convinced that during the Die-off some axons do die and Schwann cells would
change to their phagocytic mode in order to absorb the dead axons. Research
might find that whole neurons Die-off at this time, rather than just certain dendrite
connections.
tHe enteric Brain
The stomach or enteric brain comprises of 100 million nerves - more than
the spinal cord. These solar plexus nerves in the enteric brain surround the
esophagus, stomach and intestines. Like the brain in the head it has sensory and
motor neurons, information processing circuits, and the glial cells. It also uses
the major neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, nitric oxide and
norepinephrine. The gut can upset the head-brain just as the head-brain can upset
the gut. Both the brain in the head and the enteric brain originate from a structure
called the neural crest, which appears and divides during fetal development. One
section turns into the central nervous system. Another piece migrates to become
the enteric nervous system; it is only later that these two systems are connected via
the vagus nerve. The enteric brain is stimulated by stress chemicals and fear also
causes the vagus nerve to “turn up the volume” on serotonin circuits in the gut.
When we eat pressure receptors in the gut’s lining are stimulated and serotonin is
released, starting the reflexive motion of peristalsis.
The gut plexus contains glial cells that nourish neurons, mast cells involved in
immune responses, and a “blood brain barrier” that protects important neurons.
The mast cells secrete histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines and other agents that
produce inflammation as protective precaution; the gut is thus inflamed to prime
it for surveillance. HPA axis (fight-or-flight) hyperactivation during the peak
kundalini phase may cause inflammation in the digestive system through the stress
chemical stimulation of mast cells to produce inflammatory agents. Adding to
the inflammation, the alerted immune system would liberally release free radicals
also. Thus we see the need to reduce stress during active kundalini and to adopt a
regular stress relief practice, to calm the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation of
the digestive system. The Inner Arts and Kundalini Skills mentioned in this book
will do this—as will most of the regular spiritual practices. Merely being distracted,
dissociated, medicated, in denial or using addiction to avoid hyperarousal or the
acute stress response, will not make it go away. Suppression of the ongoing crisis
of hyperactivation of the autonomic brain (brain stem), might lead ultimately to
serious imbalance or disease. While “mastery” of the situation through proactive
facing the challenge of metamorphic agitation of the nervous system, prevents
physical, mental and spiritual degeneration.
GlUtamate
Glutamate is a major excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter accounting for an
estimated 40% of all nerve signals in the human brain, and involved in phenomena
such as neural development, learning, and memory formation. Glutamate is
ordinarily released under close cellular biochemical control and re-uptake, for in
excess amounts it is an intense excitant of nerve cells and potentially toxic. The