Enteric-Nervous System as a “Second Brain”

Life Sustaining functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure and body temperature are regulated through ANS. This complex network of nerves extends from the brain to all the major organs of the body and has 2 major divisions. The Sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight or flight” response. The parasympathetic nervous system calms the body down after the danger has passed.

Both the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system interact with another less well-known component of the autonomic nervous system-the enteric nervous system, which helps regulate digestion. The Enteric nervous system is sometimes referred to as a “2^nd Brain” because it relies on the same types of neurons and neurotransmitters that are found in CNS.

After sensing the food has entered the Gut, neurons lining the digestive tract signal muscle cells to initiate a series of intestinal contractions that propel the food farther along.

The enteric nervous system along with its 100 million nerve cells that line our G.I tract from oesophagus to rectum, regulate digestive processes like swallowing, the release of enzyme to break down food and categorization of food into nutrients and waste products. At the same time the enteric nervous system uses neurotransmitters such as serotonin to communicate and interact with the central nervous system.^[8]

Stress and the Sensitive-Gut:

The brain has direct effect on the stomach and intestine. Ex- A very thought of eating can release the stomach juices before food gets there. This connection goes both ways. A troubled intestine can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress or depression. That’s because the brain and GI system are intimately connected. The Gut-Brain axis tells us how psychological or social stress might cause digestive problems when a person becomes stressed enough to trigger the fight or flight response. Ex- Digestion slows or even stops so that the body can divert all its internal energy to facing a perceived threat. In response to less severe stress, such as public speaking,

Many people with functional G.I disorders perceive painmore acutely than other people do because their brains are more responsive to pain signals from G.I tract.Stress can make pain more worse.

Considering the Nidana like -

Aharaja: Dushta, Asuchi, Kalushita Bhojana, not following the Ashta Ahara Vidhis, etc.

Viharaja: Improper usage of Indriyas, not following the Sadvritta etc.

Manasika: Excess Chinta, Shoka, Bhaya, Udvega etc.

In Charaka Samhita it’s stated that wholesome food taken even in proper quantity doesn’t get properly digested when the individual is afflicted with grief, fear, anger, sorrow, excessive sleep and vigil.^[11]

Passion, anger, greed, confusion, envy, bashfulness, grief, indigestion etc. will end up in Amapradoshaja Vikaras. It’s proved that IBS or Grahani occurs too frequently in psychiatric patients especially those with anxiety and mood disorders.

Conclusion

The Psychosomatic sphere is gradually increasing and the day isn’t far when it would to top the chart. Continous target oriented work load, unrest, family conflicts, socio-economic aspects disturb the physical as well as mental health lead to insomnia, anxiety neurosis, indigestion etc.

leading to poor quality of life. As Ayurveda has always stressed in treatment of disease from the root cause and not merely the symptoms. Psychosomatic disorders are such kind where triggering factor lies in the psyche first followed by physical illness. So it is more logical to control the mind by administration of Medhya Rasayana, Murdha Taila, etc.