Power Up Your Brain The Neuroscience of Enlightenment by Linda Sechrist
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he quest for enlightenment has occupied mankind for millennia. Although historically depicted by images of monks sitting in meditation, nuns kneeling in prayer and shamans communing with the universe, this elusive state is not reserved for a chosen few, according to Neuroscientist David Perlmutter, M.D., and Medical Anthropologist and Shaman Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. These two experts joined the long-separated worlds of science and spirit to explore com- monalities between their specialties, with the aim of making enlightenment possible for anyone, in Power Up the Brain: The Neuroscience of Enlightenment. This book serves as a groundbreaking guide to acquiring enlightenment—a deep insight into the meaning and purpose of all things and the pure awareness and experience of peace and joy—that paves the way for success in the challenges of life.
NEW DAY
A David Perlmutter
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While Villoldo contributes his vast knowledge of shamanic and spiritual practices, Perlmutter shares his exploration into the exciting phenomena of neuro- genesis, the creation of new brain cells. “For more than a century, medical science firmly believed that our brain could not repair itself, and that we were born with all the brain cells we would ever have,” says Perlmutter. “This belief has changed during the last 20 years, due to research which has shown that neurogenesis actu- ally occurs in adult humans. We now know that we can cultivate a new relation- ship with our more sophisticated brain with the gift of neuroplasticity; the building and strengthening of new neural networks that can override the limbic brain and pave the way for freedom from trauma and destructive emotions. This allows us to express the genes for health and longevity, and even enlightenment.” Changing the sounding board by which we judge our present experience allows us to see the world, quite literally, in a new light. “You can set aside the old trauma and drama and become enlightened to what blinded you before; awakened to what is new, exciting, rich, prosperous, healthy and joyful,” Perl- mutter enthuses. The Power Up Your Brain program’s nutrition and lifestyle recommenda- tions target specific gene codes for the production of a protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), that is a key mediator for stimulating both the growth of new neurons and enhanced viability of new pathways. The production of BDNF is activated by a variety of factors, including physical exercise; caloric restriction; curcumin, an active constituent of the spice turmeric, that has power- ful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; and the omega-3 fat, DHA. Perlmutter concludes: “We can treat ourselves to stem cell therapy by taking control of our gene expression, thus connecting to that part of the brain that ties us into our spiritual experience.”
David Perlmutter, M.D., FACN, is a board-certified neurologist and fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He serves as medical director of the Perlmutter Health Center and the Perlmutter Hyperbaric Center, in Naples. He is also an ad- junct instructor at the Institute for Functional Medicine. For more information, visit
PerlHealth.com. See ad, inside front cover.
Dr. David Perlmutter will speak on the Neuroscience of Enlightenment at 7 p.m., February 9, at Unity of Naples. See ad on page 35 for additional details.
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natural awakenings February 2012 39
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