How to Reactivate Your 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 about the limbic system

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 odors 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.

What is happening to our sense of smell?

The Limbic System and our sense of smell

Synthetic vs. Real I believe we are blocking off the ability for our limbic system to evolve due to society’s economic structure. Over the years, our Earth has been plowed up and filled with roads, buildings and man-made structures. Cities are being built and nature has suffered. We have created a synthetic environment. The true, pure environment of nature where flowers bloom and trees grow tall is increasingly scarce. We are lacking Green! We rarely smell anything real and genuine anymore, only synthetic and this is why the limbic system has not evolved. We have not nourished it. We have deprived it of Mother Gaia and her natural healing abilities and bombarded it with synthetic man-made perfumes, smog, pollutions, car exhaust, etc. We cannot grow in such an un-natural environment; this is not how we were intended to live. We are suppressing our innate abilities by living in a synthetic world. But alas, this is our society now and it’s not realistic for most to escape it and take up a new home in a more natural setting.

What can we do? We can ignite the limbic system by introducing the “real” back into our lives. Immerse yourself in nature whenever possible.  Essential oils are an excellent way to re-awaken the limbic system. Essential oils are extracted from all different types of plants. They can be extracted from leaves, flowers, stems, twigs, fruit, roots, and bark. A bottle of essential oil has a life force and vibrational rate which is unique. Essential oils are very powerful and work on all levels: the physical, emotional and spiritual. They may be applied in several ways, the most popular being inhalations, compresses, bath or massage.

See Also

“It’s in My Genes” No Longer an Excuse for Poor Health

Our sense of smell is directly linked to our well-being. Here are some suggestions on utilizing the oils to better your health. As mentioned above, sex drive and your Immune system are directly related to the olfactory system and in turn, your well-being.

Top 3 Essential Oils to enhance the Immune system:

• Bergamot
• Ti Tree (Tea Tree)
• Geranium

The more “real” you incorporate into your life, the more you will enhance your well being. I also believe that once the limbic system is re-awaked, we will regain our ability to smell the weather and to further develop our 6th sense, this part of our brain has laid dormant for so long, the possibilities of what we could accomplish with it activated definitely excites me!!

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About the Author

Channa is a holistic health & wellness coach. She holds certificates in Iridology, Herbology, Homeopathy, Natural Remedies, Aromatherapy, Natural Nutrition & Symptomatology, a Reiki Master and is Author of 12 weeks to Raw-some, Diva Edition. Channa’s passion is to help women take control of their bodies, minds and spirits, and create balance and harmony in all aspects of their lives. She want to empower women to make lifestyle changes necessary for their best possible health.