Understanding Interest-Based Nervous System (Part 1)

All are a product of the synchrony between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS): the sympathetic, which acts as the body’s accelerator, and the parasympathetic, which serves as its brake.

I will explain how our nervous system has evolved a hierarchical structure, how these hierarchies interact, and how the more advanced systems shut down in the face of overwhelming threat, leaving brain, body and psyche to their more archaic functions.

The highest level—where the best learning occurs—is achieved when a student is invested, curious, interested. Through our modern lens, we would say that a particular formula of neurotransmitters is required for neural changes to take place, and that formula correlates with investment, curiosity, and interest.

And while the nervous system extends throughout the body, and is tuned by environmental and social factors, today’s science rightly insists that the brain—and its contribution to curiosity—is importantly unique.

‘The whole point of the sensory nervous system is to inform us how we need to modify behaviour to maintain homeostasis.’

If scientific research confirms that the state of the autonomic ner-vous system is a factor in psychological issues, it may be interesting to explore the possibility of improving heart rate variability and the func-tion of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve as a first step in treating psychological problems, without immediately resorting to trad

The combined task of this psychoneuroimmunoendocrine (PNI)* system is to ensure the development, survival and reproduction of each organism. The interconnections among the components of the PNI system enable it to recognize potential threats from within or without, and to respond with behaviours and biochemical changes coordinated to maximize safet