The Human Placenta Project by Gregory Lawton

The Brain and Nervous System T h e

H u m a n P l a c e n t a P r o j e c t D r. G r e g o r y T. L a w t o n

Introduction Dr. Lawton is national board certified in chiropractic, physiotherapy, radiology, and acupuncture. •

40+ years of research in the field of brain, spinal and peripheral neurology

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Author of over 100 books and numerous health science articles

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Licensed in 3 healthcare professions in 3 US states

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50+ years as a health science educator

The Human Placenta Project

Overview This presentation will focus on the human brain, nervous system, cerebrospinal system, nerve anatomy, nerve plexuses, nerve ganglion, and nerve axoplasmic flow.

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Coordination

The Human Placenta Project

Auto and Exogenous Brain and Nervous System Toxicity

Neuropathy, Neuritis and Manual Therapy

Esoteric

T h e o r y

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C o n c e p t s

The Placenta as a Metaphor The placenta, an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in supporting the growing baby. Here’s what it does:

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Oxygen and Nutrient Supply: The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus through the mother’s blood. It ensures that the baby receives essential sustenance for growth and development.

The Human Placenta Project

The Placenta as a Metaphor The placenta, an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in supporting the growing baby. Here’s what it does:

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Waste Removal: Additionally, the placenta removes waste products from the baby’s blood. It acts as a filter, eliminating harmful substances and carbon dioxide.

The Human Placenta Project

The Placenta as a Metaphor The placenta, an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in supporting the growing baby. Here’s what it does:

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Hormone Production: The placenta is also an endocrine organ, producing hormones that regulate both maternal and fetal physiology during pregnancy.

The Human Placenta Project

The Placenta as a Metaphor The placenta, an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in supporting the growing baby. Here’s what it does:

What happens if there is a problem with the function of the placenta? Placental Insufficiency: If the placenta doesn't adequately supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, it can result in placental insufficiency. This condition may lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), where the baby doesn't grow as expected due to insufficient nourishment.

The Human Placenta Project

The Placenta as a Metaphor The placenta, an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in supporting the growing baby. Here’s what it does:

What happens if there is a problem with the function of the placenta? Fetal Distress: A malfunctioning placenta can lead to fetal distress, affecting the baby's heart rate and overall well-being.

The Human Placenta Project

The Placenta and the Human Soul Consider this analogy:

The human body may be considered the placenta of the human soul and as such it provides the “nutrients” needed by the soul to develop its spiritual abilities, attributes, and powers and it filters out the “toxins” from our environment and behaviors that will impede our spiritual development and ability to function in our second life (The Life Hereafter).

The Human Placenta Project

The Brain and Nervous System In another analogy -

The human body may be compared to a lamp and the soul as the light emanating from the lamp. The cleaner the lamp globe is the brighter the light or intellect that shines through the glass. This light is energy and the stronger it shines the greater are our abilities. This energy is both internal and external.

“Spirit is the lamp; mind is the light which shines from the lamp. Spirit is the tree, and the mind is the fruit. Mind is the perfection of the spirit, and is its essential quality, as the sun’s rays are the essential necessity of the sun.” Baha’i teachings, Abdu’l-Baha

The soul is our true reality and light. The Human Placenta Project

The Brain and Nervous System The soul is our true reality and light.

Internally, this energy is the vital force that gives life to the human body and drives all of its biochemical, neurological, and physical functions. This energy has been given different names by different human cultures across the fields of time including chi, ki, prana, and etheric.

The Human Placenta Project

The Brain and Nervous System The soul is our true reality and light.

Externally, this energy has been employed by different healing systems and called; “the laying on of hands”, energy medicine, spiritual healing, magnetic healing, polarity therapy, reiki, and chi kung.

The Human Placenta Project

Your True Reality The etheric energy field, also known as the primary layer in the human energy field, resides within our aura and contains the blueprint for our overall well-being. Disruption or compromise of this energy field/blueprint can result in various negative effects such as depression, being stuck in negative behavioral patterns, lack of motivation and energy, anxiety, and even physical illness.

Your Spiritual DNA The Human Placenta Project

Your True Reality Living in a material world, it's easy for us to become polluted and confused. The moral challenges of the world can disconnect us from the divine and leave us feeling weak, isolated, and alone. It's important to be aware of our true reality and spiritual purpose and to practice behaviors like prayer, meditation, and kindness to others and to protect ourselves from anything that can impede or harm our spiritual growth and development. Remember, we have control over many of the factors that can cause us harm. Your Spiritual DNA The Human Placenta Project

Your True Reality Using recreational substances, such as drugs and alcohol, excessive consumption of caffeine, smoking or vaping, or being surrounded by negative individuals can all have negative effects on our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Even physical ailments or accidents can impact us on a spiritual level. It is important to be aware of these factors and consider the potential consequences they may have. Stay mindful!

Your Spiritual DNA The Human Placenta Project

Your True Reality If we allow negative behaviors and influences to persist in our lives, we will remain disconnected from our soul's divine purpose. Each of us has a unique calling, aspirations, and a path to follow. However, these negative behaviors and influences can hinder our ability to recognize and fulfill our purpose. They can trap us in destructive patterns and prevent us from moving forward. By removing these negative forces, we can propel ourselves towards discovering and embarking on the journey to fulfill our true purpose in our first life. Your Spiritual DNA The Human Placenta Project

Your True Reality Often, and for many the first step in the process of regaining control over ourselves and our lives is to learn about and to gain knowledge of the attribute of detachment. To understand detachment perhaps it is better to talk about what it is and what it is not. It is not separating ourselves from the world and becoming a monk or a hermit. Detachment is not allowing ourselves to be seduced by the world or other people while enjoying the gifts the world has to offer. Detachment is not being owned by things or controlled by others. Detachment leads to healing of self and service to others. Your Spiritual DNA The Human Placenta Project

Your Spiritual DNA Does DNA only contain information and coding that pertains to physical life, the animal form of the human body, or does human DNA also carry innate inherited characteristics related to mind and spirit?

If there is “Spiritual DNA” it cannot be “contained” within the physical DNA or it would perish at the end of the life of the physical body. Our spiritual DNA would be encoded within the human soul which is attached to and connected with the physical body, but separate from it, and with the correct care and training it is eternal and everlasting.

The Human Placenta Project

Energy Medicine and Healing The bioelectromagnetic energy field of the human body has been the subject of modern scientific inquiry for over 100 years, and still more questions than answers remain. This bioelectromagnetic field of the human body is also known as the “human energy field” or “biofield”.

The biofield is an invisible energy surrounding the human body and is an integral part of many belief systems and alternative healing practices rooted in spiritual traditions. This human energy field is thought to have multiple levels, and each level is proposed to have its function. The five levels of the human energy field are categorized into some spiritual healing systems; Physical: Directly connected to the physical body, Etheric: The blueprint for the physical body, Emotional: Contains emotions and feelings, Mental: Linked to thoughts, beliefs, and mental processes, Spiritual: What connects humans with the divine. The Human Placenta Project

References Consider reading my two booklets, “Your Spiritual DNA” and “Energy Medicine and Healing”. Your review of these two booklets will augment the concepts suggested in this presentation. Your Spiritual DNA and Energy Medicine and Healing The Human Placenta Project

The Science

S y m p a t h e t i c a n d P a r a s y m p a t h e t i c

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Coordination Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium or balance in the body. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are two branches of the autonomic nervous system that help maintain homeostasis by regulating the functions of the internal organs. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and metabolism, while the parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to a calm state by decreasing these functions and stimulating digestion, urination, and sexual arousal. The two systems work in opposition to each other, but also in coordination, to keep the body in a stable condition. Physiological Balance and Coordination

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Coordination The many and diverse components of the human body, its cells, organs, and systems work together in coordination, unity, and harmony. When these systems do not work together, each one supporting and augmenting the other, the result is disease.

The controlling mechanism for this mutual coordination is the human brain and nervous system which are themselves maintained by the cerebrospinal complex composed of the cerebrospinal fluid and supporting vascular and lymphatic systems. A healthy brain and nervous system is defined by the harmonious balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and the achievement of homeostasis.

Physiological Balance and Coordination

“The powers of the sympathetic nerve are neither entirely physical nor spiritual, but are between the two (systems). The nerve is connected with both. Its phenomena shall be perfect when its spiritual and physical relations are normal. When the material world and the divine world are well co-related, when the hearts become heavenly and the aspirations grow pure and divine, perfect connection shall take place. Then shall this power produce a perfect manifestation. Physical and spiritual diseases will then receive absolute healing.” Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Physiological Balance and Coordination

Neuroinflammation and Neurological Diseases Neuroinflammation is inflammation of the nervous tissue in the brain, spinal cord, and throughout the nervous system. Neuroinflammation is the root cause of many neurological disorders and the epidemic of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

There is significant interest in understanding inflammatory responses within the brain and spinal cord. Inflammatory responses that are centralized within the brain and spinal cord are generally referred to as “neuroinflammatory”. Aspects of neuroinflammation vary within the context of disease, injury, infection or stress. The context, course, and duration of these inflammatory responses are all critical aspects in the understanding of these processes and their corresponding physiological, biochemical and behavioral consequences. Physiological Balance and Coordination

Neuroinflammation is the activation of the immune system in the brain, which can be triggered by various factors such as infection, drugs, alcohol, environmental toxins, injury, or aging. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. There is growing evidence that neuroinflammation plays a key role in the development and progression of AD, as well as its symptoms.

Physiological Balance and Coordination

Causes of Brain and Nervous System Inflammation and Toxicity NATURAL

CHEMICAL

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Radiation exposure

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Drug treatments

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Industrial toxins

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Fo o d a d d i t i v e t o x i n s

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Inherited: DNA mutation via natural selection Acquired: Chromosomal mutation

Physiological Balance and Coordination

Physiology

C e r e b r o s p i n a l f l u i d a n d A x o p l a s m i c F l o w

Cerebrospinal Fluid and Flow The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS) which is the master control system for the entire body. It sends and receives a complicated frequency of signals with the body that dictate the function of the tissues & cells. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathes, feeds, and protects the brain and spinal cord.

The CSF maintains the electrolytic environment of the central nervous system by cleansing metabolic waste products from the brain and spinal cord. This rinsing process also plays a large role in stabilizing the critical acid-base balance throughout the CNS.

It also provides valuable supply of essential nutrients to neuronal and glial cells. CSF also provides a medium to transport hormones, neurotransmitters, releasing factors, and other neuropeptides. Physiological Flow and Transport

Cerebrospinal Fluid Stasis When the CSF flow becomes stagnant it is classically referred to as CSF stasis. CSF stasis has been associated with vertebral structural imbalances, mechanical tension on the spinal cord, reduced cranial rhythmic impulses & restricted respiratory function. Reduced rates of CSF diffusion through key regions of the brain are a causative factor involved in degenerative disease

The CSF has two major pumps that help to establish healthy flow. The pump at the top of the spine is the occiput bone which makes up the lower portion of the skull. Flexion and extension motions of the occipital bone upon the atlas help to pump CSF through the brain and spinal cord. The other pump is at the bottom of the spine in the sacrum. Flexion and extension of the sacrum is also critical to help pump the CSF.

Physiological Flow and Transport

Cerebrospinal Fluid Stasis Sedentary lifestyles and bad postural habits create an environment ripe for CSF stasis in the spinal cord. Sedentary lifestyles create poor core strength and muscle imbalances that lead to chronic subluxation patterns throughout the spine. Sitting for long periods contributes to poor sacral motion and accelerated degenerative changes in the lumbo-pelvic region.

Sedentary lifestyles and poor posture contribute to the formation of forward head posture. Forward head posture is characterized by muscular tension patterns (MTPs). The majority of these MTPs have stiff cervical muscles, reduced cervical ROM, and ligamentous injury and scar formation. The MTP is also characterized by inflammation, pain, and degenerative joint disease (DJD).

Physiological Flow and Transport

Nerve Axoplasmic Flow Axoplasmic transport or axoplasmic flow, is a cellular process responsible for movement of mitochondria, lipids, synaptic vesicles, proteins, and other organelles to and from a neuron's cell body, through the cytoplasm of its axon called the axoplasm.

Since some axons are on the order of meters long, neurons cannot rely on diffusion to carry products of the nucleus and organelles to the end of their axons. Axonal transport is also responsible for moving molecules destined for degradation from the axon back to the cell body, where they are broken down by lysosomes.

Much like the vital flow of CSF, axoplasm provides nutrients to the nerve cell and removes waste materials. Physiological Flow and Transport

Manual Therapy I t s v i t a l r o l e i n h o m e o s t a s i s a n d s o m a t i c c o o r d i n a t i o n

The Role of Manual Therapy

Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Somatic Coordination, incoordination, and Homeostasis “Within the body exists the blueprint and the power to repair any injury or heal any illness.” The healthy body exists within a predetermined state of balance and harmonious function that is called homeostasis. But this state of balance and harmony may be unbalanced by both internal and external forces. There may be an injury, prolonged stress, poor diet and behavioral choices, air pollution, and numerous other factors. However, within the body there exists the blueprint (DNA and RNA) the power (ATP and stem cells) to repair any injury or heal any illness provided that the correct nutrition, fluids, activities and movement, air and sunlight, and human love and kindness are abundantly consumed. Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Somatic Coordination, incoordination, and Homeostasis The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) are both components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Together, they regulate the involuntary and reflexive functions of the human body.

The PSNS controls the ‘rest and digest’ functions of the body and maintains the body’s internal environment. It is responsible for regulating digestive and sexual function while keeping heart rate and blood pressure steady. The SNS is the driving force behind the ‘fight or flight’ response and triggers several physiological changes that prepare the body to confront or flee a perceived threat. Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Somatic Coordination, incoordination, and Homeostasis Certain forms of massage therapy, tuina, and spinal manipulation and mobilization “break” the cycle of stress and restore coordination to the CNS.

Forms of massage therapy such as classical massage, Swedish massage, neuropathic massage, medical massage, tuina, naprapathy, and low force low velocity spinal manipulation or mobilization support the parasympathetic nervous system and tonify the sympathetic nervous system resulting in nervous system and somatic coordination.

Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Somatic Coordination, incoordination, and Homeostasis When somatic coordination is restored the impediments to healing have been removed and the body’s innate healing powers can proceed.

Innate healing is the practice of treating cause over a symptom. It is the knowledge that our health practices, from our diets to our mindset, may affect our wellness. It is the truth that our bodies, down to each and every cell, were created to heal. Innate health is your ability to positively influence your own wellbeing, inside and out.

Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Manual Therapy and Axoplasmic Flow Blockages due to nerve compression leads to axoplasmic stasis.

A blockage in axoplasmic flow proximally may impair the function of tissues in distal regions of the nerve. For example, if a person has a proximal compression on the brachial plexus, everything distal to that site is more susceptible to pathology because there is a blockage in the axoplasmic flow and, therefore, a deprivation of nutritional supply to the distal nerve tissues. This may be the reason why patients present with comorbidity symptoms of brachial nerve entrapment and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Manual Therapy and Axoplasmic Flow Blockage of axoplasmic flow may impair the function of tissues or organs in distal regions innervated by the nerve. Oakley Smith D.N., (1906) was one of the first physicians to investigate, discover, and develop treatments specifically for connective tissue compression of nerves leading to nerve dysfunction patterns and syndromes as well as somatic dysfunction.

Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Manual Therapy and Nerve Stimulation Manual compression over a nerve or along its axon must be light and gentle and less than ½ pound per square inch (PSI) The treatment via massage therapy should not be forced high pressure compression or employ deep tissue therapy. Compressive forces and pressures above .5 PSI would result in nerve damage and reduced axoplasmic transport. This would cause a reduction in nutrition moving through the axon and to the cell body. “Compression of a peripheral nerve can disturb the intraneural transport (axonal transport) of a large variety of substances. This may be followed by morphological and biochemical changes in the nerve cell body. These central changes may affect the axon as a whole and confer on the nerve an increased susceptibility to trauma.” Healing the Brain and Nervous System

Manual Therapy and Nerve Stimulation Manual compression of a nerve and compression along the nerve should follow the pathway of the entire nerve. When it comes to treating nerve compression problems in the extremities, many approaches make the mistake of focusing on just one location. If someone has neuropathy in their hand due to median nerve injury or pathology, they may assume that the problem is limited to carpal tunnel compression. Effective massage treatment doesn't just target the wrist, but also addresses the entire upper extremity, shoulder, and neck regions. Massage therapists need to understand the anatomical path of the primary peripheral nerves and be familiar with common locations of nerve compression. By addressing these areas, they can reduce compression and entrapment of the nerve, reducing or eliminating symptoms and possible long-term impairment.

Healing the Brain and Nervous System

The Human Body

M A N U A L T H E R A P Y - T H E C N S A N D P N S L Y M P A T H I C S A N D A X O N A L T R A N S P O R T

The Brain Modulation of lymphatic transport in the central nervous system The glymphatic system and the meningeal lymphatic vessels provide a unique pathway for solutes transport and metabolites clearance in the brain. Sleep, circadian rhythm, arterial pulsation, and other physiological factors modulate this specialized lymphatic drainage pathway.

Scientific findings

The Brain Modulation of lymphatic transport in the central nervous system Arterial pulsation of the central nervous system structures: The pulsatile blood flow in the arteries of the brain and spinal cord creates pressure waves that propagate to the CSF and drive its movement. Venous pulsation of the CNS related to the respiratory cycle: The changes in intrathoracic pressure during respiration affect the venous return from the brain and spinal cord, which in turn modulates the CSF pressure and flow.

Scientific findings

The Brain Modulation of lymphatic transport in the central nervous system Deep breathing can affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain and spinal cord. According to some studies, deep breathing can increase the power and velocity of CSF flow in the skull, while holding the breath can pause the flow of CSF12. This may have implications for brain health, as CSF plays a role in cleansing the brain of waste products3. Deep breathing may also enhance the effects of the glymphatic system, which is another mechanism for brain detoxification4. Therefore, deep breathing may be beneficial for improving brain function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Scientific findings

The Brain Clearing waste: CSF allows for the removal of waste products from the brain, and is critical in the brain's lymphatic system, called the glymphatic system. Metabolic waste products diffuse rapidly into CSF and are removed into the bloodstream as CSF is absorbed. The build up of endogenous and exogenous toxins in the brain creates the brain and neural injuries that lead to the destruction of brain cells, dementia, and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Scientific Findings

The CNS Microglia, a type of cell in the central nervous system, become activated and clear cellular debris by phagocytosis under pathological conditions such as infectious diseases, stroke or neurodegenerative processes. Scientists have also discovered a system that drains waste products from the brain, which may reveal new ways to treat neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers recently discovered a series of channels that surround blood vessels within the brains of mice. This system, managed by the brain's glial cells, was termed the glymphatic system. It moves cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, quickly and deeply throughout the brain, removing waste.

The functions of the diaphragm do not stop locally in its anatomy but affect the entire body including the brain. The respiratory rhythm, directly and indirectly, affects the central nervous system (CNS). Breathwork has the ability to move the brain mass and determine patterns of neural oscillation along with affecting the CSF cycle. The Human Placenta Project

Somatic Homeostasis

COORDINATION

Scientific Findings

INCOORDINATION

CNS AND PNS

Scientific findings

CNS AND PNS

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BRACHIAL PLEXUS

Scientific findings

PNS DISTRIBUTION

Scientific findings

CNS AND PNS

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NEURONS AND NERVE IMPULSE

Scientific findings

NEURON DISTRIBUTION

Scientific findings

NEURON AND IMPULSES

Scientific findings

NERVE SYNAPSE

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NERVE SYNAPSE

Scientific findings

Therapeutic

M o d e s

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T e c h n i q u e s

Neuropathic Massage Neuropathic massage is a form of medical massage therapy that applies direct compression along nerve tracks, pathways and plexi. Neuropathic massage therapy is a type of massage that aims to relieve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensory and motor signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Neuropathy can be caused by various factors, such as diabetes, injury, infection, autoimmune diseases, toxins, or aging.