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The New Science of Self-Empowerment: Epigenetics

5/22/2012

7 Comments

 
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I have been reading The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton.  Last night's chapter title: “It’s the environment, stupid” really struck a cord with my current consciousness on a physical, mental, spiritual and emotional level.  

Lipton is a cellular biologist and as a researcher has examined the mechanisms by which cells receive and process information.  He writes, “When I provided a healthy environment for my cells they thrived; when the environment was less than optimal, the cells faltered.  When I adjusted the environment, these ‘sick’ cells revitalized.”

He goes on to share how scientists started to veer from the environment model after Watson and Crick‘s revelation of DNA’s genetic code.  Genetic determinism has since become the belief of our modern culture: genes determine biology.  

Succumbing to the hypothesis that genes control our lives, we have an “excuse” to become victims of heredity.
Today’s diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer are not the result of a single gene, but a complex interaction of many genes and environmental factors.

The latest scientific research has debunked the hypothesis of gene control to show that “when a gene product is needed, a signal from its environment, not the emergent property of the gene itself activates the expression of that gene.” The birth of epigenetics (control above genetics) is the forefront of science.  What we now know is that "the DNA blueprints passed down through genes are not set in concrete at birth.  Environmental influences, including nutrition, stress and emotions can modify those genes."

The question I have asked myself is:  How can I create an environment within my being to allow my cells to be vital and healthy?

In my own personal quest, in the last two years I have directed my focus on creating an optimal environment for my wellbeing through alignment principles.  Consistent practice of alignment, and observation of my movement habits has lain the foundation for me to be more efficient in the use of my muscles and joints, to the lovely benefit of getting out of chronic low back and sacroiliac pain.

Here are some suggestions to optimize your environment:
  • Stand more and sit less
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Hydrate: At least 8 glasses of water
  • Notice your habits: change those that aren't serving you and continue the habits that enhance
  • Get nutrition
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and processed foods
  • Meditate
  • Walk
  • Laugh
  • Attend my Restorative Exercise class
In Restorative classes this week our focus is on the shoulder girdle. Here is an alignment tidbit from class:  What is the relationship of the motion of your forearm and your entire arm?  When our arms are resting at our sides, the elbow pits should be facing forward.  Are yours?  We should be able to maintain the position of said elbow pit as we move our forearm so the palm is facing down (this is called pronation).  Did you notice that your elbow pit moved?

Try this: hold arm so your elbow pit is facing the ceiling, pronate your forearm.  How far can you go?

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Starting position: elbow pit and palm up. The arm is in neutral.
Forearm range of motion
Elbow pit in same position. Pronation of forearm. Can you see that I don't have full motion? Due to the tightness of my muscles, I can't get my wrist parallel with the floor. The tension in my forearm can pull my whole arm into internal rotation.
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This picture is taken after my Restorative Exercise class. Now I am able to fully pronate and get my wrist parallel! I love this stuff! Now to maintain it.....
Susan McLaughlin is a physical therapist who specializes in the management of pelvic floor and orthopedic dysfunctions. She is the owner of ALIGN integration|movement in Salt Lake City, UT.  Helpful tips and other self care strategies can be found at www.alignintegrationandmovement.com.
7 Comments
Jillian link
5/22/2012 09:44:39 am

Love this!. Environment is such a big factor in cell health. I think people misunderstand it often, however. It's more than just what you eat, where you live, what you breathe, etc. It's also about the teeny tiny environment you create around each cell. If your alignment is off, and you've got excessive friction in a joint, the environment of the cells in and around that joint is gonna be really hot from the friction. not good. Your actual thought process and habitual state of mind also create an environment for your cells, as each emotion is really just a chemical cocktail that circulates around your body. If you have a negative state of mind, that too can create a harsh or inappropriate environment for your cells to live in, as we know that cortisol and adrenaline take up space in the blood so there's less oxygen for the cells. not cool.

Great post Susan :) love me some epigenetics!!

Reply
Susan
5/22/2012 11:04:06 am

Hear! Hear!

Reply
Tim Harris
5/22/2012 10:22:49 am

Well posted my in-the-process-of-being-aligned friend. Nutrition, stress and emotion as triggers or dampeners of our genetic inheritance. I like that. Another tool in our tool box for optimal living. Must go avo hunting now.

Reply
Susan
5/22/2012 11:04:52 am

Miss me some of them abundant avocados!

Reply
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8/15/2012 12:33:10 am

Interesting thoughts.

Reply
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4/15/2014 06:45:33 pm

http://www.alignintegrationandmovement.com/1/post/2012/07/engage-your-core-lower-body-progression.html

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4/15/2014 06:45:49 pm

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