AI Says...
Amid the flurry of conscious activities that structure our days working, eating, interacting there exists a silent and often overlooked dialogue: the one we maintain with our subconscious. The works of Trigant Burrow and Edward Groddeck, pioneers of psychosomatics, alongside contemporary studies in neuroscience and clinical psychology, shed light on this essential dialogue and its direct influence on our physical and mental health.
A Constant but Often Unconscious Dialogue
Every behavior, emotion, and thought sends signals to our subconscious. Acting as a silent regulator, the subconscious interprets these signals to adjust the body's physiological responses. For instance, chronic stress perceived by the subconscious as a persistent threat can lead to overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, promoting inflammation and the emergence of psychosomatic illnesses.
However, the interpretation of these signals can also be positive. Regular physical activity, a secure social environment, or balanced dietary habits can convey messages of safety, strengthening the body's repair and protective mechanisms.
The Dimensions of Our Subconscious Signals
Physical Activity: A Harvard study shows that moderate exercise releases endorphins, which the brain interprets as signals of well-being. In response, the subconscious reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Conversely, prolonged inactivity may be perceived as a sign of depression or disengagement, leading to immune dysfunctions.
Dietary Habits: Food choices send powerful signals. For instance, a diet high in refined sugars induces glycemic fluctuations that stress the body. The subconscious interprets these swings as biological instability, triggering alert mechanisms. On the other hand, a diet rich in essential nutrients signals stability and abundance.
Social Interactions: Studies on loneliness reveal that it is perceived by the subconscious as an existential threat, stimulating chronic inflammatory responses. Conversely, a warm social network triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with trust and stress reduction.
Psychological Challenges: Traumas and internal conflicts, if avoided or repressed, send threatening signals to the subconscious. These signals often manifest as psychosomatic illnesses. Psychoanalysis or tailored therapeutic approaches can help reverse these destructive signals.
Clinical Examples: The Impact of Toxic Signals
A patient diagnosed with gastric cancer at 50 recounts, after psychoanalysis, having suppressed emotions tied to an oppressive work environment for decades. The subconscious, continually receiving these signals of distress, ultimately developed a destructive response. However, following treatment and a career change, the signals sent to the brain were interpreted as positive, facilitating remission.
Recommendations for Proper Interaction with the Subconscious
Adopt Regular Introspection: Ask yourself, “When I act this way, what does my subconscious perceive?”
Prioritize Positive Activities: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and enriching social interactions foster constructive signals.
Express and Address Emotions: Do not repress negative emotions. Verbalizing them, for instance through therapy, allows the subconscious to reclassify events as resolved.
Practice Meditation or Mindfulness: These practices soothe internal alert signals and cultivate a harmonious dialogue with the subconscious.
Conclusion: A Partnership to Nurture
The idea that the subconscious can be either an ally or an adversary, depending on the signals it receives, should transform how we live. Instead of neglecting it, let us engage in a conscious and respectful dialogue with this silent interlocutor. By doing so, we maximize our chances of living healthily and avoid the destructive surprises it might otherwise reserve for us.