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THE SCIENCE

Our Amazing Brains

Our brains are simply amazing. No, they are AMAZING.

 

When you start to study brain science, it is easy to get dismayed, flummoxed and put off with all of the technical terms like the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or Wernicke’s area or the Cerebellum and so on. So I thought I would give you a small taste of Neuroscience 101 to help you get a better handle on your brain and understand, even if only roughly, how it works, no matter who you are, king or pauper. Why? Because those who do will be at an advantage over those who do not. At this point in human evolution, the study of the brain is now ‘table stakes’. Let me make it easy for you. Don’t give up, take it one step at a time, there is always more detail you can add to your understanding of the map of the brain as you go along. The important thing is to start and gently build up your understanding. OK? Good.

 

So, let’s get started

 

Simply, the brain in your skull has two halves or hemispheres connected together by a big cable. This big cable is called the Corpus Collosum.

 

Each hemisphere is made up of four distinct parts called lobes. Look at the picture.

 

TheScience3

 

The big red lobe at the front of the brain is called the Frontal Lobe. There, that’s not too hard, is it? The Frontal Lobe is where the captain sits and steers. You decide what you want to do by using your Frontal Lobe.

 

The Purple lobe is the Temporal Lobe. This is where you hear things. Sounds and words get decoded in your Temporal Lobes. Think ‘tempo’ and you will hear the beat.

 

The Blue Lobe is the Parietal Lobe. You feel your feelings in the Parietal Lobe. Life would be robotic and meaningless if we could not feel our feelings. The Parietal Lobe is hugely important to us.

 

Look at the picture again. The green blob at the back of your brain is the Occipital Lobe, sometimes called the Visual Cortex. The Occipital Lobe is where you see things. You might ask yourself “why is the Occipital Lobe all the way at the back of the brain, why isn’t it right next to the eyes?” This is a good question. It turns out that seeing and recognizing things is very difficult. Identifying an object, distinguishing it from the surrounding images and placing it in its social context requires a lot of neural processing and requires the help of the other lobes to get the job done.

 

If you watch the BBC Programme “Dr. Who”, you will immediately realise that you and I live inside a Tardis.  A Tardis is a vehicle that is bigger on the inside than on the outside. Let’s face it, your brain is only about 3 pounds of meat and sits inside a fairly small skull, yet the experience of living inside this Tardis allows you and I to see, hear, feel, smell, taste and explore the whole infinity of the universe.

 

Fascinating, isn’t it?!

 

But it doesn’t stop there. The Centre for Applied Neuroscience in Business focuses on the “neuroplastic” properties of our brains. If this term is new to you, in brief, Neuroplasticity is the remarkable ability that the brain has to ‘rewire’ itself.

 

Your brain can rewire itself A LOT. Rapidly. That means, in simple terms, you are not stuck.

 

You see, up until fairly recently, the group hypnosis, especially in the West, was that our brains were fixed entities like machines. Brains were thought to peak in power and flexibility at about the age of 22 and after that it’s downhill all the way. Basically, after 22, you’re doomed to stay the way you are forever.

 

Forever! What a horrible trance! What a horrible thing to have to think!

 

And it’s not even true!

 

No.

 

It turns out that you and I are wearing a self-rewiring living computer called a brain. How cool is that?

 

Excited yet?

 

Good!

 

Want to start learning how to rewire it? Here is a quick technique to start the neuroplastic ball rolling right now. For only fifty-nine ninety-five in five easy payments, and hurry while stocks last, but wait there’s more …. Just a little joke. But did you notice it took a little while for you to get the joke? That’s because it took about 1000 milliseconds for your brain to decode all of these funny marks on the screen in the Occipital Lobe, turn them into sounds, put the sounds together as words in the Temporal Lobe, go get the meaning of the words, string them together to create a stream of speech, then get the gag in your Frontal Lobe, and enjoy a laugh in your Parietal Lobe.

 

It takes a lot of computational power to be able do that trick, so say thank you to that brain of yours. No, really, learn to say “thank you” to your brain. It’s the first step to using neuroplasticity effectively for yourself.

 

So, here is a very simple neuroplastic Brain Reprogramming technique to help you get started. It’s called The Eye Roll.

 

  • Lie down or sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor.
  • Take three very deep breaths and let the air out really slowly. Pay close attention to the calming relaxation response at the end of every breath.
  • Close your eyes and with your eyelids closed just roll your eyes up to the top of your head until you feel a little bit of eyestrain.
  • Relax your eyes and keep your eyes closed.
  • Say “Hello” to your brain. Now, say “Thank you”.
  • And wait.

You have just learned how to communicate directly with your brain.Some people get an immediate response when they do this exercise. They immediately hear or sense someone saying “You’re welcome” or “Hello” back to them. For others, it takes a little longer to get an identifiable signal.

 

Regardless, the important thing is to start a conversation or a relationship with that three-pound lump of liver that you wear. That blob that is creating your experience of living right now. This very moment.

 

  • Finally, to really get the mental momentum going, as you get ready to go to bed tonight, just recall reading this Post or seeing the picture of the brain above and recall the Eye Roll exercise. Just start to wonder about some of the ideas in this Post so that when your head hits the pillow, it will be a signal to your brain to start the process of rewiring ….. itself …. tonight.

In the morning, and I am sure this has happened to you many times in the past, don’t be too surprised if your brain astounds you with some interesting, useful and valuable insights that you can use right away. When you notice these insights, take three deep breaths, close your eyes, roll your eyes up, relax them and say “Thank you”. Then a flood of endorphins will reinforce this beneficial pattern. Enjoy them.

 

There is much more for you to learn about your brain but you have now taken a big step. You now know the basic structure and functions of the brain and you have learned how to communicate directly with IT, which of course, is YOU.

 

If you would like more information on this important topic, please take a look at the Recommended Resources below and read some of the articles I have written here.

What is Neuroplasticity?

What-is-Neuroplasticity

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is a very important and fairly new idea to the general public.

 

NEUROPLASTICITY is the ability of our brains to reorganise themselves by forming new neural connections and disconnections throughout life.

 

The term gained prominence in the 1970s when neuroscientific research showed that many aspects of the brain remain changeable or “plastic” into adulthood and old age. This notion contrasted with the previous scientific consensus that the brain develops during a critical period in early childhood, then remains relatively unchangeable and stuck thereafter.

 

Surprisingly, the science of neuroplasticity is not new. For example, in the 1700s, Italian anatomist Vicenzo Malacarne described experiments in which he trained one of a pair of identical animals extensively for years, and then dissected both of them. He discovered that the cerebellums of the trained animals were substantially larger due to the extensive training. Tragically, these findings were soon forgotten.

 

In 1897, Santiago Ramón y Cajal proposed the concept of neuronal plasticity, and the idea that the brain and its functions are not fixed throughout adulthood was proposed once more at the turn of the last century by the great American psychologist William James. Unfortunately, yet again, the idea was largely neglected until around the 1970s when neuroscientists re-rediscovered that the brain’s structure and function is essentially malleable throughout adulthood. It is instructive to learn that they rediscovered this by performing experiments very similar to Malacarne’s from nearly three hundred years ago!

 

The bottom line of neuroplasticity is this: the brain is not stuck, and that means YOU are not stuck, and neither is the organization you work for.

 

The questions now become “How do I harness neuroplasticity?” “Where can I apply it most effectively?” “How do we apply neuroplasticity at work?”

 

You will be able to answer these questions and many more as you explore our information, resources, links and blogs on our website.

 

By the way, if you have questions for any of us at the Centre for Applied Neuroscience in Business, don’t be shy, drop us a line here and we will do our best to answer your questions. If we don’t know the answers, we know people who will and we will put you in touch with them.

Recommended Resources

WhatIsNeuroplasticity

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Learn more about Neuroplasticity

 

There is a considerable and growing body of information for the individual interested in neuroplasticity. We cannot hope to capture all of the resources in the burgeoning field of Applied Neuroplasticity here, however we present below a useful ‘on-ramp’ to what is available as of early 2016.

 

As a reminder, a useful definition of NEUROPLASTICITY is the ability of our brains to reorganize themselves by forming new neural connections and disconnections throughout life.

 

1) Start here – The Internet

Simply Google ‘neuroplasticity’ and you will be presented with nearly 800,000 results. There you will find more useful definitions, ideas, handy videos and articles explaining the concept and its practical application in industry and individually. So start Googling, exploring, reading and experimenting.

 

2) Books

If you would like to learn more about the science of neuroplasticity upon which our work on Applied Neuroplasticity is based, we recommend that you read “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Dr. Norman Doidge http://www.normandoidge.com/?page_id=1259

 

Norman Doidge’s second book “The Brain’s Way of Healing” documents more powerful and exciting ways of using neuroplasticity in the field of healing. http://www.normandoidge.com/?page_id=1042

 

If the idea of substantially improving your brain functions excites you, there is no finer book on the shelves today than Dr. Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s frame breaking “The Woman Who Changed Her Brain” http://www.barbaraarrowsmithyoung.com/book/

 

These three books are excellent and engaging introductory works written in layman’s terms. You will surely find dozens more to expand your view of the world in a most captivating way.

 

3) Video Clips

No time to read? No problem.

 

Here is an introduction to a three-part TV video series called “Redesign My Brain” by Todd Sampson where he explores the use of neuroplasticity to improve his brain’s function. Truly mind boggling! http://mindfulmedia.com.au/redesign-my-brain

 

Here is a video clip by our own Dr Clifford Saunders describing the application of neuroplasticity to large industrial problems. https://youtu.be/OUQgpjVhxns

 

Dr Stephen Enders summarises his experience of a Business Emulation while he was Senior Vice President, Worldwide Exploration, at Newmont Mining. https://youtu.be/EkQqCVBIZBw

 

Watch Dr Norman Doidge being interviewed about his work on applied neuroplasticity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK51nv8mo-o

 

Dr Barbara Arrowsmith-Young gives a TEDx talk on her heroic neuroplastic journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0td5aw1KXA

 

Dr Vince Clark gives a lecture on the neuroplastic use of electrostimulation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUMUIXNeBRQ

 

4) Directing your Sleep

An important brain reprogramming technique is to make a habit of directing your sleep just before you fall asleep. To help prime your brain for this idea, watch this 59 second video on one of the most important dreams ever dreamt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NRwd-JJFm4

 

Now read our 2nd blog here and practice the simple Eye-Roll Technique just before you fall asleep.

 

This simple tool is an effective way of inviting your brain to use neuroplastcity to reorganise itself while you sleep to produce better and more satisfying results in your experience of living.

 

5) Articles

“New Nerve Cells for the Adult Brain” by Gerd Kempermann and Fred Gage shows that the human brain produces new nerve cells in adulthood and demolishes the dogma that the brain cannot create new neurons. http://people.brandeis.edu/~teuber/newnerves.pdf

 

“Effects of environmental complexity and training on brain chemistry and anatomy: A replication and extension” by Rosenzweig et al showed that rats raised in a complex and stimulating environment developed greater weight of cerebral cortex and greater activity in the whole brain compared to controls showing that neuroplastic changes can be developed through exercise and continual problem solving. http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/com/55/4/429/

 

The Society of Economic Geology 2011 article entitled “Discovery, Innovation, and Learning in the Mining Business – New Ways Forward for an Old Industry” by Enders and Saunders was the first article on the application of neuroplasticity in Mining. https://www.dropbox.com/s/hgocvpaf6it7l39/2011 Saunders %26 Enders New Ways for an Old Industry SEG.pdf?oref=e&n=381113935

 

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has funded innovative scientific research and technology developments in the field of brain–computer interfaces since the 1970s. This review highlights some of DARPA’s major advances in the field. A very instructive read. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027014002702

 

Here is a very useful map of the main areas of the brain and how they are involved in all of our various day-to-day activities. http://www.fmriconsulting.com/brodmann/Introduction.html

 

6) Learning Aids

NormalBrain

This is an excellent model of the right side of the brain. I call my model brain “Brian”.

 

This model of Brian displays a normal Right Half Brain featuring Frontal, Parietal, Occipital and Temporal lobes, Cerebellum, Corpus Callosum, Pons, Midbrain, Olfactory bulb, Optic nerve, Optic chiasm, Mammillary body and Medulla oblongata. This is an invaluable addition to anyone wishing to learn the major features of the brain and applying neuroplasticity. It comes with a useful educational card. http://www.amazon.com/Human-Brain-Anatomical-Model-Half/dp/B000X2DOO4

 

 

7) Additional Material

Needless to say, the literature on the brain and the science of neuroplasticity is vast and bountiful. We will regularly select relevant and timely resources and publish them here for your enjoyment. If you come across interesting material, please be sure and send it to us and we will add it to our collection with our sincere thanks for your contribution.

 

Finally, as you explore and discover more in this vast literature on neuroplasticity, you will find these texts to be valuable amplifications in your journey:

 

“The Body Electric: Electromagnetism And The Foundation Of Life” by Dr Robert Becker tells the fascinating story of our bioelectric selves. Robert O. Becker, a pioneer in the field of regeneration and its relationship to electrical currents in living things, challenges the established mechanistic understanding of the body. He found clues to the healing process in the long-discarded theory that electricity is vital to life. http://www.amazon.com/The-Body-Electric-Electromagnetism-Foundation/dp/0688069711

 

“The Art of Selfishness” by Donald Seabury is an excellent text that offers tools we can use to free ourselves from the manipulation of intimates.

 

Dr Horst Mueller is an extraordinray Canadian psychologist with a host of useful neuroplastic resources and references on his website. http://www.edmontonneurotherapy.com/brain_stimulation_therapies.html

 

“T‪he Working Brain: An Introduction To Neuropsychology” by Aleksandr R. Luria is an advanced text for those wishing to delve deeper into neurology and cognition. https://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Working_Brain.html?id=HRQ-1DcBiTYC&redir_esc=y

 

“The Reappraisal of the Phenomenon of Hypnosis” by Dr David Dobson. Dr Dobson was a remarkable individual and scientist. He was the first practitioner to articulate the concept of the “Other Than Conscious” aspect of the Mind, those parts of our Mind that are outside of our conscious awareness. He also introduced the idea of de-hypnosis to interrupt one’s old limiting beliefs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXqqtIy9Bxk

 

Enjoy your explorations and pass on to others the most useful information you find.

OUR TEAM OF NEUROSCIENTISTS

Neuroscientists

 

Our Team of Neuroscientists

 

DaveDr Dave Siever is an electrical engineer with decades of experience in neuronal communication. He is the CEO and Chief Science Officer of Mind Alive http://www.mindalive.com/, a Canadian manufacturer of high quality medical grade neural stimulation devices.

 

Dave is an expert in the use of Quantitative Elecro Encephalography and LORETA which, combined together, measure the electrical and neurological functioning of an individual’s brain. These measurements pave the way for brain enhancement using various modalities such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, Cranial Electro Stimulation, Audio Visual Entrainment and Neurofeedback.

 

He has pioneered products that utilise light and electrical stimulation. Dave teaches electrophysiology at the Masters level for Saybrook University in the USA, and has a number of registered patents relating to neural communication.

 

For more information, please see: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-siever-52332148

 

 

HorstDr Horst Mueller is a registered psychologist in Alberta, Canada with special interests and extensive experience in clinical and health psychology, cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, applied psychoneurophysiology and biofeedback, as well as neurofeedback and non-invasive neuromodulation technologies.

 

Horst’s professional practice focuses on applying these therapeutic approaches and technologies to the treatment of chronic mental and physical health disorders or symptoms that are known to involve psychoneurophysiological dysfunction.

 

As well as being an extraordinary professional, Horst is an extraordinary individual. His vast experience encompasses not just the technologies he uses but, just as importantly, crucial skills to provide a firm foundation for complete wellness.

 

For more information, please see: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/horst-mueller-aa30268

 

 

JayDr Jay Gunkelman is recognized as one of the top leaders in the field of EEG and QEEG. He has processed over 500,000 EEGs since 1972, and has served as president of The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research, as well as a board member and treasurer of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. He is a past President of the Biofeedback Society of California, and a co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Brain Science International www.brainsinternational.com.

 

Jay was the first EEG technologist to be certified in QEEG (1996) and was granted Diplomate status in 2002. He has conducted, published or participated in hundreds of research papers, articles, books and meetings internationally. He continues to lecture on EEG/QEEG at neuroscience meetings worldwide. He has co-authored the textbook on EEG artifacting (2001).

 

Jay remains busy with current projects and publications related to his seminal paper on EEG endophenotypes (2005, Clinical Electroencephalography). He is a popular lecturer worldwide on the topic of QEEG and phenotype identification of neurological disorders.

 

For more information, please see: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-gunkelman-b429425a

 

 

RohanDr Rohan O’Rielly is a neurogenisist, a Sensory Movement Therapist and a Wellness Educator. He heads the Smart Bodies Smarter Minds http://smartbodiessmarterminds.com/ clinic in Newcastle, Australia. His work demystifies neuroplasticity and helps the ordinary individual gain an understanding of what they can do to improve their brain’s performance and help protect against degenerative brain conditions.

 

Rohan has spent the past 23 years developing a system that is based on a combination of ancient wisdom and the latest science relating to wellness. The methodology is aimed at restarting human evolution via stimulation of the three fundamental intelligences: cognitive, emotional & physical. This is achieved by a psychoneuroimunological approach to brain stimulation, which is a result of simple & complex asymmetrical movement patterns in specific codes & sequences that generate neuroplasticity & super myelination.

 

His brain training programs assist with body/mind integration, memory, stress reduction, increased concentration, emotional and physical stability, accelerated learning, behavioural modification and other functions related to brain plasticity.

 

For more information, please see: https://au.linkedin.com/in/rohan-o-reilly-1890a089