by Tim Brunson PhD
When demonstrating or teaching NLP Eye Accessing Cues, I've often stated that our eyes are not only windows to our mind, but probably they should be considered an integral part of the brain itself. By studying that special relationship we may also discover some secrets about the functioning of our subconscious mind.
The August 2007, Scientific American contains a very interesting article entitled "Windows on the Mind". In it Susana Martinez-Conde and Stephen L. Macknik, a vision neuroscientist and neurophysiologist, respectively, discuss the implications of the study of microsasaccades, which are miniscule ocular movements. They point out that in order to prevent the fatigue of vision neurons these movements are critical to our ability to see. Indeed, a reduction of eye movement is detrimental to our visual abilities.
Yet, their discussion does not stop there. They go on to mention that research scientists have noticed the bursts in brain neural activity may be related to which visual neurons are being stimulated at any one instant. In turn, the direction of eye movement can reflect objects that a person is interested in. In fact, this can be done at such a subliminal level that no conscious awareness exists. The implication here is that one day we may be able to detect subconscious interests and other thoughts merely by observing the eyes. While this may be heuristic at this point, as a hypnotherapist I find the possibilities intriguing.
We often look at physiological and mind/body relationships as one-way rather than bi-directional. Recently, Ernest Rossi, Ph.D., Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., and Dawson Church, Ph.D., have advanced the theory of epigenetics, which postulate that our thoughts, attitudes and intention, most likely influence our bodies down to the histological (i.e., sub-cellular) level. Indeed, the has been a subject of discuss ever since Dr. Messmer's time. Yes, even the biofeedback phenomenon is based upon the concepts of mind affecting physiology. So, if eyes can tell us something about our subconscious mind, if we consider the relationship between the subconscious mind and our physical bodies, then wouldn't it be possible for us to understand our bodies by understanding and observing our eyes? (I'm sure that the iridologists would have a good time with that statement.)
These concepts should not be surprising. First, consider that our eyes are a major step in translating light energy into neural energy. Second, if there is a relationship between our eyes, subconscious thoughts, and energy, how easy would it be to postulate that there is also a relationship between our thoughts and energy flows throughout our bodies. Therefore, if this line of logic could be developed further, what would be the relationship between our thoughts, our ability to mentally direct energy, and the health not only of our organs, but also our abilities to epigenetically alter our DNA. This adds a whole new argument in favor of our abilities to use our thoughts to hypnotically improve (or degrade) our physical health. (Also, it questions many of the nature-vs.-nurture controversies among the more serious psychologists.) So, just maybe when Benjamin Franklin and company (also, known as the French Royal Commission) disputed Messmer's animal magnetism by saying that the hundreds of medical and psychological cures accomplished by the French doctor's Society of Harmony were only due to the "power of suggestion", they were correct. However, at that point what they did not understand was the relationship between suggestion and physiological changes. Despite over 10,000 recent "good literature" medical studies supporting the efficacy of hypnosis, it is noteworthy that at best most researchers still say that they cannot explain why. Well, just maybe through furthering research into the relationship between suggestion and energy flows we will be able to find some answers.
The International Hypnosis Research Institute is a member supported project involving integrative health care specialists from around the world. We provide information and educational resources to clinicians. Dr. Brunson is the author of over 150 self-help and clinical CD's and MP3's.
Posted: 01/29/2013
