Posted: Wed 24th Dec 2008 04:05 pm
Marijuana and the ANS
I was going to write this up and put my own spin on it, but for now I'll just literally copy this whole chapter from the book, The Benefits Of Marijuana by Joan Bello. I will include the bibliography of quotes she has used, so you can use it as a starting point to begin branching out with your own investigations, which down to everyone's individuality, will take them down different sphere's of investigation. People then can share this information, to help round out my knowledge, and that of the others present.
If you wish to bring any points to the table, agreement or dis-agreement, all points are valid, but I would like them backed up with sources so I can look into the validity and investigate myself, as I am wont to do. So without further ado..
Autonomic Nervous System
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) might well be called the Eighth Wonder of the world. Our heart beat, our breath, our temperature, our appetites, all our cellular exchanges are regulated by this automatic pilot. It sends the right signal, to the right organ, at the right time - without concious knowledge or effort. The primary control centre is the hypothalmus (section of the brain), which activates automatic processes in accordance with the body's needs at any moment.
Marijuana (comprising various cannabinoid compounds) molecules fit "pharmacologically distinct receptors" in this complicated mechanism.
The ANS operates through two branches, the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic, each exerting its opposing influence in constant complex chemical cooperation to balance the body (homeostasis) under all conditions. the ANS is made up of chains of two kinds of neurons that travel from the brain and the spinal column to organs throughout the body. Increasing Sympathetic activity results in outpourings of the body's chemical-stimulants, whereas increase in Parasympathetic action is complemented by the body's chemical depressants.
The ANS is intimately connected to the mind so that when we interpret our situation as safe, when we are not tired or worried, our autonomic system rests at equilibrium, eliciting neither addistional excitation (stimulation chemicals) nor relaxation (depressing chemicals). If this mode of balance was maintained, psychosomatic illnesses would not exist. But life poses a complicated array of continual dilemmas, and naturally, we react. Because the way we feel reflects and is reflected by our body chemicals, we need not ingest any substance from outside our organisms to change our moods. Instead through the autopilot of the ANS, body hormones are called forth by the situations we find ourselves in (such as rush hour traffic) and by various forms of recreation (TV programs), and most significantly by the way we perceive and think. Modern habits of excess result in imbalance - we work too hard, we think too much, we overeat, we over sleep - the net effect of which taxes our ability to maintain equilibrium. When an over abundance of excitement occurs on one moment, the ANS eventually compensates by equalising doses of despressant hormones, so that our organisms can (and often do) swing back and forth in response to what is commonly called "stress".
Drugs are agents that affect our nervous system in either one direction or the other. They can be natural hormones like adrenaline, which, if evoked excessively, cause problems such as mood swings and all types of psychosomatic disease, such as headaches, ulcers, heart attacks, and even cancer. Or they may be drugs that we administer from outside of our bodies. Either kind can be detrimental. By introducing drugs from outside our body; we may further exacerbate the pendulum-like action in our body chemistry. Heroin depresses the Central Nervous System (CNS) as well as the ANS and our organism compensates down the road by natural body stimulation, which we experience as nervousness. Alcohol works this way too. The stimulant cocaine, used to ffset sluggishness, eventually results in more sluggishness and progressively greater cravings for stimulation. this is the vicious cycle of addiction. It can occur by ingesting drugs or by eliciting our own body drugs through habits of excess (in action or even obsessive thinking patterns) that work as either stimulants or depressants. Marijuana, however, doesn't depress the CNS.
The ANS responds in the same way to reality or imagination. just thinking fearful thoughts enjoins the combat mode through chemical outpourings, and then there is the strong instinctive need to rebalance body chemistry. Our organism is revved up and going nowhere, and we feel tense. The Parasympathetic side of the ANS reduces this tension by an equalizing excessive does of depressant body chemicals, and then we may feel tired or sluggish. We cannot escape the law of balance. If we become overly excited at first, we become severly depressed later. Such chronic imbalance in the Autonomic System is defined as "stress," experienced physically or mentally as dissatisfaction, and it is responsible for most modern diseases.
The wonder of Marijuana is that it works in the body as an antidote to extreme swings. It does not stimulate. It does not depress. It does both at the same time, which is why it is unique, and so mis-understood by a scientific community educated from a narrow dualistic perspective.
Many physiological changes occur with marijuana use, yet none of the changes is extreme in any one direction, The action of marijuana in the body causes slower and more expansive breathing (a direct result of Parasympathetic relaxation, which happens to us everytime we become relaxed). At the same time, the alveoli (sacs in the lungs) expand, so that stale air is better eliminated, allowing for greater oxygen intake (a direct result of more Sympathetic participation, and which happens to us naturally when we become excited), while both slower and deeper breathing occur, the depth of breath is even further aided by relaxing the "oppositional" muscles of the rib cage.
The rationale for health, underlying yogic postures, specifically addresses the benefits attained by increasing the size of the rib cage so as to accomodate an increased oxygen intake. Marijuana relaxes skeletal muscles (including the muscles that constrain the ribs). This efficient breathing has other far-reaching effects. Specifically, the brain receives more richly oxygenated blood and simultaneously receives a greater supply of that blood because of the dilation in all brain capillaries (increased parasympathetic action). At teh same time, because of an increase of Sympathetic energizing the heart rate rises slightly to speed up further the distribution of more richly oxygenated blood. Heart rate increase is usually associated with an increased pulse rate because arteries and veins constrict with Sympathetic activity, but with Marijuana no blood pressure rise occurs, since the capillaries have likewise expanded. In essence, the pump exerts a greater force, and the pipes allow for greater flow. The net effect is a highly functioning, yet relaxed, system with better fuel. This is why, with marijuana, the feeling is both relaxed and alert, which explains, in part, the experience of being "stoned."
Normally the body vacillates between the two opposing modes of being. The effects of the complicated marijuana molecule somehow actually integrate these two modes, simultaneously, as absolutely nothing else does, except perhaps Anandamide - which also activates the Cannabinoid receptors. When we examine the effects of marijuana within the framework of the body's healthy functioning, a dynamic interplay between either excitation or relaxation, we find that both the Relaxation Response and the Fight or Flight mode are enjoined.
The extremes of these two modes are commonly referred to as bi-polarity, in which one is either depressed or manic. Since Cannabis creates no pendulum action, there is no possibility of it causing physical addiction. It is actually anti-addictive. This explains the mystery of so many many regular marijuana users who claim that to stop poses no problem, whatsoever, and it confirms all the scientific studies that report no addiction with marijuana.
Although specific effects of marijuana in the body are well known, each has been taken in isolation without noting that both sides of the Autonomic Nervous System are conjoined. Instead of a perspective that sees the whole person and the simple holistic effect of marijuana, a myopic and reductionist method of measurement has been employed, and marijuana's profound meaning for health has been lost. Marijuana's action on the balancing mechanism of the human organism is extraordinary, perhaps because of the extreme complexity of the molecule and the uncanny perfect fit with specific receptor sites in the Hypothalmus (Howlett A, 1990, Metabolites of Delta-9 and Synthetic Analogs with Psycho-activity, St Louis Univ, MO.)
It appears that by impacting the ANS at it's point of origin, above its locale of bifurication in the body, marijuana resolves the "relaxation response" and the "fight or flight" reaction into one, thereby producing the subjective experience of unity. The literature concerning the experience of marijuana, from ancient to modern, is full of descriptions of "wholeness" or "oneness" - the paradox of the resolution of opposites.
I was going to write this up and put my own spin on it, but for now I'll just literally copy this whole chapter from the book, The Benefits Of Marijuana by Joan Bello. I will include the bibliography of quotes she has used, so you can use it as a starting point to begin branching out with your own investigations, which down to everyone's individuality, will take them down different sphere's of investigation. People then can share this information, to help round out my knowledge, and that of the others present.
If you wish to bring any points to the table, agreement or dis-agreement, all points are valid, but I would like them backed up with sources so I can look into the validity and investigate myself, as I am wont to do. So without further ado..
Autonomic Nervous System
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) might well be called the Eighth Wonder of the world. Our heart beat, our breath, our temperature, our appetites, all our cellular exchanges are regulated by this automatic pilot. It sends the right signal, to the right organ, at the right time - without concious knowledge or effort. The primary control centre is the hypothalmus (section of the brain), which activates automatic processes in accordance with the body's needs at any moment.
Marijuana (comprising various cannabinoid compounds) molecules fit "pharmacologically distinct receptors" in this complicated mechanism.
This "fit" has led to much speculation in the scientific community concerning the ancient evolutionary connection between the Marijuana plant and Human Ancestry. Scientists have discovered that there is a brain hormone - keyed to this receptor (Devane W A, et al, 1992, Anandemide and Extra-pyramidal Function, Science, Vol. 56, No. 23/24, 258, 1946-1949.; Mechoulam Ralph, 1990, Cannabinoids as Therapeutic Agents, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.) Preliminary testing has demonstrated its identical effects with the THC molecule. This "new" brain chemical (which unlocks the same receptor as THC) clarifies that effects of the cannabinoids are completely compatible with human organisms. Our own brain produces "Anandamide," appropriately named after the Indian word for "bliss." What is truly amazing is that the natural chemical is a completely different shape than the cannabinoid molecule, suggesting a, subtle, electromagnetic twin charge between the plant compound and the brain hormone, not yet detectable.the key to understanding how the brain communicates through this array of chemical messages lies in the shape of the chemicals and their receptors. Distributed throught the body on the surface of cell membranes are hundreds, perhaps thousands of different types of molecular structures called receptors. Each type of receptor has a charachteristic 3-dimensional shape and, like a lock, can only be opened or activated by a chemical key with the correct corresponding shape. this cellular selectivity provides evidence for the existence of specific receptors for the cannabinoids...The hypothesis can be proposed for a 'cannanboniod' receptor and findings...suggst (the existence of)...a pharmacologically distinct receptor."
Ornstein R/ Sobel G - The Healing Brain, 1990, Guildford Press NY.
Howlett A - Regulation of Adenylate Cyclase in Cultured Neuronal Cell Line" by Marijuana Constituents, 1987, St Louis Univ, MO.
The ANS operates through two branches, the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic, each exerting its opposing influence in constant complex chemical cooperation to balance the body (homeostasis) under all conditions. the ANS is made up of chains of two kinds of neurons that travel from the brain and the spinal column to organs throughout the body. Increasing Sympathetic activity results in outpourings of the body's chemical-stimulants, whereas increase in Parasympathetic action is complemented by the body's chemical depressants.
The ANS is intimately connected to the mind so that when we interpret our situation as safe, when we are not tired or worried, our autonomic system rests at equilibrium, eliciting neither addistional excitation (stimulation chemicals) nor relaxation (depressing chemicals). If this mode of balance was maintained, psychosomatic illnesses would not exist. But life poses a complicated array of continual dilemmas, and naturally, we react. Because the way we feel reflects and is reflected by our body chemicals, we need not ingest any substance from outside our organisms to change our moods. Instead through the autopilot of the ANS, body hormones are called forth by the situations we find ourselves in (such as rush hour traffic) and by various forms of recreation (TV programs), and most significantly by the way we perceive and think. Modern habits of excess result in imbalance - we work too hard, we think too much, we overeat, we over sleep - the net effect of which taxes our ability to maintain equilibrium. When an over abundance of excitement occurs on one moment, the ANS eventually compensates by equalising doses of despressant hormones, so that our organisms can (and often do) swing back and forth in response to what is commonly called "stress".
Drugs are agents that affect our nervous system in either one direction or the other. They can be natural hormones like adrenaline, which, if evoked excessively, cause problems such as mood swings and all types of psychosomatic disease, such as headaches, ulcers, heart attacks, and even cancer. Or they may be drugs that we administer from outside of our bodies. Either kind can be detrimental. By introducing drugs from outside our body; we may further exacerbate the pendulum-like action in our body chemistry. Heroin depresses the Central Nervous System (CNS) as well as the ANS and our organism compensates down the road by natural body stimulation, which we experience as nervousness. Alcohol works this way too. The stimulant cocaine, used to ffset sluggishness, eventually results in more sluggishness and progressively greater cravings for stimulation. this is the vicious cycle of addiction. It can occur by ingesting drugs or by eliciting our own body drugs through habits of excess (in action or even obsessive thinking patterns) that work as either stimulants or depressants. Marijuana, however, doesn't depress the CNS.
As an example of the workings of this automatic mechanism: when a threat is perceived, fear is transmitted (via the Hypothalmus) to the body (through the ANS) as an order to prepare for strenuous action. Instantaneously, there is increased Sympathetic energy which pumps adrenaline-like chemicals throughout the entire organism. The heart rate increases dramatically, and the force of the heartbeat becomes greater, to respond to the additional needs of the body. More blood with more oxygen is sent imediately to the brain and sense organs (eyes/ears/skin, etc) for quicker perceptions and decisions. Stored sugars for energy are released by the liver. Capilliaries of veins and arteries constrict, especially in the extremities, possibly so that the loss of blood from wounds will be minimized. Blood pressure rises because the veins and arteries have constricted. At the same time the skeletal muscles constrict, almost in an armor-like fashion. breath becomes fast, shallow, noisy and irregular in response to increased energy needs. The pupils of the eyes enlarge for clearer vision. The body has automatically become combat ready without our even knowing it. All we did was get frightened. The ANS did the rest. this body mode is appropriately called the "fight or flight" response (Benson Herbert, M S, 1975, The relaxation response, William morrow and Co, NY.) and is a preparation solely for physical exertion. Once the action is over and the stimulant organisms have been used, the organsim rests at balance. But if no physical response takes place, which often happens in modern life, such as when we react to threats to our own status, ego, profit etc (as dangers), the body remains charged by the stimulating chemicals.The Costa Rican study specifically attempted to find such effects: "One of our principle objectives was to identify gross or subtle changes in major body and Central Nervous System functions...attributable to Marijuana. We failed to do so.
Carter William E, 1980, Cannabis in Costa Rica: A study of Chronic Marijuana Use, Institute for the Study of Human Issues, Philidelphia.
The ANS responds in the same way to reality or imagination. just thinking fearful thoughts enjoins the combat mode through chemical outpourings, and then there is the strong instinctive need to rebalance body chemistry. Our organism is revved up and going nowhere, and we feel tense. The Parasympathetic side of the ANS reduces this tension by an equalizing excessive does of depressant body chemicals, and then we may feel tired or sluggish. We cannot escape the law of balance. If we become overly excited at first, we become severly depressed later. Such chronic imbalance in the Autonomic System is defined as "stress," experienced physically or mentally as dissatisfaction, and it is responsible for most modern diseases.
The wonder of Marijuana is that it works in the body as an antidote to extreme swings. It does not stimulate. It does not depress. It does both at the same time, which is why it is unique, and so mis-understood by a scientific community educated from a narrow dualistic perspective.
The simultaneous opposing action of Marijuana is akin to balancing our entire system. Such balance in the ANS can be understood as a charged equilibrium, defined as "well-being, experienced as physiological expansion and psychological contentment and resposible for health.The most extensive study of marijuana, written nearly 100 years ago understood the complicated workings of marijuana, when it stated: "It is both sedative and stimulant."
Indian Hemp Drugs Commision, 1969, Marijuana: Report of 1893-1894, Waverly Press, MD
Many physiological changes occur with marijuana use, yet none of the changes is extreme in any one direction, The action of marijuana in the body causes slower and more expansive breathing (a direct result of Parasympathetic relaxation, which happens to us everytime we become relaxed). At the same time, the alveoli (sacs in the lungs) expand, so that stale air is better eliminated, allowing for greater oxygen intake (a direct result of more Sympathetic participation, and which happens to us naturally when we become excited), while both slower and deeper breathing occur, the depth of breath is even further aided by relaxing the "oppositional" muscles of the rib cage.
The rationale for health, underlying yogic postures, specifically addresses the benefits attained by increasing the size of the rib cage so as to accomodate an increased oxygen intake. Marijuana relaxes skeletal muscles (including the muscles that constrain the ribs). This efficient breathing has other far-reaching effects. Specifically, the brain receives more richly oxygenated blood and simultaneously receives a greater supply of that blood because of the dilation in all brain capillaries (increased parasympathetic action). At teh same time, because of an increase of Sympathetic energizing the heart rate rises slightly to speed up further the distribution of more richly oxygenated blood. Heart rate increase is usually associated with an increased pulse rate because arteries and veins constrict with Sympathetic activity, but with Marijuana no blood pressure rise occurs, since the capillaries have likewise expanded. In essence, the pump exerts a greater force, and the pipes allow for greater flow. The net effect is a highly functioning, yet relaxed, system with better fuel. This is why, with marijuana, the feeling is both relaxed and alert, which explains, in part, the experience of being "stoned."
Normally the body vacillates between the two opposing modes of being. The effects of the complicated marijuana molecule somehow actually integrate these two modes, simultaneously, as absolutely nothing else does, except perhaps Anandamide - which also activates the Cannabinoid receptors. When we examine the effects of marijuana within the framework of the body's healthy functioning, a dynamic interplay between either excitation or relaxation, we find that both the Relaxation Response and the Fight or Flight mode are enjoined.
The extremes of these two modes are commonly referred to as bi-polarity, in which one is either depressed or manic. Since Cannabis creates no pendulum action, there is no possibility of it causing physical addiction. It is actually anti-addictive. This explains the mystery of so many many regular marijuana users who claim that to stop poses no problem, whatsoever, and it confirms all the scientific studies that report no addiction with marijuana.
Although specific effects of marijuana in the body are well known, each has been taken in isolation without noting that both sides of the Autonomic Nervous System are conjoined. Instead of a perspective that sees the whole person and the simple holistic effect of marijuana, a myopic and reductionist method of measurement has been employed, and marijuana's profound meaning for health has been lost. Marijuana's action on the balancing mechanism of the human organism is extraordinary, perhaps because of the extreme complexity of the molecule and the uncanny perfect fit with specific receptor sites in the Hypothalmus (Howlett A, 1990, Metabolites of Delta-9 and Synthetic Analogs with Psycho-activity, St Louis Univ, MO.)
It appears that by impacting the ANS at it's point of origin, above its locale of bifurication in the body, marijuana resolves the "relaxation response" and the "fight or flight" reaction into one, thereby producing the subjective experience of unity. The literature concerning the experience of marijuana, from ancient to modern, is full of descriptions of "wholeness" or "oneness" - the paradox of the resolution of opposites.
