Today we're delving deep into the world of neuroscience and yoga with our esteemed guest, Dr. Anna Powell. As a neuroscientist and yoga practitioner, Dr. Powell seeks to bridge the gap between these two realms, shedding light on the often misunderstood vagus nerve and the body-brain connection. On the table for today's discussion are the many branches of the vagus nerve, our body's longest cranial nerve that wanders from the brain through our entire torso, touching every organ on its way. We'll explore its intricate communication system, carrying information up from the body to the brain and vice versa, and discuss its myriad functions - from sensation, motor function, to being an essential part of our autonomic nervous system. We are also going to debunk some cultural myths surrounding the vagus nerve and unpack the popular Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges. We aim to provide an accurate understanding of not just the benefits, but also the complexities of this nerve and the broader nervous system, moving away from oversimplifications towards a more comprehensive overview of our body’s remarkable capabilities. Learn more about Dr Anna Powells work here: Website: https://www.annaraven.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.raven.yoga Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080650265768

In this episode, we delve into the Theta state, an intense learning state where rapid neuroplastic change can occur, and how our awareness, discipline, and integral choices help remold our neural connections. We touch upon the power of belief and how it shapes our reality - whether that is for liberation, or unintentionally creating pain and diseases through the psychological and neurological interactions. We also examine the correlation between stress, trauma, and resilience, introducing the various types of stress we experience and how we can increase our resilience. Remember, resilience isn't just about bouncing back, it's about anticipating success, rewarding ourselves, and using our experiences to bend and grow stronger. And most importantly, we touch upon the importance of sleep, lucid dreaming, and Non-Sleep Deep Rest, as well as how significant is the role of curiosity in understanding the intricate web of life.

Welcome back to The Embody Podcast with your host, Christopher Gladwell. On episode eight, we dive deep into the interconnected world of breath work, health, and longevity. We explore interesting concepts like the role of mitochondria in aging and the effects of stress on our health. Christopher stresses the importance of intelligent breath work and how it can help us navigate fears like asphyxiation, ultimately leading to healthier lives. In this enlightening episode, Christopher brings up how an increased embodied awareness can play a vital part in our health and well-being. Through practices like Nagas, Tai Chi, and other Yogic traditions, we can discover the subtle relationships between different parts of our bodies and movement. He also discusses the changing perceptions of chakras from these Yogic traditions and the importance of feeling into and exploring different parts of our bodies. Finally, we take a fascinating look at the biological workings of our body: the autonomic functions, somites, and the crucial role of the hypothalamus. We also dive into how disciplines like breath work and meditation can have a profound impact on these biological systems. Be prepared for a journey of discovery as we delve into conscious breath work as a tool to reduce stress, improve well-being, build resilience, and enhance our lives. Remember, breath is not just life-sustaining, but also a key to mastering the art of living well. So, tune in to Episode 8 of The Embody Podcast and breathe in the wisdom we have to share. You won't want to miss this one!

Welcome back to The Embody Podcast! In today's episode, titled "Taking Ownership of Our Neural Responses," we delve into the fascinating world of managing and controlling our nervous system. Our speaker emphasizes the importance of expanding our zone of capacity and comfort by shifting from distress to eustress, ultimately building radical resilience. We explore the concept of meta disciplines as powerful tools for taking ownership of our stress responses and neural reactions. But it doesn't stop there - we also delve into the impact of stress on our ability to engage in loving relationships and the detrimental effects of suppressing vulnerability and protecting ourselves. But it's not all doom and gloom. We tackle the urgent need to invest in education for all children, not just a select few, as they face unprecedented challenges like COVID, nuclear threats, and the climate crisis. We discuss the pressing issues faced by the current generation and the importance of taking action to address them effectively. Our speaker urges us to recognize and fulfill our human responsibilities towards each other, balancing them with rights. We reflect on our unique human capacity, such as the ability to throw projectiles, and its implications for our vulnerability and power dynamics. Join us as we dive into the interconnectedness between stress, metabolic disorders, and toxic cultures. We examine the historical context of the Industrial Revolution and the need for a transition away from coal and oil towards sustainable energy sources. Throughout the episode, we learn about the power of the learning frame, awareness, curiosity, and choice in dealing with stress and preventing complications. We confront the reality of our lacking ecological intelligence and the urgent need to collectively steward the planet for future generations. Prepare to ignite your curiosity and expand your perspective as we navigate through these critical topics. Stay tuned for "Taking Ownership of Our Neural Responses" on The Embody Podcast!

I dive deep into the topic of stress, exploring how it impacts our bodies, our breath, and our overall wellbeing. Starting off, I talk about the effects of overbreathing, a typical response to stress, which can disrupt cellular function and potentially pave the way for precancerous conditions. I underscore the harmful impacts of hypoxic type breath practices and lifestyles over the long haul. Then, I delve into the concept of regret and the fallout of our choices, arguing against self-blame and emphasizing the necessity of awareness. I touch upon displacement aggression, a scenario where stress is unfairly projected onto someone or something lower in the hierarchy. It's crucial to manage stress effectively and pinpoint its sources, which can encompass financial troubles, work-related issues, and emotional circumstances. I illuminate the significant role stress plays in a myriad of health conditions, including HIV, heart rate variability, dementia, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. To resolve stress into resilience I suggest adopting optimal breathing exercises and utilising how you individually learned to do your stress response and systematically change these patterns. I assert that individual expressions matter and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. In my discourse, I delve into the amygdala's part in perceiving threats and sparking the stress response, where the adrenaline release plays a critical role. I emphasize the importance of concentrating on what truly matters in life, aligning your actions with your priorities, and steering clear of wasting time on minor rewards. I recognize the complexity of our current system and the stress that comes with the passing of time. I detail how distress affects our physiology, including cardiometabolic health, and increases the risk of various conditions such as decreased libido, cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. Before making any alterations, understanding our body's reflexes and potential harm is vital. I validate that cortisol is beneficial and discuss the use of pharmaceuticals to modify brain states, pointing out the significant portion of the population that relies on them. By employing strategies to metamorphose stress, you can enhance your brain function, behaviors, and overall health outcomes. These strategies must be custom-fitted to each person's unique patterns and methods. Gaining an understanding of the interconnection between the body, breath, and mind can initiate profound shifts in your wellbeing. Join me in this enlightening episode of The Embody Podcast as I unravel the complexities of stress, its implications, and powerful strategies for transformation

On this episode of The Embody Podcast, we discuss the importance of addressing trauma when managing stress and the benefits of breathwork in releasing trauma patterns and how trauma affects individuals differently based on their personal experiences and support system. With an emphasis on the need to create a culture that takes into account neurobiology and how we handle trauma, stress, and resilience. I also discuss the importance of coping skills and investing in developmental care for young people. Tune in to this episode to learn more about future-proofing one's biology and nervous system against endemic transgenerational trauma.

On this episode of The Embody Podcast, host Christopher Gladwell discusses the resilience triangle as a framework to transform stress into strength. He emphasizes the importance of meaning making and beliefs, and how a flexible approach is necessary for effective stress management. Christopher also explores the benefits of conscious breath work, mind training, and embodied awareness as strategies for optimizing the whole system in complex situations. He delves into the effects of childhood adversity on brain development and highlights the role of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPAA) in stress response. Tune in to learn more about optimizing breathing patterns, catching trigger patterns, and building resilience for greater well-being.