Neuroplasticity is also called Brain Plasticity.

Photo: Contributed

Neuroplasticity is the ability of your brain to reorganize neural (nerve) pathways in the brain. In simple terms, every time you learn how to do something, you are unconsciously memorizing the process of how it’s done and what the outcome will be. As you learn, your brain is making subtle changes to accommodate the new information and ability.

Neuroplasticity is generally a good thing and allows us to survive. However, there can be negative consequences from time to time. In fact, what we are discovering is that trauma and stress can cause a disorganization of normal neural circuits that can cause the brain and body to react in aberrant ways.

Take Fibromyalgia for example. 

The brain can abruptly change its structure and function after a traumatic event that can result in a maladapted and heightened pain perception that precipitates a chronic central nervous system inflammatory state. 

Acute pain develops into chronic pain. Joint and muscle pain along with severe energy crashes become common symptoms for those who suffer. The resulting changes in brain function keep the sufferer in a specific chronic brain pattern that starts to affect many other systems of the body. 

This change in brain function consequently determines how we live our lives and our quality of life itself. In short, it can make our lives a living hell. The brain in this case, as the result of trauma, creates changes that precipitate this continued living nightmare.   

In the case of Environmental Illness (EI), also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), it is usually a chemical injury that causes disorganization in brain circuits that result in a heightened ability to detect chemicals through both sense of smell and taste. 

The sufferer continuously feels as though their very life is being threatened by small levels of chemicals that may be present in personal hygiene products or household cleaners. 

And although the chemicals in these products are indeed unhealthy, the brain in the person with MCS is stuck in a maladapted self-protective mechanism.  

The resulting distorted sensory perception causes the brain and body to feel as if it is under attack. The often severe reactions and cost to physical health leads the sufferer to perceive that any amount of chemical is potentially life threatening. The immune system and endocrine system of the body also become involved in this internal war. 

This trauma-induced disorganization in the brain and subsequent trauma pattern clearly illustrates Canadian psychologist Donald Hebb’s major contribution to the understanding of neuroplasticity when he stated that “Neurons that fire together, wire together”.   

This new understanding is driving a revolution in health care as we learn how to self-direct brain changes to restore normal brain function and optimal health. 

Helping people to recover from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Fibromyalgia through neuroplasticity is at the heart of the Dynamic Neural Retraining System. The transformations in health that take place are nothing short of miraculous for many. Take Sharon, for instance, a recent participant in the Halifax program, who said, “I feel so good and I am so happy that I can hardly even explain it to you!! I am becoming the person that I have not been in years.”

If you are ready to take charge of your health, then join us in Victoria on July 30 – August 1 for our next program.  Seating is very limited.  For more information email info@dnrsystem.com. 

Annie Hopper is a Brain Retraining Specialist.  Her website is www.dnrsystem.com or call 250- 862-1766