Reactivating the Limbic System
By Channa Serenity
I learned the most fascinating fact the other day…there is one part of our brain which has not evolved since the days of the cavemen, I’d even go as far as to say as it has “devolved.”I’m referring to the limbic system. The limbic system or Paleomammalian brain includes the hippocampus, amygdala, anterior thalamic nuclei, septum, limbic cortex and fornix. The pituitary and pineal glands, 2 highly important glands are also tied into the limbic system. The limbic system supports a variety of functions such as long term memory, emotion, and behavior and is associated with our sense of smell. It was sharply developed by our ancestors, they relied very heavily on the sense of smell; they were very instinctive and could actually smell the weather days ahead of time. The limbic system is referred to as the “old brain” as the structure and composition has not changed from primitive times. I’m intrigued to say the least, why, with all the new technology, skyscrapers, airplanes, and what seems like human advancement has this part of the brain that serves such pivotal functions not developed in thousands of years? What sort of effect is this having on us as a society? And is there a way to re-awaken the limbic system and initiate growth?
Here’s my theory: I believe the olfactory system and our sense of smell play a vital role in why our limbic system stopped evolving. Practicing the healing arts, in this case; aromatherapy, I know that the sense of smell awakens all the other senses, and it triggers memory. Moods can change on a dime with the right aroma and moods are directly related to dis-ease and illness. In fact, certain microbes feed our personality. There are 3 types of microbes; bacteria, viruses and fungi and it is possible to determine which is the cause of dis-ease according to your mood. Bacterial microbes feed the personality which is angry, mean and frustrated. Viruses tend to be associated with those personalities which are whiny and complaining. Fungal microbes feed those which are distant, cold and detached emotionally. With negative emotions attracting specific microbes, it is fair for me to determine that mood is directly related to our immune system. As mentioned above, aromas can change mood, so I believe the olfactory system and our immune system are also directly related. We can strengthen our immune system by enhancing our moods through smell.
Studies show that poor smell may signal Alzheimer’s. A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry concludes that difficulty identifying odours is associated with a high risk of developing impaired cognitive function and Alzheimer’s. Loss of smell is also linked to depression, fatigue and dementia. These illnesses are occurring in individuals at a younger age every year.