Neuro and Stress: A Journey into the Heart of Emotional Responses

Stress is an unavoidable reality of modern life, but how does our brain react to this daily challenge?In this article, we will explore the complex mechanisms that govern emotional responses, diving into neural circuits, archaic reflexes, and the crucial role of the amygdala.

The Circuits of Stress

The brain prioritizes one thing: ‘’Am I safe?’’.Then, if the conditions are right, it allows for structured movement, cognition, and emotion.Fortunately, the brain asks this question, because it’s thanks to this that we are here, human beings, 3 million years later.

Imagine if, in the face of every danger, we lacked the ability to react. A car is speeding towards you, and you are unable to make the right decision.

Now imagine that your brain, stressed continuously, is so alert and insecure that it feels endangered at every moment. Its priority will therefore not be to create quality movement, but to protect itself.

What will this create? Chronic stress?

- Poorly regulated muscle tone (decreased performance, various tensions, reduced range of motion)

- Decreased cognitive abilities (poor concentration, failing memory)

- Stress hormones released constantly in the body

The Brain and Movement

How does the brain perceive threats?We can thank the amygdala, the one present in the brain, not at the back of the throat. The amygdala manages emotions and fears.The sensory receptors of the human body (sight, smell, sound...) will send danger signals to the amygdala. It quickly transfers this information to the brain, and also to the brainstem to adapt motor skills and behavior.It is easy to understand that if our sensory receptors are not well calibrated and do not receive the correct information, everything that follows can be problematic for motor skills.Imagine someone who jumps at the slightest sound; their heart races, their tone shoots up, but over time, this will create significant fatigue and potentially lead to injury.

Archaic Reflexes and Emotions

What do archaic reflexes have to do with all this?

Archaic reflexes are primarily triggered by sensory stimuli. These are the same ones that send information to the brain to manage emotions, cognition, and movement.

Working on archaic reflexes helps to regulate the sensorimotor loop, which you may have heard about with Labo RNP or in a previous article.

Several archaic reflexes are significant concerning emotions and posture. However, there are some that we often observe in the people we assist because they are omnipresent.

Here is a non-exhaustive list, which is not ranked in any particular order. 

The first one we will discuss is the Moro reflex. It is perhaps one of the most well-known. We see it tested by pediatricians within the first hours of a newborn's life. It is a defense reflex (flight/fight) that has a huge connection with the vestibular system.

Just two weeks ago, at the end of December 2023, I tested a person during an initial assessment. I noticed during our discussion that signs of the Moro reflex were present, indicating that this reflex could be active in my client. However, during the motor test of this reflex (the person tilts their head backward, eyes closed, and lets themselves fall backward, with the tester catching them), I did not observe any particular reaction, suggesting it might be properly integrated. I then tested their Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (whose sensory component is also vestibular), and when they tilted their head back, their body made a brief backward movement with arms opening. Ultimately, what I observed was indeed a positive Moro response, and if they reacted well in the previous test, it was because they felt safe with me, knowing I would catch them.

In the past four years, I have only seen one person who did not react positively to the Moro test. Whether young children, adults, or high-level athletes, in all others, this reflex was active... and thus hinders motor skills.

The second reflex we observe frequently is the Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR).

Unfortunately, many practitioners do not know how to detect it properly and overlook this reflex.Yet it is crucial. This reflex should never be active because it integrates in the mother's womb. It is then replaced by the startle reflex.However, we regularly observe it in many individuals: if they have experienced complex physical or emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety...

It will be essential to address this reflex as a priority.

The third archaic reflex I will discuss is the sucking reflex. Very useful at birth, this survival reflex allows for feeding from the mother's breast.

We find it abundantly in stressed individuals who, to compensate, will bring something to their mouth to calm themselves: pacifier, stuffed animal, thumb... cigarette... etc...

Final Thoughts

Understanding the mechanisms of stress offers valuable insights for better managing stress in daily life. We already notice that the ways of considering daily stress are not comprehensive enough. By understanding the functioning and impact of stress, as well as the role of sensory information and archaic reflexes, you have a complementary perspective to the tools you already know.

We provide you with the various 1 / 4 h neuro sessions we have conducted on the subject of trauma and posture, which will give you more details and tools on the topic.

Adrien