Under the Hood: The Mechanics of the Human Machine

Part 4A: How to Do a “Factory Reset” on Your Brain

The Thalamus & Limbic System

Modern vehicles contain at least one computer, such as the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which I likened to the endocrine system in Part 3A of this blog series. As cars become more complex, additional computers are added to manage the many controls available to the driver, such as modules containing a microprocessor to consolidate all of the functions in the driver's side door: power locks, power windows, power mirrors, power seats, seat warmers, etc.

Older vehicles utilized one wire for each component which ran to the main computer of the vehicle. Because this would create a huge bundle of wires in today's automobiles, modern technology has eliminated and replaced this excess wiring with a microprocessor specifically designed to control the driver's side door functions. While lower-end vehicles may contain only a single computer, luxury cars have been called “rolling computer networks,”(1) often containing several microprocessors to manage hundreds of complex “luxury” controls.

Any parallel made to man-made technology will fall pitifully short of G-d's elaborate and awesome creation. Multiple functions within an automobile must be combined in order to come even somewhat close to the miracle of the human machine. A car computer is like the brain because it regulates the various functions of the automobile, including the ECU and the ignition, which we have already discussed in previous blogs. Just as an automobile may have multiple microprocessors to control different areas of the car, our nervous system can be divided into various regions as well.

An incredibly fascinating branch of the nervous system is the limbic system, “which is chiefly concerned with memory, learning and emotions.” (2) The limbic system is often referred to as our “primitive brain,” and sometimes our “smelling brain.” The connection between emotions, memories, and learning are mysteriously tied together by our Creator with our sense of smell. Have you ever smelled a familiar scent and been taken back to your childhood, feeling like you are right there living a memory all over again? When my grandmother died over a decade ago, I inherited one of her wool winter coats. Whenever I put this coat on, I can still smell the familiar scent of her house, and my mind is flooded with memories. Sometimes I feel a deep longing for her as well, bringing me to tears. It is uncanny how this works, yet this is exactly how G-d designed it! He is the One who linked the olfactory nerve that carries smells from our nose to our brain where it is linked to our memories and emotions by the thalamus. Because of the way it utilizes the "software" programmed by the Creator, the thalamus could be compared to the hard drive in our Human Machines, and the amygdala could be compared to the filing and storage system of the hard drive.  As a result of trauma, often the thalamus wires a direct connection to the amygdala so that responses are knee-jerk and based on emotion vs. reason.  Taking control of reactive behavior involves "re-wiring" these responses.

Incredibly, essential oils are able to do a “factory reset” of our emotions and even on our DNA! This is because out of all of our senses, the sense of smell of most closely linked to memories.  Next time, we will discuss the science behind this “factory reset” as we learn more about the incredible healing properties of essential oils and the role of the thalamus and amygdala.  In the meantime, Click Here to download a FREE copy of "Important Criteria to Consider When Purchasing Essential Oils" which contains helpful tips for selecting the best essential oils for you and your family.

L'chaim-- To Life!

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