Lately I’ve been studying more neurology. It is a very exciting time in research, since we have technology, like MRI, that can show us what’s happening on the inside as we apply certain protocols.
The Triple Brain Network consists of three areas of the brain, like three clusters of stars. And these clusters communicate with each other.
The first one is called the Executive Network (I’ve mentioned this part before as the PreFrontal Cortex). The Executive Network has to do with when you’re focused on doing a task, solving a problem or making a decision.
The second area of the Triple Brain is called the Salience Network and it’s the part of the brain that is always monitoring, like a smartphone is always looking for wifi networks to join. This part of the brain pays attention to possible threats or signals that come through loud and clear, such as needing to go to the bathroom, internal thoughts or pain.
The third area of the brain is called the Default Mode Network. If there’s nothing that you’re trying to achieve and there’s nothing super important that’s trying to get your attention, then we “default” to this area of the brain. This is where we think about ourselves, how our day is going, our dreams or memories. This part of the brain is really the brain’s interpretation of who we are.
I would also argue that the Default Mode Network is where we go on autopilot.
Why is this so important?
Knowing this information, we are able to understand better how our attention is a key to healing. If we want to help the body heal, reverse established patterns and nerve connections, then how we have learned to pay attention is part of how we our new healthier selves.
For example, if like most of us, you are active in your Default Mode Network, then it’s going to take something novel to get your attention. And if you want that ‘something’ to be something else other than pain, the approach you use must give you an experience like you’ve never had before.
This is why the gentle touch is so effective. It’s something very specific to your state on the table, your specific needs and it’s something that for many of us, we’re not used to experiencing. We’re more used to deeper, more aggressive types of treatments. These types of treatments do have their benefits, but nervous system learning is not usually one of them.
An interesting note that I came across, is that it takes at least 4 weeks for old nerve connections to dissolve and for new ones to start forming. In my clinical experience, it has usually taken at least that long in order for there to be an improved and sustainable shift in nervous system function.
In other words, when you come for care at the Happy Spine, a few visits may feel good, and they may help your body shift its tensions, but to help create a sustainable improvement in how your nervous system functions takes time.
I am still waiting to find that magic wand that will allow me to have a drive through practice:). Maybe Santa will bring me one.