Neuroplasticity: 5 Tips to Optimize Brain Function

What is Neuroplasticity?

Since the early explorations of phrenology, we have collectively sought to understand and improve brain function, particularly during the process of aging. Neuroplasticity explores the changes in the function and structure of the brain in relation to experience. Sometimes referred to as rewiring or repatterning, modern day research on neuroplasticity indicates a far greater potential for new neural connections, networks, and improved learning, memory, mood regulation. Innovations on rewiring patterns from past traumatic experience to new healthier emotional response and lifestyle habits are coming to the forefront of mainstream conversation. We collectively seek greater well being and harmony in our physical health and mind-body connection. We are beginning to understand that we can harness the power of the brain and optimize neurochemical responses like serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine to maintain chemical balance and our ability to function at our human highest potential.

For the longest time, it was believed that brain plasticity was limited to an individual’s early development. However, despite the existence of data indicating that neural plasticity occurs throughout one’s life, it is only recently that researchers have begun to confirm the persistence of neural plasticity in adults and aged individuals (Voss, et al). This discovery has opened a whole new avenue for individual mental development and peak performance. Although the adult brain develops new synaptic connections more slowly, there are ways to expedite the process. As alternative and complementary medicine modalities increase in their level of pronounced benefit and acceptibily, research is branching out to the effect of nutrition, sensorial experience and meditation.

Neuroscience Research

With the expansion of neuroscience research, efforts have been made to examine the influence and efficacy of the ancient practice of aromatherapy. Due to the powerful connection between olfaction and the limbic system of the brain which regulates much of our physiology, specifically mood, memory and emotion, when we inhale the right essential oils, we are able to affect the nervous system and regulation of our emotional repatterning. Using pure essential oils is gaining significant traction in the fields of mind-body health. In regards to neuroplasticity, essential oils such as Eucalyptus and Lavender have been shown to lengthen attention spans and…