Holistic Neurology, Our Two Nervous Systems, Physiology of Our Head and Gut Brains, Self-Esteem and Self-Concept

Vol. 1 of New Directions in Holistic Brain Balance
Conventional medical neurology originated in human corpse dissection. On the dissection table, our living nervous system was broken down, categorized into smaller and smaller useful distinctions. This part-to-whole approach resonates with 'Nature-is-the-Enemy' medicine, a one-sided, left-brain-only approach.

Holistic Neurology encourages a whole-brain approach; where, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. Our living neurology is move like a living hologram.

It will surprise some how Holistic Neurology is a simpler view of neurology:
- A cerebral nervous system (head-brain) supportive of and responsive to our conscious waking Self, and
- An enteric (gut-brain) nervous system, supportive of and responsive to our digestion, assimilation, elimination, reproductive needs; as well as, fight, flight, fawn, freeze, faint, coma and other response-abilities discussed in polyvagal.

A more complex and 3D view of neurology also emerges. Iain McGilchrist significantly rectified right~left hemispheres. Given this, we all have the task of conceiving our two neurologies as two complementary intelligences. For too long patriarchal males have employed left-brain intelligences (logic, math, words) to exclude women, children and Nature from what is considered "real." This one-sidedness is not sustainable.

- Self-esteem and self-concept are brought into our neurology,
- How our internal locus of control shifts from enteric to cerebral at puberty is brought in,
- How we have "two spines" one in back, one in front, and many more topics are touched on.

The endgame of Holistic Neurology is inviting middle school, high school and college students to a healthy appreciation of:
- Their own Inner Game of Life,
- How to practice and manage self-connection for a lifetime of healthy inner cooperation.
If we practice some method of self-connection, we more quickly learn how our neurology is alive not dead, not inert. We learn what its needs are.

Physical-material 'clockwork neurology can't touch these goals; it's too limited. Building on polyvagal, Holistic Neurology suggests additional methods to connect with and befriend our TWO internal neuro-centers.

Our goal is a neurology, adequate and sufficient, for conceiving of our two neurologies as part of a greater internal wholeness. We then use this intelligence to survey and interact with the outer world and people.

rev july 2024