PNI provides a platform for understanding how exposure to stress and stressors may be relevant to the onset and progression of illness and disease.
Our emotions and perceptions affect our nervous system, both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic.
The body finds it difficult to differentiate between a threat that is real and one that is imagined.
When something takes us by surprise, we respond emotionally/physically. When someone upsets us, we may feel it in our gut. We understand that emotions can cause physical pain and that an instant feedback response is in place.
We have a choice not to damage ourselves by our emotional state, in the same way that we can choose not to drink to excess. We now know that ineffective thinking can activate the fight or flight response and damage us emotionally/physically.
Neuropeptides
Candice Pert, PhD, identified that Neuropeptides, which were once thought to exist in the brain alone, were present not only in the cell walls of the brain but also in the immune system. These peptides (informational substances) affect our emotions and physiology."A feeling sparked in your mind will translate as a peptide being released somewhere. Peptides regulate every aspect of your body, from whether you're going to digest your food properly to whether you're going to destroy a tumour cell."
Blood Redirection
When our fight or flight response is activated, chemicals such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released into our bloodstream. Blood is redirected away from our digestive tract and into our muscles and limbs, requiring extra energy and fuel for running and fighting. Our impulses quicken. Our awareness intensifies. Our sight sharpens. Our perception of pain diminishes. Our immune system is stimulated with increased activation. We become prepared—physically and psychologically—for fight or flight.
Walter Cannon, professor of physiology at Harvard University.
Walter Cannon provided research on homeostasis and the fight or flight response. This led to an understanding of how we automatically respond to stress and brought forward an understanding of the fight or flight response.
Our fight or flight response is automatic in a way designed to protect us.
We are seeking stability.
However, the response is not always accurate and may be activated when there is nothing to fear.
The mind cannot differentiate between a real threat and a perceived one, and the body responds accordingly.
When our fight or flight response is activated, chemicals such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released into our bloodstream.
Blood is redirected away from our digestive tract and into our muscles and limbs, requiring extra energy and fuel for running and fighting.
Our impulses quicken.
Our awareness intensifies.
Our sight sharpens.
Our perception of pain diminishes.
Our immune system is stimulated with increased stressful activation; in a real or perceived negative response, we become physically and psychologically prepared for fight or flight, or we may freeze and fawn, all of which are alarming for our sense of well-being.
Ineffective Thinking
Ineffective thinking regularly allows stress to build within us. When this is left unattended, stress can become chronic. A build-up of stress leaves us feeling that we are under attack. When this happens, the fight or flight response remains switched on.
The aim is to differentiate between a threat that is real and one that is the result of an overactive and overburdened mind, body.