Genes are protein sequences in the body’s cells that are
a biological code, set of directions, for your hereditary life plan. Will you
have blue eyes or brown? Your DNA, your cellular code, holds this genetic
information.
DNA isn’t everything according to emerging research
in the science of Epigenetics. I firmly believe it is the synergy of Mind,
Body, and Spirit that allows us to create and maintain the physical body. Mind,
Body and Spirit are interactive in creating vibrant health and wellness.
If mom had breast cancer and dad had high blood
pressure, is it inevitable that you're headed for both? A layperson’s
understanding of genome mapping might lead us to think so and to take drastic
action.
Angelina Jolie had a
double mastectomy and her ovaries removed because she carries a gene mutation
linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Was this choice extreme? Ms. Jolie has a
right to personal choice. Hopefully the choice was not based on fear and a
misunderstanding of gene mutation.
Amy Norton, HealthDay Reporter
for medicinenet.com reported the average U.S. woman has a 12 percent chance of
being diagnosed with breast cancer and only a 1.4 percent risk of ovarian
cancer in her lifetime. Norton states most breast cancers are not inherited,
and gene mutations, primarily of the BRCA genes, account for only 5 to 10
percent of all breast cancers. Only 1 in 500 women manifest breast cancer due
to a BRCA gene mutation.
The body has within it
processes for eliminating mutated genes. In a 2008 issue of Nature
Education, Suzanne Clancy, Ph.D., reports mutations in an organism's DNA are a
part of life. Our genetic code is exposed to
a variety of insults that threaten its integrity. But, a rigorous system of
checks and balances is in place through the DNA repair machinery.
Should you care about your genetic make up? Yes and no.
What is important is to have the knowledge that allows you to make informed
choices. Two important pieces of information are 1.) Not all genes express
themselves (become active) in your life, and 2.) Epigenetic research shows we
switch genes off and on (or create gene mutation) based on the biochemical
environment within the body. (This does not have to be Darwinian evolution
over eons.)(Gene mutation may
be useful as a process for adapting to environmental change)
C. H. Waddington coined the word epigenetics in 1942 as a conceptual model of how genes might interact with their
surroundings (environment) to produce a set of expressed physical traits and
biological development. Currently, Epigenetics is the study of molecular
mechanisms by which our environment controls or initiates gene activity.
I recently read the book The Genie in Your Genes by Dawson Church, Ph.D. This book is grounded in research and discusses
the exciting possibilities of a medical model that links soul to body and mind.
Church uses insights from the science of Epigenetics and applies
these to healing. He cites hundreds of scientific studies that demonstrate how
beliefs and emotions can trigger the expression of DNA strands.
He has created the idea of "Epigenetic Medicine" to describe healing
techniques, which will heal us at the cellular level. The book also discusses
the science behind Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine.
Epigenetic science examines the factors and patterns that
influence whether our genes are turned on or off, are active or dormant.
Signals come from inside the cell, from neighboring cells or from the outside
world. These signals come from environmental factors like diet, stress and
prenatal nutrition. While we are made up of a unique, unchangeable genetic
code, it is epigenetic factors such as
Less than 2 percent of our genetic makeup cannot be
modified. Research shows we have more control over our health than we realize.
For better or worse, research shows that lifestyle changes can cause changes in
gene expression. Factors such as stress, diet, behavior, and environmental
toxins activate chemical switches to turn genes on or off regulating gene
expression. Genetic codes may predispose us to certain chronic disease but this
is not fate or destiny.
Epigenetic changes can be passed down for many
generations. The lifestyle choices we make affect our present wellbeing, our
children, and grandchildren. It is unlikely a mutated gene will revert back to
normal. However defective epigenetic coding, created by environmental stresses,
may be reprogrammed reestablishing a healthy pattern and function.
Dr. Frank Lipman, expert in Integrative Medicine, has developed the concept of sustainable
wellness utilizing a customized blend of Western medicine, acupuncture,
nutritional counseling, vitamins and herbs, relaxation techniques, physical
therapy and bodywork. A holistic, Mind, Body, Spirit approach is the future of
health medicine.
Church in his book, The Genie in Your Genes, tells us when we take control of our consciousness
and thoughts we can influence our genetic expression. He discusses techniques
and strategies that sometimes bypass years of therapy, harmful drugs, and
invasive surgeries to affect genetic engineering in our own bodies. We can
create immediate relief from long-standing anxieties and neuroses, as well as
"miraculous" healing of chronic health conditions-- especially
autoimmune diseases.
The research is in. We are shaping our brains and genetic
expression by the nature of our thoughts. We can improve emotional and physical
health as well as chronic health issues. Epigenetic science offers us hope, knowledge and insight
into the healing power of Mind, Body, Spirit synergy.
