The Science of Self-Healing with Dr. Sharon Stills and Dr. Mauro Zappaterra

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Episode Highlights with Dr. Mauro Zappatera

Dr. Mauro Zappaterra - Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF - a hidden and sacred fluid)

  • The continued study of the science and spirituality of Cerebrospinal Fluid, and its connection to mind, body and spirit.

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid:

    • An incredible divine fluid that bathes both our brain and our central nervous system

    • Found within cavities in the brain, as well the canal inside the spinal chord, also bathes outside of brain and spinal chord

    • Clear fluid

    • Reservoir found in sacrum

    • Contains hormones (still to be characterized), metabolites, growth factors, cellular information, at least 273 known proteins, provides nutrition for the brain the the  embryo and adult stages

    • Cerebrospinal fluid forms early on in the embryonic stage

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid itself is found within the glymphatic system.

    • The glymphatic system is a network of vessels that clear waste from the central nervous system (primarily during sleep)

  • Also observed within a cauliflower like piece of tissue within the brain (choroid plexus) that is significantly larger during the stages a of development, which means that the fluid has direct impact on development.

    • Very important for brain development specifically, starting in the embryonic stages.

    • The continued study found a relationship between ailments in the body and cerebrospinal fluid and it was observed that the fluid was able to relay information directly to the observer during sessions by “feeling” the fluid’s movement through the spinal column and neck

    • Similarities between the cells that allow sea-life such as starfish to observe their surroundings and send information to the body (within the fluid ocean), resembled the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid and its role in information relay between body, brain, and spirit in humans.

  • Flow of cerebrospinal fluid

    • Still extensively studied and widely debated

    • Clear flow from the 4th ventricle to 3rd ventricle, non-directional flow (flows both ways)

    • Cerebrospinal fluid flows through brain tissue during stages of sleep (brain tissues relax to open up and allow for the fluid’s passing), this works  as a waste management system, and clears out toxins and cellular degree from the day before

    • Brain tissue seems to stay tightly packed while awake and active, and then began open up while asleep 

    • Observed that this deepened state of relaxation within the brain during parasympathetic calming practices such as meditation etc. allow for this same process to happen allowing for detoxification

  • Could parasympathetic actives encourage this CSF/brain detoxification relationship?

    • Current research shows that CSF movement is affected by many things within our bodies

    • As the heart beats, or breath patterns change CSF movement is affected 

    • Found that forced inspiration and expiration (2.5 seconds) directed CSF both towards and away from the brain, meaning breath itself could be the most major source of  movement of CSF within the body

  • Kundalini 

    • Essential energy source found within the sacrum that rises both up and down through the spine and crown chakra -

    • Described both kundalini rising experiences and other spiritual experiences during breath-work, is this related to CSF movement?

    • Kundalini rising experiences could be observed through 

      • Increased connections with spirits

      • Connections with animals

      • Increased compassion

      • Feeling of psychical vibration within the body itself

    • The body affected oppositely when CSF movement is not present or impaired, causing ailments such as

      • Headaches

      • Muscle stiffness

      • Inefficient detoxification of the brain

    •  CSF movement can be encouraged by bringing your awareness to the fluid itself

      • Heart rate

      • Healthy diet 

      • Sleep

      • Breath

      • Meditation, massage, movement practices, craniosacral therapy and other parasympathetic activities

  • Started studying the relationship between CSF movement and full body and spiritual healing

    • As the study of cerebrospinal fluid continues to reveal a large impact on the relationship between both our physical, spiritual bodies and detoxification processes, a more accurate way to measure its movement is the next goal

    • Dr. Mauro Zappaterra continues to study CSF as the topic expands, and recommends that we individually become more in touch with the patterns of CSF movement within our bodies

    • “Say Hello” to your CSF! What does it say back in return?