This page is the older version (with a few addition of the "PROJECT INTRO" paragraph) that includes a referenced introductory, a bibliography and other notations (made 1995-98) afterwards. The new version is on it's own 'Theory' page among those pages comprising the Fascia Memory Project described below.
PROJECT INTRO: A Proposal for Research and Development: ¤ Into the relationship(s) between connective tissue (fascia), objective/subjective experience, and "body-memory;" that is, into the primary cause and effect relationship(s) between emotional trauma (or milder but repeated emotionally charged stress), the suppression of any memory of that, and retained tension in the physical body -- all of which relationship(s) will be connected, and thus revealed through the research as a much more 'tangible' consideration in medical diagnostics; ¤ Into related scanning devices and diagnostics hardware and software for discerning and illustrating these relationships; ¤ Into all manner of changes (that these devices will read) in fascia (including around circulatory vessels, etc), including pathological changes occurring prior, during, and subsequent to the research; ¤ Into the most suitable means for organizing and communicating same; ¤ Into scientifically supported medical applications, including enhanced systems for developing body-awareness for preventative health maintenance application; ¤ Into the integration of these systems for both small- and large-scale applications. ¤ Includes some corollary programs are suggested that would provide financial support as well as avenues for expanded research. ¤ Project set of web pages includes the Fascia-Memory Project Overview Chart
and the Fascia-Memory Project
Task Flow Chart [PERT-style view]
I would like to offer the following postulations (a psuedo-theory?) for your possible exploration and enjoyment, provided you like tossing about ideas and theories on memory storage. I hope you will forgive my lack of formal training in presentation of such discussion.
Lay person's warning: This essay is likely the most technical in concept and terminology at my site. I put it here in hope that other "technicians" in related fields may find this useful for the purposes referred to below.
I am most interested in somatic memory storage, as I tend to access and work with this to varying degrees in my work, primarily as a massage therapist and body-awareness counselor -- my bio follows the body of this work, first published at the BioPsy Cyberzine and Futurehealth Web site (Fall '96).
NOTE: Fascia is one type of Connective Tissue. Connective Tissue includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Fascia provides the envelope for, and (ideally) the lubricated surface between, each muscle fiber and muscle group. It also provides the connective medium between, pervading, and/or interconnecting just about every system and subsystem in the human body! It is fascia that this writing concerns.
INTRODUCTION:
At one time Rupert Sheldrake stated that there needed to be some way to confirm the existence and role(s) of morphic fields. I am wondering if research in the directions indicated below might be a useful and relatively easy way to research morphic field theory. In the course of it we may discover important physiological relationships to the intangibles of emotional memory storage. Acknowledgments and appreciation to the scientists working and publishing in this brand new field of science. [Since the first publishing of this writing, I feel validated in my ideas by the research noted in the next few paragraphs.]
When scanning through web pages (Nov '00) I finally found 'the big one' ... well, it describes almost exactly what I have seen/felt that led me to write the "theory" on my fascia-memory page, among other insights: "The Acupuncture System and The Liquid Crystalline Collagen Fibres of the Connective Tissues" by Mae-Wan Ho. At least this is as close as someone else's version of such can be, anyway, considering her vocation/career in physics. And her interests include conductivity, resonance or 'coherence', and healing via cellular alignment. Also to note is her essay, "Bioenergetics and Biocommunication." Her published writings are linked to from the Related References section.
Especially contributive to this field of research has been the leading edge scientists, James L. Oschman, Ph.d. and Nora H. Oschman, Authors of "SOMATIC RECALL, Part 1 - Soft tissue memory," and "...Part 2 - Soft tissue holography," published in American Massage Therapy Association Journal, Summer `95 and Fall `95. In the Related References section are links to their writings -- examples of inspiring synergy in relating key discoveries in body memory connections.
Their research is conducted at Nature's Own Research Association (NORA) and Nature's Own Research Laboratories, Inc. (NORL), of Delaware. NORA & NORL seeks natural solutions to environmental and medical problems through careful research into basic biology and related sciences. Most of the research on alternative or complementary medicines seeks to prove their effectiveness. Very few investigators are researching the mechanisms involved. While this is extremely valuable, research into mechanisms is not normally funded by government and philanthropic organizations.
All of the above would not have been possible were it not for the Research in Microtubules, Ordered States, & Consciousness, in Cellular Memory, Engrams, & supportive Cell Biophysics, particularly by the prolific Stuart Hameroff, author of Toward a Science of Consciousness and many other publications cited in the Related References section. Also noted there are instrumental works by Karl Pribram and Roger Penrose, among many others.
Other Key Findings of Late includes those by Candace B. Pert, Ph.D. Her recent great discoveries in this regard are published in her ground-breaking book, Molecules and Emotion. Also most timely and important is the work of psychologist Paul Pearsall, Ph.D. His book, The Heart's Code, The New Findings About Cellular Memories and Their Role in the Mind/Body/Spirit Connection, is about the experiences of recipients of transplanted hearts, including himself. It has already begun to forever change how science looks at the mind, the heart, and memory. Candice Pert says "...This may be the most important and revolutionary ... the mind is not in the brain and memory can survive after death."
Folks to watch for research and practical application in Preventative Maintanance include The Institue of HeartMath, author of Freeze-Frame: Fast Action Stress Relief and Self-Empowerment. Here, they have found correlations in heart activity to changes in the immune system and changes in hormonal balance, as well as to changes in perception and intelligence.
I appreciate educated feedback to the ideas below. Thank you for offering your related scientific facts, theory, or commentary, and/or passing this on to those who you think might consider this elaborate, though perhaps educated idea (or parts of it) potentially useful, and/or to whom may offer useful response. What this field could use now is a list of the things being done in Fascia-Memory related research, and current pragmatic applications of related research. Volunteers are welcomed to do searches and see if such a listing of this has already been made, and if not, to make a web page for this -- mmmm, a nice columnar data presentation... :-)
Note to the naive: Not all of this has been "scientifically" proven -- although the Oschmans seem to have found every evidence of it, at least in my humble, perhaps overly hopeful opinion. On the other hand, if we compare this to much of the science that begets many of the drugs that are prescribed daily to thousands of consumers, we are standing on very solid ground. - B. Christopher Pringer (5/11/01)
Fascial-based Emotional Memory Storage System Hypothesis
What possibilities arise when considering the
interaction of the following mechanisms/therapies/theories ?
* Autonomic and Sensory Nervous system particular to fascia/connective tissue * Electromagnetic Field of Electric Conductor Wire * The "permanent" wrinkle effect in saran wrap (applied here to fascia) * Radar/Sonar Field Interference Detection * Unified Field and related morphogenetic theory (Rupert Sheldrake) * Holographic Reflection theory - as applied to cells/systems of living organisms (Dennis Gabor, David Bohm, Karl H. Pribram, Hugo Zucarelli) * Neuronet technology * Fixed Muscle Contraction Patterning in Human Musculature and "Re-wiring" methodology/techniques of the Feldenkrais system of bodywork * The same patterns and various Connective Tissue Therapies (as per "Rolfing," Hellerwork, Postural Integration, MyoFascial Release, etc) * "Microtubules, Quantum Resonance, Coherance, and Consciousness," * "Symbiosis and Mitochondria," * "DNA-based computers" (see Related References below) * Characteristics of Fibromyalgia and its "Auto-Immune" disorder in relation to connective tissue
An Image to Set the Scene:
* 1) Imagine a section of mountainous terrain that has plateaus, valleys, flatlands and rivers in and through it. Imagine that each one of these, as well as the mountains themselves, have lines of conductive material outlining them as well as in diagonal lines formed between each corner section that would be created by the shapes of them.
* 2) See a one-dimensional map underlying the whole terrain, like a flat surface that all the above sits on, and draw lines from each of the above noted points down to this flat surface.
* 3) Now do the same for four sides and a top. [Actually, its not that simple, but here we will pretend that all the sections are square] You have created a 3-dimensional matrix filled in with "blocks" or sections - each having a top, bottom, and four sides - and each of these blocks are outlined with lines of conductive material.
* 4) Imagine that Electric flows through each of these conductive lines and that this action forms a field of secondary energy around the line - or circuit. Each square block therefore has 12 circuits bordering it [in this simplified example]. Now consider that, depending on whether the line is originally a mountain perimeter, a river main, a valley diagonal, or a reference line to a border surface, the line conducts a different frequency of energy, therefore the surrounding electro-magnetic field (EMF) is also individual to that circuit, and that this individual nature is further varied by the volume of current flowing through it. The overall energy field in each block that is subsequently created by the combination of these 12 electro-magnetic fields is highly individual compared to that of any other block, and could be understood therefore to have a particular identity or "signature."
* 5) Now imagine that there is a system for detection and interpretation of each blocks' energy field, not to mention that of whole matrices, combinations of matrices in the same local, of matrices within and/or connected to whole systems, and so on.
* 6)Now for some fun -- Lets imagine that the whole above matrix, with all the blocks in it, is made of a clear, flexible material, one that you can see through, and that when it's stretched or squeezed it tends to retain the impression of that re-shaping somewhat.
* 7) Pretend that you compress it - from the sides - and re-shape it so it looks a bit squashed. Notice that the blocks inside are also a little re-shaped. And guess what happens to the circuit lines and the energy fields around/in those blocks -- well, I'm not a physicist or even a mathematician, so I wouldn't try to make a sophisticated speculation, but we can guess that the energy field would change.
* -----> Very likely, the frequency of the various circuits' EMF fields would then change and the effect of the blocks' overall field upon that of neighboring blocks would also change. And it might be hard to imagine that one block could even be compressed without distorting the dimensions of neighboring fields, so we could figure that many simultaneous changes are taking place in that whole region of matrices.
Fields of Communication and "Wrinkles in the Saran Wrap"
OK, now lets take a section of the human musculature, create a few terms that better refer to the human anatomy, and elaborate. Please forgive any unnecessary redundancy in describing the dynamics and energetic relationships:
The sensory nerves, proprioreceptors, and other nervous system components, which I'll collectively refer to as "sensors," from here on, are used in conjunction with the Motor Cortex of the brain to create a "memory" of emotion related events (ERE) as registered in the body fascia. The fascia is richly supplied with sensors such that systems which I'll call "Sensor Field Arrays" are created by multiple layers of fascia and in varying numbers of planes in any given area of soft tissue. That is to say, an energy field is created by any given grouping of sensors (a Sensor Field Array), simply due to the electro-magnetic vibration created by each of its components. And let's say that when such (if not most any) cells are gathered together, they form a collective bio-electro-magnetic field.
As this field is 3 dimensional, the electro-dynamics here are similar (though many times smaller) to those we would measure around electric transmission equipment and fields of wires. And here the wires and transformers (the latter serve to relay, step-up or step-down the volume of the current) may be laying in many different planes and directions and radiating their electric fields in varying strengths and even varying frequencies. Hence, each Sensor Field Array has a basic/original Sensor Field Configuration that serves as its signature. This signature is read by the components of that field (via a kind of bio-electric triangularization and radar- like pattern reading), and this reading is recorded as an original and unique set of data. (It should be noted that sensor fields may physically and/or energetically overlap, contain or be contained by, other sensor fields.)
This signature is used to compare to ERE of subsequent experience. This comparison creates another set of data that serves as "memory" that compares the results of one experience to another. It does this via the "pleating" (the well known "saran wrap" signature formed in fascia) and which is created by ERE. This is because the pleating distorts the sensor field energy configuration.
FOR EXAMPLE: In time phase one we have a certain arrangement of pleating in the fascia in a given Sensor Field Array. The energy configuration of this field is "read" by the sensors and designated as the "original" signature SF Configuration of that field. This signature data is stored as a set of dimensional coordinates, energy vectors, and frequencies. In Phase two, an event causes a displacement of the atomic or molecular structure, changing the dimensions, energy vectors, and frequencies in that field. This change is compared and this comparison is recorded as an internal holographic image -- an "internal memory" -- that is referenced/correlated with the data registered by external sensory organs (of smell, sight, touch, hearing, and taste). The brain interprets this data and serves to coordinate the flow of information and manage reactions/responses of related functions and maintain operations. If, for some reason, the person reacts to the experience with a interruption of the breathing process, resulting in an interruption in the flow of this information (due to an ERE), it affects the oxygen supplied to the energy field in question. The musculature of that field is momentarily paralyzed and a pleat is formed in the fascia of that field. Now there is a permanent new signature in that field, as well as a new SF Configuration that is a result both of the pleating as well as of any new dimensions. If on the other hand the subsequent experience (in phase two) is continuous to the next experience, we say the experience in phase two is complete and there is no permanent physical marking or *storage* of that experience with a pleat, and the Fascial SF Configuration is simply given over to the next one.
On an unconscious mental dimension, for each Sensory Field and/or set of any combination of them, morphic fields are created for storage of patterned reactions and responses of soft tissue, based in part on the physical pleating, and based in part on learning of (postural and movement) behavior. Habitual Patterns, that fix posture and movement within only certain ranges, relates directly to the pleating and the resultant restrictions in the soft tissue.
The brain over time learns to interpret the data registered -- this is what is generally referred to as learning. But learning to interpret the internally sensed holographic image data involves the so-called empathic and psychic capabilities, which we all have and use, but usually without our being conscious of it, let alone in an organized and consistant fashion. The proprioreceptors and their maintenance of appropriate muscle tone and postural balance is actually a major part of this system, at least on the physical level. But the other parts of this system provide relationship between our mental perceptions, the feelings around them, and the manner and nature with which experience affects the physical body in the short term and in the long term.
Moisture content along the facial surfaces would then determine the strength of electrical potential or "charge" in that field. This translates to kinesthetic/sensory and emotional sensitivity for that field. A Pleat forms emotional-related charges for as long as the experience is kept as a conscious memory. There would be a direct corollary between the memory being suppressed, and the field's moisture content decreasing and thus it's oxygen level (and/or its "normal" use of oxygen) decreasing. Ideally, moisture content is high such that the bio-electric currents pass through and feelings do not get "stuck" -- stored as suppressed emotion. Another way of saying this is that fascial bio-electro/magnetic resonance reflects memory (experience) with the manner in which solution is distributed on its surface; coherent wave patterns reflect symmetricity and alignment of atomic relationships.
Related Considerations [Fall, 1995]
How about " Fascianomics " - term denoting the efficiency of the neuro-fascial interface to conduct symmetric bio-magnetic resonance in alignment with, and facilitation of, the maximum-potential of effortless whole systems function.
I believe there may be other ways that the brain-mind stores and accesses memory, but that this one works for the "emotionally charged" and/or suppressed experiences for which the person consciously and/or unconsciously feels there needs to be further processing. This further processing then takes place if/when a more appropriate time and circumstance presents itself, and as the priorities and readiness allow for that particular and/or related psycho-emotional development.
With this in mind would it be feasible to consider Fibromyalgia as a connective tissue matrix interface w/ fibromyalgia-related over-stimulated sensory field receptor system? This over-stimulation would be due to system being "on alert;" this would be due to original unconscious decision to alert warning system should recurrence/continuation of an original stimulation (usually from infancy or early in childhood) be suspected.
None of this should be interpreted to suggest that memory suppression has any direct relationship with moral, ethical, or "spiritual" capacity, or "character flaws." I do not believe there need be any such direct relationship. I DO believe there may be a relationship -- more or less direct -- between memory suppression (which every human does some of) and personal challenges, coping mechanisms, each person's personality (formed by unique perceptual filtration and selectivity), tendencies, talents, and gifts, and even life direction (which every human has). (as per "The Body Pattern Assessment/Reading and Understanding the Pattern Triad.") And I believe that suppressed memory does not *determine* these aspects, but much about these aspects can be gleaned/read from an understanding of the correlations between fascial characteristics and the nature of memory suppression. I have found (a system related to) this to be a consistant and reliable indicator for kinesthetically obtaining and using information (via touch/massage therapies) from the soft tissue -- as verified by those people I was working with and assessing at the time.
[Note: The following is probably the 1st web-published allusion to a project for research with devices for finding actual relationships between fascia and body memory. Which proposal is now fully elaborated and organized at here -bcp, 11'08]
At one time Rupert Sheldrake stated that there needed to be some way to confirm the existence and role(s) of morphic fields. I am wondering if research in the directions indicated above might be a useful and relatively easy way to research morphic field theory. The fascial system is small enough and workable enough, that with some medical scanning equipment and bio-electric field measuring devices that are already developed, a good computer man to integrate the assessments, a good visionary and a few left brainers to keep things heading in the right directions... ... well, Sheldrake could have his micro-cosmic example of inter AND intra-active (via adjacent, multi-level contained, and/or overlapping) memory fields. And the emotional aspect of the memory wouldn't have to be established before this is proven, I think -- the neurosynaptic data, when compared in block groups over time and experience (eg: on/in a living biological organism's system) with such equipment as described above, would give a relatively quick idea of where to go with the study from there.
Later on, with cross checking of experiential data of the person's tested, the emotional content could begin to be established and correlated. It seems to me that with all the intuitives around to give hints as to where to direct the eyes of the research, the basis for the correlations could be relatively quickly revealed. Then the more left-brain (as compared to right and whole brain) derived avenues of research could be checked for verification.
I admit, I may have no truly technical idea of what I'm talking about, but on the other hand, I've been pretty close to right on with this kind of thinking before, especially in intuiting out the more technical aspects (and relevant "topography") of applied bodywork. And I don't think that this research (as described above) would *create* a new working mechanism in the fascial energy fields, considering the amount of thought and emotion that has already established relatively consistant relationships at those levels of biology.
Some Related References [for a more complete listing please see the articles by the Oschmans]:* Two Leaders in the Science as applied to Body Fascia, Bodywork, and Somatic Recall (What I usually refer to as "Body Memory"), and to Healing are James L. Oschman, Ph.d. and Nora H. Oschman
(see introductory section of this page). They are the authors of "Somatic Recall, Part 1 - Soft tissue memory," which continues in "... Part 2 - Soft tissue holography," and "How Healing Energy Works." They have published the book, *Readings on the Scientific Basis of Bodywork, Energetic, and Movement Therapies* - Excerpts and notes from that can be found here. Visit their Web Site at http://www.energyresearch.bizland.com/.
Other References cited by Oschman, J.L. include: 'Structure and properties of ground substances.' American Zoologist 24(1):199-215; 1984. 'The connective tissue and myofacial systems.' Privately published manuscript; 1981. 'How does the body maintain its shape': A series of 3 articles that appeared in Rolf Lines, the news magazine for Rolf Institute members, Boulder, CO, ending with Vol. 18(1):24-25; 1989, 1990. 'Sensing solitons in soft tissues.' Guild News (Guild for Structural Integration, Boulder, CO) 3(2):22-25. 1994.
* Book, The Heart's Code, The New Findings About Cellular Memories and Their Role in the Mind/Body/Spirit Connection, by Paul Pearsall, Ph.D. Written by a psychologist about the experiences of recipients of transplanted hearts, incl. himself, it has already begun to forever change how science looks at the mind, the heart, and memory. Candice Pert, Ph.D., author of Molecules of Emotion, says "...This may be the most important and revolutionary ... the mind is not in the brain and memory can survive after death." On the back-cover are reviews of high acknowledgement also by Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of *Love, Medicine, & Miracles,* Gary E.R.Schwartz, Ph.D. and Linda G.S.Russek, Ph.D. (directors of the Human Energy Systems Laboratory, Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona), and Doc Lew Childre, CEO/Pesident, The Institue of HeartMath, author of *Freeze-Frame: Fast Action Stress Relief and Self-Empowerment.*
*Emotional Anatomy (1985), by Stanley Keleman, for a brilliant overview and study of fascia and it's relationship to the formation and development of the human psyche, generously illustrated with insightful and useful graphics.
*The HeartMath Institute: "We have a tremendous body of research here at the Institute on the heart and its influence. The fact that electrical energy produced by the heart is 60 times stronger than that of the brain is not our research; that is known by anybody involved in the biophysics field. What we've been able to show is that yes, that's true, and that frequency is being received by every single cell in the body. And the frequency content of the heart's electrical energy emission changes relative to our perceptions, how we're taking in what we're taking in. So certain heart-based types of qualities like care, appreciation or love that have often just been associated metaphorically with the heart really do produce dramatic changes in the electrical energy output of the heart when people are perceiving/receiving from a place of care or appreciation. And in turn, our research shows that when that electrical energy changes, it goes to what's called 'coherent frequency patterns'. We're able to correlate that to changes in the immune system and changes in hormonal balance. And we also see changes in perception and intelligence. There's a lot more to what the heart is doing than people realize. It's not just a blood pump." Enjoy the IHM Research Papers, Abstracts, and Reports (at http://www.heartmath.org/RP.html)
Microtubules, Ordered States, & Consciousness
* Shadows of the Mind by Roger Penrose (1994, Oxford University Press) - Renrose is a physicist/mathematician. He presents microtubules as the basic unit of the brain and the possible site where collective quantum effects occur, resulting in the experience of consciousness. (See chapter, "Quantum Theory and the Brain")
*The quantum brain page (Microtubules, QResonance, etc),
*Quantum Physics, Coherance,
and Consciousness,
*Microtubules Directory Page * Stuart Hameroff, author of *Toward a Science of Consciousness*:
* Biological Coherence and Response to External Stimuli (1988, Springer Verlag), by Herbert Frohlick; Chapter, "Coherence in the Cytoskeleton: Implications for Biological Information processing," by contributor S. R. Hameroff. Hameroff is an anaesthesiologist at the University of Arizona, and mentions electret, Piezo and Piezoelectric effects. Other citations by Hameroff include: Molecular automata in microtubules: Basic computational logic of the living state? In: Artificial Life, SFI Studies in the sciences of complexity. Vol. VI. Edited by C. Langton, Addison-Weslley, Redwood City, CA, p.521-553;Hameroff, S., S. Rasmussen, and B. Mansson, 1988; Jibu M, Hagan S, Pribram K, Hameroff SR, Yasue K: Quantum optical coherence in cytoskeletal microtubules: implications for brain function. BioSystems, 32:195-209, 1994. and...
* Cytoplasmic Gel States and Ordered Water: Possible Roles in Biological Quantum Coherence. Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Advanced Water Sciences Symposium, Dallas, TX, 1996 (forthcoming) on the web at:
* "Quantum Consciousness > Stuart Hameroff and Microtubules — Nature's Quantum Computers?
and Dendritic spine showing microtubule interacting with membrane receptors *The 'Superradiance" property of "is an effect which can convert disordered energy of various kinds into coherent electromagnetic energy. This was apparently first described by R.H. Dicke in 1954, in an article in Physical Review (Volume 93, 1, page 99, January 1954)."
*The "Self-induced transparency" property of Microtubules "is a self focusing optical phenomenon. Along with superradiance it might manifest in the context of ordered water in the hollow microtubule core, allowing coherent photons to propagate coherently..."
* Charles Daily developed and taught "Holographic Memory Release Technique" (HMR).
Related articles include:
*"Body Memory - The Missing Key to Self-Healing" by Fredric Lehrman: "... This area has become very interesting to many people in the fields of health and psychology, who feel that physical patterns, which were considered unchangeable, are in fact less fixed than we used to believe. ..."
*"The Universe as a Hologram" -- Does Objective Reality Exist, Or Is The Universe A Phantasm? ("author unknown" of article found originally at www.clas.ufl.edu/anthro/fortpages/holographic-universe.html
Other Key References on Cellular Memory, Engrams, and supportive Cell Biophysics Research (w/o Links here; more or less sorted):
* Young, J.Z., 1975. The life of Mammals. Their Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd Edition, Clarendon Press, Oxford. Re: plasticity of connective tissue and it's ability to store information. See account of this in "Somatic Recall" reference above, wherein Oschman states that Paul Weiss (see below reference) studied and documented the phenomenon that Young described.
* Microcosmos (1986, Simon & Schuster Pub.), by Lynn Margulis & Dorian Sagan. (chapters 8 & 9)
* Capra, F., 1982. The turning point. Simon and Schuster, New York.
* The Holographic Universe, by Michael Talbot, includes a very readable description of holographic memory theory (summarized in "Somatic Recall" Part II).
* Garden of Microbial Delights (1993, Kendall Hunt Pub.), by Lynn Margulis & Dorian Sagan. Introduces "symbiosis" and mitochondria.
* Wilder Penfield discovered that electrical stimulation for particular areas on the brain surface caused patients to re-experience "memories" from the past; "flashbacks". Concluded that all experiences recorded in brain. [Penfield, W., 1975. The mystery of the mind: A critical study of consciousness and the human brain. Princeton University Press, Princeton, J.J.] This later led to theory of "engrams", or memory traces stored as neural patterns of neural discharge in specific areas of the brain - so far never found, even by Karl Lashley, "distinguished Harvard psychologist who spent virtually his entire scientific career, 30 years, in an unsuccessful search for the engram." [Lashley, K., 1950. In search of the engram, in Physiological Mechanisms in Animal Behaviour, New York, Academic Press, pp.454-482.] Karl Pribram was student of Lashley.
* Pribram, K.,1969. The neurophysiology of remembering. Scientific American (January issue) 220:75;
* Pribram, K., 1977. Languages of the brain. Wadsworth Publishing, Monterey, CA.
* Pietsch, P., 1981. Shufflebrain. The quest for the holographic mind. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Book details his research (incl. 700 operations on salamander brains) attempting to disprove Pribrams theories re: Holographic Memory and implications for the brain, but ended up convincing himself of its accuracy. [noted in 2nd article, p.78 Massage Therapy Journal, Fall 95].
* van Heerden, P., 1970. Models for the brain. nature (July 25) 227:410-411.
* Gabor, D., 1972. Holography, 1948-1971. Science 177:299-313.
* Julesz, B. and K.S. Pennington, 1965. Equidistributional information mapping: An analogy to holograms and memory. Journal of the Optical Society of America 55:604. [noted in/quoted from 2nd article, p.73 Massage Therapy Journal, Fall 95: "...made explicit suggestion that memory is stored in the brain as interference patterns comparable to those used in holography."]
* Collier, J., C.B. Burckhardt, and L. H. Lin, 1971. Optical holography. New York, Academic Press.
* Pollen, D.A. and M.C. Tractenberg, 1972. Alpha rhythm and eye movements in eidetic imagery. Nature (May 12) 237:109.
* DeValois, K.K. and R.L. DeValois 1980. Spatial vision. Annual Review of Psychology 31:309-341.
* DeValois, K.K., R.L. DeValois, and W.W. Yund, 1979. Responses of striate cortex cells to grating and checkerboard patterns. journal of Physiology 291:483:050;
* Squire, L.R., Memory and Brain.
* Jablonka, P., in Hameroff, 1987. Ultimate computing: biomolecular consciousness and nanotechnology. elsevier-North Holland, Amsterdam.
* Allen, J.J., S.F. Cleary, and A.E. Sowers, 1994, Charge and field effects in biosystems-4. World Scientific, New jersey.
* Basset, C.A.L., 1968. Biologic significance of peizo-electricity. Calcified Tissue Research, 1:252-272.
* Burns, R.B., 1978. Spatial organization of the microtubule associated proteins of reassembled brain microtubules. Journal of Ultrastructure Research 65:73-82;
* Geuens, g., G.G. Gundersen, R. Neydens, F. Cornelissen, V.C. Buklinski, and M. DeBrabander, 1986. Ultrastructural colocalization of tyrosinated and nontyronsinated alpha tubulin in interphase and mitotic cells. Journal of Cell Biology 103(5):1883-1893.
* Endler, P.C. and Jj. Schulte, eds., 1994. Ultra high dilution physiology and physics. Kluwer Academic,Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
* Frohlich, H., ed., 1988. Biological coherence and response to external stimuli. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
* Popp, F.A., H.H. Li, and Q. Gu, 1992. Recent advances in biophoton research and its applications. world Scientific, Singapore;
* Popp, F.A., B. Ruth, W. Bahr, J. Bohm, P. Grab, G. Grolig, M. Rattermeyer, H.G. Schmidt, and P. Wulle, 1981. Emission of visible and ultraviolet radiation by active biological systems. Collective Phenomena 3:187-214;
* Weiss, P., 1961. The biological foundation of wound repair. Harvey Lectures 55:13-42.
* Webb, S.J. and M.E. Stoneham, 1977. Resonances between 10[2the10th] and 10[2the12th] Hz in active bacterial cells as seen by laser Raman spectroscopy. Physics Letters 60A(3):267-268;
* Rowlands, S., L.S. Sewchand, and L. Skibo, 1983l Conversion of albumin into a transmitter of the ultra long-range interaction of human erythrocytes. Cell Biophysics 5:197-203;
* Rivera, H., Pohl, 1985. The ac field patterns about living cells. Cell Biophysics 7:43.
* F.M.K. Lam Jr., Tsuei, J.J. and Z. Zhao. "Studies in Bioenergetic Correlations--Bioenergetic Regulatory Measurement Instruments and Devices." American Journal of Acupuncture, Vol. 16, No.4, Oct.-Dec. 1988.
* "Neural Code Breakers -- What language do neurons use to communicate," SCIENCE NEWS, vol. 149, #25 (June 22, 1996) by Richard Lipkin. : In the same issue on the preceding page (391), is "Test-tube stickers for DNA-based computers," which also relates to how organisms process data. And then the article, "A Cellular Light Show" on (page 399) regard how the stimulation of a gene in a separate cell effects neigboring cells, and the monitoring process used by researchers described with "[with the described system] One can monitor dynamically, what goes on in normal cells.
A Very Brief Hierarchal Cosmology of Cause and Effect
-- Could this explain how and why we hold and move the body in relation to the
mind ? * 1) the muscles
move the bones (in spite of what chiropractors seem to imply sometimes), the
fascia provides the 'relationship-interconnecting web-matrix' as well as the
glide-flow surfaces for all muscles as well as every organ in the body;
* 2) the feelings and stored emotion-data
(the 'emotional-body') determine -- via desire, fear, anger, etc -- which related
perceptions and beliefs are more and less conscious, determine the holding and/or
movement patterns in the muscles and fascia - setting/changing the state of
muscle tension;
* 3) the thoughts (or mental perspective(s) imposed or chosen) determine the beliefs, and the degree of "charge" (feeling) behind each one and,
* 4) depending on one's view of cosmology and it's functional implications... the soul -- more or less under auspicious of God/Higher Power -- more or less determines some plan that determines the "setup" (parentage and birth situation, etc) which initiates the individual's perception of self, others, one's environment, and experience on the Earth plane.
For some readers, the above may make more sense if read in reverse order (last paragraph first and so on)
An Email Discussion (Jan.'98) between Dr. Ralph
Wilson, ND (RW) and myself (BCP):
BCP: My occupation, vocation, and main interest is the science regarding how and why connective tissue contracts and relaxes -- thereby determining most, if not every, form of energy flow around/into/through ALL bodily structures and systems, and thereby determining not only the state of communicability, but the very survival of each cell. This involves the most physical of dynamics as well as, in my perspective, the psycho-emotional, and psycho-spiritual, and/or how (the degree of balance with which) one consciously and/or unconsciously inter-connects all that. A primer in that regard may be found in the Essay, "Body-Mind Integration in the Personal Growth Process."
RW:The thought--craniosacral rhythm seems related to cosmic forces, at least the moon cycle. Ebb, flow...etc.
BCP:Yes, but the pathways (and their blocks, therefore the volume & rhythm) are strongly affected if not pretty much determined by the positioning, degree of vascular constriction, degree of flexibility in, and direction of, movement on/with surrounding tissues/organs, degree of other forms of energy flow/charge/frequency in proximity (and more ? ) of the fascia and other connective tissues. Just the moisture levels (to take one of its properties for example) in/on/around fascia can make a difference in the friction with muscle/organ/other tissues in/against it, and that (friction) is what scar tissue (in the worst case) and postural patterning in general is all about. Those And for this came Rolfing, and the various related therapies it parented, all whose basis is "connective tissue therapy." And those moisture levels affect the bio-electric current and peripheral current vibration around and through it --via energy fields as well as via neuronal activity. Here's where that essay/theory comes in strongly (the link is on the previous emailing).
RW:I scanned it quickly, where does homeopathy fit in? I am more intrigued by this.
BCP:In determining the flow, state of communicability ? Well, I guess, in some cases Homeopathy will interface directly with these dynamics, depending on the particular remedy, I would surmise (?) This reminds me of two quotes:
"There is no psychology: there is only physiology". -- Ida Rolf "One morning.. Ida Rolf clumped into her living room at Big Sur where about twenty of us were assembled. ' Word's going around Esalen that Ida Rolf thinks that the body is all there is. Well, I want it known that I think there's more than the body, but the body is all you can get your hands on.' " -- Don Johnson, The Protean Body
It's the last phrase by Ida Rolf that provides the kicker here. The CT is not only the physical net in/of and around all the other stuff, it is also the most continuous and most tangibly interconnective of any system save possibly for the blood or bio-electric current itself, and even those are potentially as affected by the CT as the CT is by them ! And then there is that memory storage medium capacity -- theoretically at the least -- that enters into other ballparks in which there are many other complementary therapies/modalities.
Christopher Pringer Reiki Master, Ordained Minister
Chalice Bridging Ministries Body-Mind-Soul Integration for a Healthy Planet
Bridging Theology, Consciousness,
and Practical Emotional Intelligence
Site Map & Organization Chart
REPRODUCTION: I welcome my writing/artwork being reproduced, provided that it is in it's original and complete form (or an editing or excerpt by agreement with the author), and contact info are intact and readable ("Chris Pringer, Chris.pringer@chalicebridge.com, www.chalicebridge.com"), and so long as the following conditions are applied:
a) Hardcopy reproduction is ok so long as it is for personal or non-profit organizational use only; b) Distribution and posting on web pages, blogs, and forums with my permission (mostly because I want to know where it's been put, and I'd be most honored to be asked). c) Any distribution of my writings or artwork must be w/o charge unless with prior agreement in writing with the author. d) The only exception to that regards the World Healing Prayers, which I encourage people to make all the copies they think will be used effectively without obligation to get my permission or even contact me. By the way, I have yet to ever sell -or give permission for anyone else to sell- any of my artwork on E-Bay or anywhere else. [noted 12/27/07]
DISCLAIMER: None of my writing, chalice art, or PolyPsyArt is intended to be, to replace, or discourage the appropriate use of, medical attention and/or treatment, but as educationally informative for the purpose of overall health enhancement and preventative maintenance. So far as I know, I have not quoted any other person without saying so. I have emulated a number of writers and teachers, so I wouldn't be surprised if many of my statements have similar words and meanings as they.
ABOUT THE SYMBOLIC ART: The symbols for the "Chalice" - or Holy Grail - that I often use are drawn essentially from ancient archetypes - including the symbol(s) composing what is known as "The Star of David," which actually pre-date(s) the Jewish faith by many centuries or more. They all have their own rich meanings as related to the spiritual dilemma or paradox, balancing or synthesis of qualities (such as Yin & Yang), and healing transformation. Here, the Chalice is essentially a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally. The "Chalice-Star" over the three traveling magi is used in my Solstice or Christmas Card design to represent our quest - in this earthly dimension of body, mind, and spirit - for the inner-most Source of one's spirit and faith -- whether that would be the Inner Christ, Inner Buddha, Inner Mohammed, or the Divine Mother's Spirit connecting All Life, etc.
That disclaimer said, you may find out the actual origins of my relationship with these archetypes at Home Page for Body-Mind-Chalice Integration (and related artwork). If you feel well served by what you found here, I would certainly appreciate your support. Although there is virtually 3 large books (and probably over a thousand hours) worth of written material and artwork here, nothing has ever been sold at this site (although I do promote my therapy practice and desktop publishing skills).
In any case, IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED TO SUPPORT THIS WORK (there are also ways besides donating money), please check out the Chalice Bridging Ministries / PolyPsyArts Support System.
via the Guest Book or directly via Chaliser@iinet.com. I Hope you have found this page useful. Please let me know if it (or any parts of it, or other pages here) do not make sense to you, or don't seem consistent, etc. Thank you. --Chris Pringer
Click here to see the Organization Chart / Site Map (New 9'08), as well as "How and Why this Site Is Different - A study in Cross-Discipline Knowledge Sharing and Utilization." About the critical challenge of, and our potential for, optimal integration of diverse perspectives, talents, and capabilities. And to see how that relates to *Chalice-Bridging* - and to personal, community, and planetary healing. (And the full-size graphic!)
Professional Bio & Training
Chris, 2005
Chris w/beard, 2001
Chris, 1984
I began my studies in multi-level self-healing when in the service, in Thailand in the Winter of '73. The focus then was on self-help psychology, consciousness, and eastern and western mystical perspectives. This continued through my university studies in Norman, OK '74-'79. 1980 took me into naturopathic studies, primarily nutrition and herbology when I lived in Oklahoma City. Not seeing the naturopathic doctor route as affordable at the time, I found direction via a five-evening massage course, Fall '83. That led to a six month professional practice, followed up with the training in Sante Fe, NM, '84-'85 (described in the next paragraph).
Since then I have practiced massage and/or healing facilitation for others, initially in Santa Fe, NM (during/after my training), then San Louis Obispo, CA, and Seattle, WA. This includes exploring personal challenges and self-healing methodology. A session may include various energy work modalities, Body/Energy-Awareness based Preventative Health Maintenance Instruction, or only Reiki or relaxation work in total silence. A client chooses based on whatever stress, pain, or concerns are present at that session. A client may request a "Body Pattern Reading," as well as various massage/bodywork therapies, all of which techniques are listed & described in the Body-Mind Integration Therapies Brochure. Individual, program, and 3-6 week interval-based rates are available.
My professional interests have primarily centered in three areas: 1) Body-Centered Psycho-Spiritual Process (as in "Hakomi" style of) counseling and bodywork, including as assessing an individual for the most efficient means of addressing connective tissue injury, short and long term, and the most efficient application of the results of that assessment (on physical and/or emotional levels);
2) in the basic hows & whys related to the storage & release of tension and "body memory" in the muscles and fascia. and in the related fascia memory storage dynamics - referring to the technical aspects of neuro-physical interface between connective tissue, emotion, and the brain);
3) "Chalice-Bridging" style chakra balancing - based in the perspective that the chalice, far more than just a cup in this interpretation, is about the human embodiment of Spirit into the three "lower bodies" (mental, emotional, and physical) which compose the "Body-Mind". Which is also a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally.
My training includes over 1370 hours of classes and practicum, including with the New Mexico Academy of Massage and Advanced Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM (1984-85), and with various accredited bodywork and therapy workshops (`86-present), as well as 100 hours training with the Alchemical Hypnotherapy Institute (1989), over 100 hrs apprenticeship with healing practitioner Robert "Mitra" (`85-`86), 150 hours apprenticeship with Silena Heron in Herbal Studies (`83-`84), Training, Certification, & Empowerment as Reiki Master (3rd Degree Johrei, 1991; Kundalini Reiki to 9th Level w/Gtunmo & Devic Template, 2004). For the detailed version my training, you may go to the latter half of the Body-Mind Integration Therapies Brochure. Which also includes (and relates context for) links to essays elaborating on aspects of imbalance and injury, assessment, and healing.
Personal Quotes on Body-Mind Awareness [ cp, 12'07 ]
BODY-MIND AWARENESS, at the core of preventive health awareness, is one of the most simple, efficacious, & cost-effective forms of HEALTH INSURANCE there can be. Hence, massage is far from just "a luxury item," and bodywork therapies can be indispensable for the healing of certain conditions.
MUSCLES RELATE TO ATTACHMENTS - to what we use to take our stance, to hold our place, to perceive and respond to our environment, and to extend who we are and/or want to be. Or used to be (in too many cases, perhaps). That speaks not only to the body's condition and function, but to how it communicates awareness of where one is along one's path (of becoming who one truly is).
THE BODY IS . . . among other amazing things, a unique communications system -- intimately linked with one's TOTALITY.
Establishing rapport with one's body can be a PATH to self realization.
ONE OF MY DREAMS is a society where/in all children are taught how to feel/see/read their own body-mind communications such that preventive health maintenance eventually becomes second nature. And actually, for the most part, they would be encouraged to re-awaken and build upon what I believe to be a NATURAL INCLINATION - conscious self-healing and continuous expansion of awareness.
And the above goes FOR ALL OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, to the degree that one utilizes them to improve such awareness and causative/pro-active connection with one's body-mind, and to employ the most effective tools for maintaining/improving one's health under any given condition or circumstance.
(there are also ways besides donating money), please check out the 
