Neuroception is how the nervous system automatically responds to environmental changes.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
NEUROCEPTION
Neuroception is the automatic function of the nervous system to detect and respond to changes in the environment. It is a subconscious process that occurs outside of our conscious awareness.
The nervous system is constantly monitoring the environment for changes that could potentially be harmful. This process is known as threat detection. When the nervous system detects a potential threat, it triggers a series of responses that help us to avoid or escape the threat.
THREAT DETECTION
The first step in threat detection is known as sensory input. This is when the body’s senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste) collect information about the environment. This information is then sent to the brain where it is processed.
If the brain determines that there is a potential threat, it will activate the fight-or-flight response. This is a survival mechanism that prepares the body to either fight the threat or flee from it.
THE AMYGDALA
The fight-or-flight response is controlled by the amygdala. This is a small, almond-shaped structure located in the brain. The amygdala is responsible for processing strong emotions, such as fear and anxiety.
When the amygdala is activated, it triggers a series of changes in the body. These changes include an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The body also releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for action.
THE FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT RESPONSE
The fight-or-flight response is a survival mechanism that has evolved over time. It is designed to help us avoid or escape dangerous situations. However, it can also be triggered in response to non-threatening situations, such as when we are startled by a loud noise.
In some cases, the fight-or-flight response can lead to anxiety and panic. This can happen when the body perceives a threat that is not actually present. It can also occur when the response is out of proportion to the actual threat.
Anxiety and panic are not harmful in and of themselves. However, they can be disruptive to our lives. This is why nervous system regulation is so important: it helps to ensure that the fight-or-flight response is only activated when there is a real threat.
80% of the nerves in the human body are "afferent" - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
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The nervous system is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. The nervous system controls many of the body's involuntary activities, including movement, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, stress response, and digestion.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Dysregulation is when the nervous system stops functioning properly and perceives events as stressful or overwhelming due to high allostatic load (baseline stress level). This happens when its baseline has moved significantly away from the default ventral vagal state, often due to chronic stress, trauma, poor sleep, and poor diet. This brings about a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disease.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's natural response to a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and prepares the body to either fight the threat or run away from it. The body's heart rate increases, blood flow to the muscles increases, and the body releases adrenaline and other hormones.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.