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Emotions and effect on Body Chemicals and vice versa
Emotions/Thoughts
Knowingly or unknowingly everyone here have experience the emotions in their daily
life. In bookish term we will say” Emotions are mental state that arises spontaneously
rather than through conscious effort and is often accompanied by physiological changes”.
No one has control to stop the emotions. We can try to change them but we cannot stop
them………so before we learn how to change them lets get some more information about
emotions….what kind of emotions are there?
Happy- when we meet some good friend, do some activity which we enjoy that could be
anything like eating good food, watching movie………
Anger- when something happen which is not as per your expectations…..it could be any
situation/person/thing
Fear/anxiety- when something happened which you don’t like……example after exam
waiting for result, feeling of getting caught by cop, fear from fight/height
Sad/Depression- when we feel down, not able to concentrate and sometime we cry too
Interesting facts about emotions
Emotions don’t remain the same for a long time Have you ever notice when we get
angry.. After few minutes/days we get normal…..just like that if we are happy or sad that
feeling also go away after some time. Another example is: when you are driving a car
and some thing (could be animal) come in front of your car….and you have to put the
brake with your full energy. Did you notice any change? Yes…your heart start pounding
very fast…….that is due to the feeling of fear and it takes few minutes or may be an hour
to become normal. You were not in that emotional state for very long time and you start
driving as you were doing before. So this all shows that emotions do not remain the same
for long time and it keeps changing.
Emotions come with intensity………every person will have different effect in same
situation…..for example horror movie…few people say they don’t get sacred but some
have to watch them with closed eyes…so it is not the same for every person….
How emotions affects our body:
As everybody have read before sometime in school about our body that All the systems
of the body (digestion, respiration, elimination etc.) are made up of glands (adrenal,
mammary etc.), and organs (heart, liver, lungs, etc.). Glands and organs are comprised of
tissues, (fat, bone, muscle etc.), and tissues are composed of cells. Cells, therefore, are the
fundamental functional (physiological) and structural (anatomical) parts of the human
body as well as all other living organisms.
Here I would mention one body part that plays the most important part in controlling
these body changes and that is our Brain. This is the one body part which is most
complex structure and most important as well. Our five senses are controlled by brain and
things beyond senses like our thoughts, memories, dreams, reasoning……are all comes
and process there. In our brain we have the limbic system which does all these functions
and here is a quick refreshment to understand better (you might have read about this in
school time  below is the link where we can get more information)
Lymbic System
The Emotional Brain, known as the Limbic System,
Lymbic System is a grouping of related components surrounding the Brain-Stem and
lying beneath the Neocortex. These ancillary artefacts include the Hypothalamus, the
Amygdala, and the Hippocampus. Although certain activities and properties are centred
in each part, it must be emphasised that although each of these artefacts are discrete
constructions in themselves, they, as in all things in the natural world, act not in isolation
but as part of an integrated system.
The Hypothalamus triggers the physical manifestations such as the pounding heart and
dry mouth that come with fear. The Hippocampus is responsible for our memories of
incidents that carry a strong emotional flavor. The Amygdala influences the manners in
which we behave when emotionally aroused. For example, laughing when happy, and
crying when distressed. It is particularly active in emotional reactions associated with
fear, anger, flight and defense. These parts of the brain are the hardware, the chemicals
that they use as communicators may be considered as being our software.
So just like other body parts….our brain is also composed of cells. The number of cells
in brain is in millions. Each cell has millions of receptors on the surface of the cell.
Example could be golf ball/ satellite dish/ locks anything…….
Now what happens is; our body has chemicals (explained below and in scientific terms it
is called Ligands) in our blood which run through all over body and few chemicals
which communicate are in the form of amino acids (pearl shape) so when we get the
emotions these chemicals or we can say these pearl shape substance get the vibration and
become active and based on the formation they go to the selective receptor and that
receptor accepts these chemicals and understand the reaction and tell it to the body part
that I got the message to laugh/cry.
Ligands (general terms chemicals) which mean substance that bind selectively to a
specific receptor site on the surface of a cell and can be natural or man-made substances.
There are three kinds of ligands
1. Neurotransmitters- serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA and
acetylcholine.generally made in the brain to carry information across the gap,
between one neuron and the next.
2. Steroids- harmones testosterone, progesterone and estrogen.
3. peptides- made up of strings of amino acids
It is the function of ligands (body chemical) to transmit a message to the cell that
coordinate body functions such as metabolism, (digestion and elimination), and
respiration on a cellular level. These cellular processes in turn bring about dramatic
functional changes in tissues, glands, organs, and entire body systems.
At the same time peptides not only coordinate almost all body functions on a physical
level, but also on an emotional level. These powerful biochemicals are concentrated in
the limbic system (see above), the seat of the emotions, and play an important role in
governing our emotions as well.
In nut shell: If the cell is the engine that drives all life, then the receptors are the buttons
on the control panel of that engine and a specific peptide (ligand) is the finger that
pushes that button and gets things started.
Here is the video which shows the better how it works
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqqq5eme4X0 from 2:58 to 4:50
Peptides are made up of Amino acids and these amino acids are the letters that when
combined in certain sequences, form the words and by that make up a language that
forms and directs the function of every single cell, organ and system inside the body.
More than 90 neuropeptides have been identified so far, associated with mood changes,
nerve, hormone and immune regulation. Well known groups of neuropeptides include
the neurotransmitters that carry messages across synapses in the nervous system, growth
factors, gut peptides, immune system modulators (e.g. interleukins, cytokines,
chemokines, growth inhibitors that tell cells when to stop growing*). A better term for
the peptides might be informational substances. Other common peptides include the
endorphins (our own happy hormones), insulin (responsible for blood sugar control),
vasopressin (responsible for blood pressure), sex hormone releasing hormones, serotonin
(the feel-good neurotransmitter) There are 20 essential amino acids found in the human
body, meaning that we have to take it in from the food we eat, as they’re not
manufactured inside the body, hence ‘essential’. The first peptide, secretin was
discovered in the gut. These surprised scientists as they thought all physiological
functions were controlled purely by electrical impulses from the brain and nerves. Then
the endogenous endorphins, enkephalin peptides that bind to the body’s own opiate
(morphine-like) receptors inside the brain, were found. This led to a mad search for
receptors and their binding peptides inside the brain, hence the pronoun ‘neuro’peptides.
It was only realised much later that every single peptide was made in many parts of the
body, including of course, the brain. Now we know that the peptides are actually
manufactured throughout the whole body, e.g. immune cells, bone marrow and gut cells
have receptors for and produce neuropeptides. The T & B-cells of the immune system
communicate with the brain and vice versa via the neuropeptides. Emotions can suppress
lymphocyte function, others may enhance it.
Neuropeptides cause chemical changes in the body that can improve or weaken the
immune system. Once immune cells receive the stress response alarm, they undergo
changes and begin to produce powerful chemicals. These substances allow the cells to
regulate their own growth and behavior, enlist the help of other immune cells, and direct
these to the areas of invasion or other trouble spots. Studies show that the HIV virus
interferes with a peptide associated with feelings of self-esteem. In one study, patients
with full blown Aids, who had therapy to boost their sense of self and strengthen
emotional bonds, survived statistically longer than expected.
Another example: Rheovirus, which causes common cold, uses receptors for
norepinephrine. If an individual is happy, these receptors are filled with norepinephrine
so happy person is less likely to get a cold.
What has changed in science after this research?
BY CANDACE PERT- Emotions are neuropeptides attaching to receptors and
stimulating an electrical change on neurons. The mind exists not only in the brain.
Neuropeptides are also produced by the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, lymph glands, and
the dorsal horn of the spine. Neuropeptides produced by the brain, arriving to open
receptors in the intestines, are the root of the expression 'gut feeling
Few examples of Body Chemicals and their effects:
Adrenanline- Bad Chemical- The human body responds to stressors by activating the
nervous system and specific hormones. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to
produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the
bloodstream. These hormones speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and
metabolism
Endorphins- The brain produces its own chemical. These chemicals are produced in the
brain in response to a variety of stimuli. Endorphins were discovered in 1975. Stress &
pain are the two most common triggers for release of the endorphins. Activation of the
opiate receptors in the brain by the bodies own endorphins do not cause addiction or
dependence, whereas exogenous opiates, such as morphine and codeine, do lead to
addiction and dependence.
Effect of natural endorphins:
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Decrease in pain sensation
feelings of euphoria
appetite modulation
release of sex hormones

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enhanced immune response
fewer negative effects of stress
Our youth is the example of endorphins and when this chemical reduces then we start
getting older………
Serotonin- feels good chemicals. Voilent behaviour is linked to lowered serotonin. We
are all familiar with the increase in irritability that comes with hunger. Serotonin is a by
product of tryptophan that has to reach the brain before production can commence.
Insulin is a chemical that absorbs a range of these competitors. Insulin is secreted when
it is called upon to digest food with high carbohydrate content. So to restore serotonin
levels, eat a banana, or something of that nature. This will secrete insulin. Insulin will
‘clear’ the channel for tryptophan to reach the brain. Serotonin will then produced from
the tryptophan and that will improve the attitude.
What Ayurveda says?
Our ancient science of life which is called Ayurveda in Sanskrit says the same thing that
depression/stress is the main cause of the physiological imbalances or, as the sages would
say, “It’s ama”. Stress puts blockages in our physiology, thereby impeding the flow of
life energy, dampening the digestive fire and generating “ama”. Chronic stress affects
what scientists call the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). The hypothalums(explained
above) is the master controlling region in the brain and the pituitary gland is the master
controlling gland of the endocrine system.
Depressed individuals show this pattern of impairment in the HPA. During the
depressive episode, the levels of adrennorcorticotroic harmone (HCTH) and cortisol
secretion increase. The levels of serotonin, norepinenphrine, dopamine and other
biochemicals fluctuate as an adaptive response to the changes in the HPA. Another
affected biochemical is melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep. Also, when
serotonin is substantially reduced by acute and chronic stress, there is an increase in the
activity of the locus coeruleus, a part of the brain that affects anxiety, anger, fear and
frustration.
In simple terms- Any aggravation of the doshas affects agni (the digestive fire) and
produces ama (toxins). Ama enters the blood stream and circulates throughout the body,
clogging the channels and tissues. This accumulated toxicity will slowly affect the vital
life energy (prana), the immunity (ojas) and the cellular metabolic energy (tejas), and
result in disease. So, ama is the basic internal cause of all ailments, and it is due to the
aggravation of vata, pitta, or kapha. According to Ayurveda, the key to optimal health is
to help the body eliminate toxins and reestablish the balance of the doshas.
According to Ayurveda, food is one of the main reason which affects our emotions
through the direct effect of taste, through the effect during digestive (virya), and the
effect after digestion (vipaka). The resulting doshas and gunas stimulate the occurrence
of particular Emotions. Thus all foods are moodfoods.
Some food may have toxic effects on our emotional well-being. Meat is emotionally
toxic because it contains large amounts of neurotransmitters created by the fear and pain
of the dying animals. Therefore eating organic food is another way to avoid emotionally
toxic sustances.
How to control/change emotions?
Positive thoughts- Nothing more important that our own thought process.
For example:
1.
Interpretation of an event or experience
Most events outside us don't prompt emotions. It is the interpretation of the event
that prompts the emotion.
Event
Interpretation
Emotion
Seeing my boyfriend with
my best friend
They must have been talking
Anger
about me
My car has a flat tire
Some neighborhood kid did
Anger
this
It starts to thunder and
lightning
I have heard of people being
Fear
killed by lightning
I see Mary at the concert
with Betty after she
promised to go with me
Mary doesn't care about me
I see Mary at the concert
with Betty after she
promised to go with me
Mary is trying to get back at
Anger
me
Sadness
Can you see that the emotion comes after the interpretation is made, after you have the
thought about the reason something is happening? So always positive interpretation will
bring positive thoughts……..
Think of some examples of your own, and list the event, your interpretation of the events
(what you think about it) and your emotion.
Consider laughter- A genuine deep belly laugh floods our cells with happy brain
chemicals. After a belly laugh, we feel purified, lighter.
Yoga- Pranayamas (breathing techniques) are procedures used to enhance the flow and
circulation of "prana" in the body, usually through regulation of the breathing pattern or
rhythm. "Prana", or life force, is said to enter the body through food, sunlight and breath.
It energizes and vitalizes the vital fluids in the body called "ojas", which include the
blood, lymph, extracellular, sexual and cerebrospinal fluid.
Breathing exercises has positive effect on the brain and the endocrine system. Studies
suggest that the practice of these technique increases serotonin levels, more important, it
also reduces cortisol levels. Hence we can reduce the stress and treats the depression.
For example: Kapalbhati and Bastrika breathing excersises both stimulate the network of
nerves in the abdominal cavity that regulates digestion and metabolism. These exercises
trigger the release of two stimulating substances: epinerphrine and norepinephrine. The
latter, is one of the brain chemical that is deficient in depression. Increasing the levels of
this biochemical in the bloodstream uplifts mood and improves physiological
performance in every way. These also increase resistance to stress through the probable
release of feel good hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin.
Meditation - techniques such as "mantras", and "kirtan" (chanting) are also utilized to
experience pure awareness without the interruption of thoughts or feelings. A "mantra" is
a word, sound or word-phrase, which the mediator concentrates upon to keep attention
from being involved with the external physical environment, physical feelings, moods, or
thought processes. "Mantras" are mentally repeated and/or "listened to" in reiterated
cadence, usually in coordination with, and simulating the audible sound of the in-going
and out-going breath. As the "mantra" is coordinated with the in and out going breath, the
practitioner's attention is focused on the cerebrospinal fluid going up and down the spine.
The high and low pitch "tones" of the chant resonating within the body also enhance CSF
flow. This occurs because the vibrational sound of the chant has a stimulating effect on
the liquid medium of the CSF as it circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Lower
pitch "tones" resonate in the chest and abdomen areas, and affect the CSF within the
spinal column. Higher pitch “tones” resonates in the head, and therefore impact on the
CSF as it circulates within the cranium.
Medicines – From tranquilizers and sleeping pills to alcohol and marijuana, many classes
of drugs temporarily inhibit activity in the locus coeruleuse, thus reducing anxiety, anger,
fear and frustration. Nevertheless, the effect of these substances is only transient at best
and their side effects are negative. For example: The antipsychotic drugs Haldorl,
Thorazine, Risperdal block receptors dopamine; this can cause GI & immune side effects;
it releases prolactin in women which causes constant PMS.
References:
http://www.healthstresswellness.com/index.asp?pgid=72
http://www.healtouch.com/csft/bodywork.html
http://www.healtouch.com/csft/yoga.html
http://truthseekerjournal.com/1997archive/124_1/15_chemical.html
http://al.turtlecounseling.com/blog/Relationships/Skills/FeelingsandEmotions/_archives/2
005/4/7/562962.html
http://lipgravy.com/whitefeatherlibrary/emotionsandfeelings.html
http://www.charisma.org.uk/chapt-8.htm
http://www.rasas.info/body_mind_emotions.htm
http://kr.buddhism.org/~skb/down/papers/152.pdf