THE LIMBIC SYSTEM

and Emotional Communication

“A Primitive Friend”

By Jim Aquila

When talking about the limbic system we are talking about the root of mankind. This article does not change the fact that man and woman have evolved from a very primitive beginning.  It only amplifies that man is constantly on a pleasure seeking path that states,  "Any-which-way-they-can."

For this article we will focus on the effect alcohol, tobacco, drugs both illicit and of the prescription variety. Although, not so externally observable, we will also include the effects extreme activities and habitual behavior have on this primitive organ and eventually on man's pleasure seeking apparatus. So let's begin.

The Anatomy Of The System Itself

The Limbic System is a complex combination of several structures in the brain that receives sensory stimulation, which is translated into emotional and psychological expression.  Major components of the Limbic System include the hypothalamus, amygdala, corpus callosum, fornix, limbic cortex, cerebellum, mammillary body and hippocampus.  The Limbic System is at the center of the brain, where all major emotional expressions are generated.  Everyone's emotional health is absolutely dependent on the health and chemical balance of this system.

In 1878, the French neurologist Paul Broca called attention to the fact that, on the medial surface of the mammalian brain, right underneath the cortex, there exits an area containing several nuclei of gray matter (neurons) which he denominated was the limbic lobe (from the Latin word "limbus" that implies the idea of a circle or ring surrounding, etc.) since it forms a kind of border around the brain stem. The entirety of these structures, that, years later would receive the name of "limbic system", developed with the emergence of the inferior (primitive) mammals. This system commands certain behaviors that are necessary for the survival of all mammals.

It gives rise to and modulates specific functions that allow the animal to distinguish between the agreeable and the disagreeable.   Here specific affective functions are developed, such as the one that induces the females to nurse and protect their children and the one, which induces animals to develop playful behaviors or moods. The limbic system is responsible for regulating emotions and feelings, like rage, fright, passion, love, hate, joy and sadness, sexual behavior, hormone production, autonomic nervous system, hunger, thirst, sleep, body temp, motivation and sense of smell, all originate in the limbic system. This system is also responsible for some aspects of personal identity and for important functions related to memory.

Critical messenger chemicals known as neurotransmitter exist and are naturally produced by our brain and are free flowing.  These chemicals pass from nerve cell to nerve cell along networks, referred to as pathways, whenever an emotional response stimulates the nervous system.

It is therefore vitally important that there is a balanced supply of each of these chemical transmitters present in order that these pathways may operate efficiently.   If the level of neurotransmitters is insufficient or out of balance it will not allow the involved pathways to adequately "fire", and thereby the emotional responses of the individual are "unhealthy".

There are two basic types of pathways in this system, one is excitatory (gets the juices flowing) and the other sedative (has a calming effect).  Together they express a wide range of feeling states ranging from ecstasy to sleep and trance.

The three neurotransmitters most commonly thought to be critical to the excitatory pathways are dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. This set of neurotransmitters are synthesized and released in the first part of the day. They are activating in nature, allowing us to be motivated and alert and feeling a state of positive engagement with the world around us.

The neurotransmitters most commonly associated with sedative pathway function are serotonin and GABA, (gamma amino butyric acid). This set are synthesized and released in the afternoon and at evening time.  They allow a person to relax, slow down and get to sleep.

The Solution

Individuals who suffer low neurotransmitters production are subject to states of depression.  Low excitatory neurotransmitters are also vulnerable to being dependent on stimulant drugs.  Low levels of sedative neurotransmitters result in a person suffering anxiety disorders, which places these individuals at risk to dependency on depressant drugs.  Among disorders that have a high occurrence in people with low quantity of these particular Limbic System neurotransmitters show a chemical dependency, with the outward conditions of obsessive/compulsive disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, ADHD/ADD etc.

There are research and treatment efforts developing a greater insight into this area of biological exploration. Premier value is the area of nutrient therapy using neurotransmitter precursor amino acids, vitamins, minerals and Herbs, and other highly beneficial "orthomolecular" compounds.   The term "orthomolecular medicine" describes the use of compounds found in foods and naturally occurring plants that are absolutely essential in maintaining minimum levels for the proper balance and function of biological systems.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a problem with any of the conditions mentioned, we invite you to read the book review given on this site. Remember, you are never alone on your journey. There are many more on your support team who walk beside you, and who truly understand your life's challenge.

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