Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The Amazing Chemistry of the Human Brain

The Amazing Chemistry of the Human Brain
Elucidation of the complexity of the structure and enormous functions of the human body is like revealing the secrets of a mysterious world. Most astonishing part of this marvelous creation is the brain. It is the conductor of the conscious and unconscious, known and unknown functions of a human being. The multiple decision making and regulatory functions performed continuously by this organ can be roughly compared to the activities of administrative problem-solving, supervision, and management, etc.

It is said that sitting beneath the kalpvriksha (a celestial wish-fulfilling tree described in the Puranas) fulfils all desires. The existence of such a tree might be doubtful. However, the brain is a tangible manifestation of the kalpvriksha naturally bestowed on every human being. The ‘worship’ (by due recognition, respect and creative use of its potentials) of this ‘heavenly gift’ can certainly endow an individual with all the virtues and powers, which he aspires for in life.

Physically a human being is born from the mother’s womb. But, the birth of a wicked, dullard or a wretched character, or, an eminent, ascetic or dignified personality, etc., originate from the layers of unconscious and subconscious mind operative in the deeper depths of his/her own brain. The key of character development lies in these arcane layers of human brain. The talents of spiritual masters, erudite scholars, eminent philosophers, scientists, artists etc. all sprout from the subtle cores of the brain. Imbalance or disorderly function of this center can turn one into a fool, cranky or an insane person. A healthy brain is the source of enormous positive potentials. Arousing of its super-conscious activities can enhance an individual’s talents up to the highest realms of physical, mental, and spiritual strength and enlightenment.

Every activity –– including that at the cellular and molecular level - of the human body is controlled by the brain. Besides the supernatural attainments of spirituality in its sublime state, the ordinary, even the routine functions of the human mind are also majestic. The power of thinking, variety of feelings –– of sorrow, cheerfulness, satisfaction etc., the potentials of contemplation and resolution of unlimited types of problems are indeed remarkable.

It has been found that there are specific centers in the brain. These, if stimulated, can eliminate all the pains of severe bodily injuries and mental agonies. These centers could be awakened by introspective search, contemplation and spiritual sadhanas. Several centuries ago, the use of intoxicating substances like morphine as painkillers was common like that of the analgesic medicines today. However, it has now become clear that the use of such external means causes more harm in the long run as compared to their instant, though, short-lived positive effects. Experts opine that the occurrence of pain in any portion of the body indicates that there is something abnormal in the physiological or biochemical state of this portion; that is why it is functioning out of harmony with the nervous system. There are two types of pains –– short-term, prickling and chronic or long-term. Both create uneasiness in the body. The long lasting pains disturb the mental state, too. This situation induces mental tension and often gives rise to the psychosomatic disorders such as Ÿ schizophrenia, illusions, paranoia etc.

Slight disordering in the functional regions of the brain disturbs the entire body and mental system. Often, one uses instant remedies of analgesic medicines against the complaints like headache etc. Removal of mental stresses of higher intensity is sought with the help of intoxication. People of weak inner strength tend to use Morphine, Methadone, Heroin, Melsadine, L.S.D., and several types of narcotics in order to get relief from despair and depressive and stressful agonies of life. These drugs virtually paralyze the normal perceptibility of different organs and suppress the sensitivity of the nervous system towards pain. People get addicted to such ‘remedies’ and eventually lose their physical and mental well-being forever.

Medical experts consider that the limbic system in human brain can secrete specific neurochemicals, which alleviate the sensation of pain or counter the tension caused by mental stress. Emotions are supposed to trigger the activities of the limbic system. As the sensory nerves carry the sensation of pain to the spinal cord, the efferent receptors of the limbic region in a healthy brain are activated and they secrete two phaline peptides that serve as natural ‘pain killers’. Betalypotramine (LPH) is found to be the forerunner of encephalin.

Experiments in immunohistochemistry have shown that a large number of neurons Ÿ filled with encephalon - are clustered at different levels of the cerebrospinal axis; these clusters are denser near specific pain-sensing center on the gelatinosa of the spinal column. The neurons are also present near the nerves connected to the digestive system. The techniques like acupuncture activate the secretion of encephalon at specific centers as and when required and thereby offer healing from pain without any medicine or other treatments. Many surgical operations are performed successfully by suppressing the sensation with the help of acupuncture without using any anesthesia.

Frontline researchers in Parapsychology consider that the secretion and concentration of different painkilling hormones like encephalon, endogens, etc can be regulated by harmonizing the activities of brain with the help of dhyan (deep meditation). Dhyan is a risk-free spiritual exercise, which offers enormous benefits. Meditation experts prescribe it as an effective remedy against pain and mental stress and strain, instead of the killer medicines, steroids and intoxicating drugs.

Collaborative research in neurochemistry, neurophysiology, psychology and other areas of neurosciences has unraveled only a fraction of the unlimited potentiality of human brain. The unknown aspects of human consciousness are enormous as compared to what have been deciphered by the modern sciences so far. The real power of human brain is beyond imagination. One would be amazed to find what an astonishing system exists in the tiny ‘pocket’ of the skull. It is unfortunate that only a small fraction of this colossal source of conscious energy is used in the physical, mental and intellectual activities of most humans. Maximum of its creative power remains in a dormant state throughout one’s life. Authentic examples of strong willpower, clairvoyance, exceptional intuitive intellect, etc present only a glimpse of the super conscious levels of the human brain. Activating the unused hidden layers ofconsciousness in human brain could awaken supernatural potentials and talents. The simile of kalpvriksha therefore appears to be quite appropriate here

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