Psycho-Somatic or Somato-Psychic

Until recently medical professionals used the term “psycho-somatic” for any condition that seemed to emerge from the mind and reflect strongly on the physical body. Numerous aches and pains which had no apparent reason, panic attacks, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after nutritional corrections, and stress-related irritable bowels are some of the conditions. ​ Psyche ​ means mind and ​ Soma ​ means body. Word Psycho-somatic means “anything that manifests in body due to mind”.

This “Brain-Gut Axis” is now being studied in laboratories and social experiments. A thought process is well-known to cause tightening sensation in the pit of the stomach or heart rate to increase. Muscles tighten when we get angry, and our internal moods are often reflected on our faces.

We are also aware of the impact of noise pollution on anxiety and performance. Recent studies have shown that impact of light, especially blue light, on the eye impacts our sleep patterns. Smartphones and screens have been shown to induce insomnia in healthy subjects. What is more interesting is anything that we eat has a direct impact on our thought process. The food we eat alter the microbial environment of intestines. Serotonin or the “Happiness Hormone” is known to be secreted by gut microbes. 75-80% of serotonin of body is produced in our gut. Lack of this production has proven to cause depression in some cases. This axis is called “Somato-Psychic.” The body having impact on the mind and ​ vice versa ​ forms a cyclic impact. The physiology, or position of our body, has a direct impact on our minds.

A research conducted in MIT where chronically depressed patients were asked to stand upright, shoulders thrown back, and face with a forced smile, reported to have better moods by just standing so for 10 minutes everyday, in about 3 weeks. We can improve our mental agility and quality of physical health by utilizing this axis.

Arguments on superiority of either psycho-somatic or somato-psychic is irrelevant. The existence of it is proven and it is about time we use it as a “Bio-Hack.”

For today, rather from today, make a deliberate attempt to never slouch. Always carry yourself upright, shoulders thrown back, and as if you have a crown on your head. You can have better moods and confidence levels with this posture. As for gut instincts, let us begin by chewing our food better. Chewed food is broken down by salivary amylase and has a lower glycemic index (glycemic index is comparison of glucose levels by foods, measured in blood, against pure form of glucose). Chewing food also activates the satiety centre in the brain and avoids over-eating. For better results chew at least 20-25 times on every morsel of food. Chewed food also balances the gut’s microbial system by being better digested.

For those who are more interested on complete program on “How to eat for better health”; watch this space. From NOW on, don’t forget to be upright and chew your food at least 20-25 times.

Author: Dr.Arjun – B.Sc(Hons) , MBBS; C.Ht : CHII, DCC; M.Sc(Applied Psychology) | Founder: Transformhabits
With wide range of experience as Medical Doctor and as Counselor, Dr. Arjun Thimmaiah loves practicing integrated,holistic and functional medicine. Dr.A believes, “We live in a vibrant and thriving society, where in our body and mind should maintain a balance. It is challenging for most people to embrace life and make healthy choices. A dynamic balance between love and survival is essential for life.” He has structured numerous bio hacks to transform his clients physically, mentally and spiritually. The interrelated aspects of mind and body; happiness and health are like 2 sides of same coin; Dr.A has structured numerous programs to integrate these factors. Having travelled to almost every state in India, Dr.A is fluent in 9 languages and has immersed himself in social services over a decade.

Image Courtesy: Psychology Today