From Cells To Self in the Biology Of Belief

By:Mary Desaulniers

Copyright 2006 Mary Desaulniers

What is the connection between a cell membrane and the human brain? A lot, according to cell biologist, Dr. Bruce Lipton, whose book "The Biology of Belief", details reasons why we can be the creators of our own destiny. A renowned cell biologist and former professor at the University Of Wisconsin Medical School, Bruce Lipton shows precisely how the molecular processes behind the brain’s functioning work. In fact, he is the leading authority on the new science of Epigenetics—the science that sees life to be controlled by factors other than genes. From cells to self, Bruce Lipton compels us to re-think our understanding of empowerment—how much power do we have over our own bodies and over the course of events in our lives? Simply put, he suggests that we are not victims of our genetic blueprint; in fact we have the power to program our own destiny.

In 1997, a California interior designer took part in a clinical trial to test the efficacy of antidepressant drug, Effexor. At the end of the trial period, she reported that the pills had indeed relieved her of the depression which had plagued her for thirty years. She had also experienced nausea, a common side effect of Effexor and the brain scans she received throughout the study also showed changes in the brain that suggest the activity of her prefrontal cortex had been greatly enhanced. Her elation over the antidepressant was understandable until she was told that she had been part of the placebo group. She had not been given the drug at all. So convinced was she of the effects of Effexor that she insisted the researchers re-check their records.

Her case is not unusual. We have known about the placebo effect for years. But what is remarkable is that most of us think of it as something extraordinary when in fact, it is something quite ordinary once we place the biology of belief within dynamics that make us human. Because we have been conditioned by a materialist attitude towards events, we have been programmed culturally to think of such events as “miracles.” The “miraculous” is actually a fact in the quantum dynamics of our subatomic universe. And the subatomic world is every bit a part of the atomic world we live in. “ We can no longer afford to ignore this fact,” writes Bruce Lipton. We can no longer afford to ignore the “miraculous” nature of the body’s innate wisdom.

Since Descartes’ bias towards mind over matter in the 17th century, Western culture has been split between body and mind. The Romantics of the late 18th and 19th century have attempted to repair that split through poetry and art, but it was not until the 20th century that science caught up with the poets. In "The Biology of Belief", Bruce Lipton confirms what Shelley in 1840 wrote in “A Defense of Poetry,”-- “all things exist as they are perceived, at least in relation to the percipient.”

If environmental influences can over-write genetic blueprint in cells, we, as multi-cellular organisms have the power to override our own biology. Lipton makes convincing argument of cell membranes which he sees as “mem-brains” because they function like our brains. The "mem-brains" determine the environmental input that is allowed within the cells and it is this permeability that governs the cell’s ability to activate or suppress its genetic code.

Lipton’s research has wide implications for us—we have the power to be equally permeable. Rather than being the victims of a genetic destiny, the self can be permeable enough to allow for changes to its biological code. The self is the maker of its own destiny. It’s all in the way we think. It’s all in the way we nurture our beliefs about our bodies, ourselves, our lives. It’s all in the way we tap into the body’s wisdom.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: biology of belief, belief biology consciousness, belief bias, abraham hicks, dr bernie siegel, dr bruce lipton, deepak chopra

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Mary Desaulniers Ph.D will be interviewing Dr. Bruce Lipton on VoiceAmerica 7th Wave Network Internet Radio show "Reclaiming The Body's Wisdom" beginning October 5/06 . Get details at www.GreatBodyat50.com

Top Health Articles
1). Collarbone Injury By : Frank Vanderlugt The clavicle or “collar bone” connects the scapula bone in the shoulder to the sternum in your chest. It functions to hold the shoulder upward and backward. Clavicle fractures are common bone injuries. A break in the clavicle bone is usually a closed fracture that normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal in an adult, 4 weeks in a child. The injury rarely requires surgery.
2). The Hottest Hair Trends And The Sexiest Hairstyles For 2007 By : Copyright 2006 David Maillie Hair has become unequivocally important as it can literally make one look like a movie star or a has been from Hee Haw, which died out many years ago. It is big enough that it is a multi billion dollar industry and the average bill in a salon is approaching $100. In the big cities with a hot hairstylist like Jonathon in Beverly Hills prices can easily top $500 for a cut and style.
3). Muscle Imbalance And Chronic Injuries By : Jeff P. Anliker, LMT Injuries can occur anywhere and at anytime, but the most prevalent place of occurrence is in the workplace. The reason for such a high rate of injury is that people spend 8-18 hours a day, 5-7 days a week performing unidirectional (one-way) movement patterns, causing an imbalance in the musculoskeletal system that results in the overuse and under use of certain muscle groups.
4). Why Whey Protein? By : Sandy Knoll With all of the recent negative press given to body supplements, it makes good sense to be cautions about using different nutritional supplements as a part of your body building efforts. Whey protein has been lauded as a safe, natural and simple supplement. It's use has become popular for those genuinely interested in good health through physical fitness and body building.
5). Autism and its Generated Behavioral and Mental Impairments By : Groshan Fabiola Autism is a complex neurological disorder that dramatically affects people’s behaviors and social interactions. The disorder can be revealed in early childhood, by the age of 3. Although the first signs of autism can sometimes be identified in infants, the disorder is usually discovered at a later stage of life. Autistic children present a wide range of behavioral abnormalities, and they can be easily identified among normal children.
6). Why Asbestos Cancer Affects More Men? By : Alfred J.James Who needs to be examined? Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended.
7). The Benefits of Martial Arts Training By : Clint Leung As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today’s world just as it was hundreds of years ago.
8). Study Says Obesity May Be Caused By Virus By : Rick Hendershot In new study published this month, a research team claims to have found evidence that a contagious virus can contribute to obesity. The team found that a specific human adenovirus Ad-37 seems to trigger obesity in chickens. Previous studies had linked other adenoviruses -- Ad-36 and Ad-5 -- to obesity in animals. These and other adenoviruses cause colds and other common illnesses in people.
9). How Long Will It Take To Gain Muscles\| Build Muscle Mass By : Chris Chew There are many factors to consider when you want to know how long will it take for you to gain and build muscle mass. Questions like are you eating enough and the right nutrients to accelerate muscle growth, are you exercising correctly and regularly and do you have the genes for quick muscle growth need to be addressed. In this article, we shall discuss whether you have the genetic make up to gain and build muscles quickly.
10). Breathe Easy: Some Asthma Relief Tips By : Nick Carter Asthma is the seventh-ranked chronic health condition in the United States and the leading chronic illness of children. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes airways (bronchial tubes) particularly sensitive to irritants. During an asthma attack, tightening of the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes causes them to become inflamed, narrow inside, and produce excess mucus.

New Health Articles
1). How To Break An Addiction By : John Morris You need to evaluate the problem and find what triggers your addicts and what specific need it is using. Once you have determined that, you can begin breaking yourself of the habit one step at a time...
2). How Disabled People Overcome Their Disabilities For Better Sexual Health By : Gregg Hall For the most part these people can participate in sexual activity and take pleasure in the intimacy of having a partner. Participating in a healthy sexual relationship is a critical part of therapy do the disabled and helps them rebuild self confidence.
3). Fight Those Winter Time Blues ! By : ian Williamson In North America, it is estimated that 50 to 60 percent of the population is affected by winter depression.
4). Cord Blood Banking: A Medical Safety Net By : Greg Roy Why pregnant women should consider cord blood banking when their children are born.
5). Make Your Heart More Healthy By : Dan Sherman Does it seem like there are more health risks these days than there were in the past? Well, the plain and simple truth is, there are. Now, more than ever, people around the globe grapple with various heath afflictions.
6). The Best Ways To Quit Cigarette Smoking By : Jonty Smith The author packed in his 40-a-day habit within a few hours. He did it quickly, easily and painlessly. Why then do so many other smokers struggle to quit? In this article, the author explains the best ways to quit cigarette smoking, and why many of the established methods are counter-productive.
7). Can Chocolate Really Kill Your Dog By : Gregg Hall We have all heard this all of our lives but how big a threat is it really? Is it life threatening or will it just make him sick? How much chocolate does the animal have to eat for it to cause a negative reaction?
8). The Attraction Of Magnetic Therapy By : John Morris Magnetic therapy is an alternative treatment for common ailments. The most commonly treated ailments for that magnetic therapy is used for are arthritis, pain, inflammation, muscle tension, migraines, tumors, asthma, allergies, diabetes and many other joints or healing complaints...
9). Symptoms, Signs, and Triggers of Anxiety Attacks By : Amit Mehta Discover key symptoms and signs of anxiety attacks, and how they affect the lives of anxiety attack sufferers. Also, learn how an anxiety attack can be coupled with agoraphobia, the fear of open spaces.
10). Power Scooters...Ask The Right Questions To Get The Right Answers By : RC Rougeux Asking the right questions can help you find out the information important to you. Use these when shopping for your next power scooter.