Shifting Scientific Paradigms of Cell Function, Causation Hierarchy, and Their Effects on Approaches to Wellness

Shifting Scientific Paradigms of Cell Function, Causation Hierarchy, and Their Effects on Approaches to Supporting Wellness

-D. Ari Klein, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

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I recently heard a fine lecture by Dr. Bruce Lipton on thoughts influencing genes; and the biological basis for rethinking how we frame basic cellular structure and function. This developing theory should give us all pause for thought on how we work with our clients and patients.

Our current western biological and medical model is based on Newtonian theory. It takes as a given that genes control biological expression. Most of us were taught in school that the nucleus of a cell containing the genes is the brain of the cell. Recent research studies, however, have shown that a cell will survive after the nucleus has been removed. Therefore genes/DNA don’t control the cell, but are there as a blueprint for reproduction. It has now been shown that it is the membrane or outer skin of the cell, not the nucleus, which acts as the communicator with its environment. It acts as a receptor and effector to activate one or more genes. This means that genetic determinism has been set on its head.  It is the environment, and our perception of that environment that the cell membrane senses and then passes the information to the nucleus to activate the genes.

Newtonian theory posited upward causation and determinism beginning with the gene, to the atom, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, body systems, brain, and consciousness. Quantum science posits downward causation from consciousness to the atom; from perception via consciousness down to the physical body, atoms, etc. 

The signal, i.e. the perception of the environment, controls behavior and responses at a cellular level. The signal goes to the DNA and creates a copy, the RNA, to carry out a response. Again, perception of our environment controls cellular response. An environmental signal can rewrite the gene. For example, a person may not have a family history, a genetic predisposition, to cancer, but the cell can rewrite the gene and cause cancer. A change in belief, that is a shifted perception, can bring about a ‘spontaneous’ remission. 

Further, the differentiators between two people’s cells are the shell or membrane of the cell. The shell is the antenna of the self receiving and interpreting the perception of all messages in the environment. The messages are interpreted as an occasion for growth (and reproduction) or for survival and protection. In this, cells are binary and can only function as one or the other. In growth mode the viscera overrides the somatic (consider this the parasympathetic state); in survival the somatic overrides the viscera (consider this the sympathetic state). Love is the optimum ultimate growth system, and fear is the optimum protection system with its fight or flight response draining blood and energy away from the peripheries of the body, digestive processes, frontal (higher) brain processes, etc.

Perception is the primary controller.  It shifts us between sympathetic and parasympathetic states.  It is the key to wellness and healing. Our clients and patients are best served when we act in alignment with this, reinforcing a positive mindset with each and every one of them. Would you rather hear, “Ms. Jones, 55% of people with this condition die from it “(put your house in order), or “Ms. Jones, 45% of people with this condition recover fully and the odds increase among those who follow the prescribed regimen of treatment, medication, diet and exercise.” One statement promotes fear and a sense of helplessness, while the other empowers and promotes hope. Although some us many not act as messengers of such acute conditions, the way in which we deliver information to our patients and clients can directly impact their healing process.  Working with people on their health and well-being, we are messengers, often seen as authority figures, who have their focused attention. As we speak with them or take actions, we must weigh carefully how our words and actions will be perceived. Our patient’s or client’s health depends on it!

©D. Ari Klein 2009

Resources of Interest:

-       Lipton, Bruce : ‘The Biology of Belief’;   www.brucelipton.com

-       Acosta and Prager: ‘The Worst is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts’

-       Pert, Candace: ‘Molecules of Emotion’; ‘Everything You Need to Know to Feel Good’

-       The Journal of NeuroQuantology: http://www.neuroquantology.com/