was working in the clinic. Students not only treated clients, we were treated as well. One time, while I was on the table, out of nowhere, I started crying. It took me off guard. The therapist/teacher was unfazed. It was explained to be a positive release of tension, even if it was via tears. Healthy or not, I felt self-conscious.  As my professional years of practice accumulated, I encountered similar situations. Clients would report physical and/or emotional responses, and on quite a few occasion, yes, there were actual tears.   Psychoneuroimmunology certainly explained this phenomenon.
A benefit of bodywork: it can quell trigger sensations while working with qualified professionals (social workers, therapists, mental health practitioners, etc.) on issues. This way it is possible to get closer to the root causes – instead of having physical sensations causing us to guard, avoid, or protect. * “People base actions on avoidance of pain rather than pursuit of pleasure.” - Anthony Robins
Our system maintains a record of all experiences with a triune memory - bodily response, emotional charge, and personal meaning. But as human beings, not only are we subject to unconscious influences of the past,we have a choice in the present.  It takes ongoing energy to keep pain tucked away. That same energy gushes forth in abundance, becoming available for healing once addressed. “The marriage of body and mind happens through emotion. Emotional illness results when emotions don’t move and remain frozen within the body” ~ Alexander Lowen, an American psychotherapist and father of Bioenergetics	The hauntings of our past may be obvious, or not so obvious. No matter how long ago or deep, our reality will always be the sum of our experiences. If we want to make changes we need to get to the root of the beliefs and thoughts that create our patterns. We must know our drama or dysfunction in order to be able to dissect, challenge and/or reframe.  If we notice, are conscious and aware, we can have the clarity necessary to address old beliefs that no longer fit our current day lives. i.e. The bullied child we were in elementary school is far removed from the fully capable adult we are of today. Yet, those childhood triggers remain and continue to impact current day life - our brain holds the memories, as do our muscles. *
The system operates on the biological imperative to avoid pain.		Bodywork allows for better circulation, which provides more oxygen, which leads to clearer thinking and clarity. Muscles are soothed, softened, nurtured. Natural endorphins are released, which counters pain and discomfort.   You’ve taken control and done something for yourself, you fostered balance.   The reduced physical aspect of the stress sensation is partially in your control. (a much healthier self-care approach, as opposed to drinking, smoking or food!)   The thinking brain follows the feeling and sensory brains -  when the body is feeling better, the brain will follow.
Internalized Stressor   An external event becomes an internalized or imprinted one when the body’s response ingrains itself in the emotional memory of the person.   The body remembers pain and is forever changed by it.   The system responds to stress long after the source of stress is removed.   Repressed pain creates pockets of tissue that cannot adequately receive nutrition.   Science has confirmed that stress results in decreased immune function, increased tumor growth, and decreased absorption of nutrients.
How deep does it go? A Heart transplant recipient started to experience the memories and food cravings of her deceased heart donor.   A murderer is caught based on a heart transplant recipients precise recollections and dreams.   Read more here...	Studies by researchers have found that rats pass memories down through genes.  "Prof Marcus Pembrey, from University College London, said the findings were "highly relevant to phobias, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders" and provided "compelling evidence" that a form of memory could be passed between generations. He commented: "It is high time public health researchers took human transgenerational responses seriously."	Interesting snippet from 'Why do we remember pain?' "Medical professionals are finding that analgesics -- drugs that prevent pain in the nervous system -- given to patients before surgery prevent chronic formation of pain memory, which diminshes the development of chronic pain later on."
People who are emotionally impacted often have rounded shoulders, forward bending neck, and a concave chest. Our posture gears towards protecting the emotional center – the heart. We feel vulnerable. Not as strong and confident. Yet if we sit and/or stand straight hold our head high – our brain follows. We can fake it, till we make it.   Try it: Assume the Supergirl stance	We can also try a smile verses a frown. It takes 17 muscles to smile, and 42 to frown. The mere act of smiling lifts our mood, we feel more energetic.   Try it: Smile	Words render a direct response in the body. (What are you exposing your Self to. What is your internal dialogue? Are you kind to YOU?)  The body follows what is in the heart and mind. Emotions trigger an on-going cascade of endorphins and/or stress hormones. Our emotional tone directly influences the sum of biochemical processes.
Louise L. Hay has done extensive study on the Mind/Body Connection    Pain Areas and Probable Causes:  Neck  - Refusing to see other sides of the question. Stubbornness, inflexibility.  Spine - Upper/Lack of emotional support. Feeling unloved. Holding back love.              Lower/Fear of money. Lack of financial support.  Other Connections: Arthritis - Feeling unloved. Criticism. Resentment.  Stiffness - Rigid, stiff thinking Weakness - A need for mental rest Click here to view the full Emotional Pain Chart  as gathered from Heal Your Body A-Z by Louise L. Hay