Neuropeptides: The "Molecules of Emotion"

Neuropeptides are chemical messengers that influence communication between cells, modulating everything from emotion and pain to immune function and tissue health. Dr. Candace Pert, a leading researcher in this field, described neuropeptides as the "molecules of emotion" due to their ability to encode and transmit emotional states throughout the body.

In the fast pace of modern life, our nervous system plays an incredible role in balancing the demands of daily stress and maintaining a healthy feedback loop between its sympathetic (fight or flight), parasympathetic (rest and digest), and enteric branches. When this balance is intact, challenges are met, traumas integrated, and the body remains resilient, ready to self-regulate. However, when stress overwhelms us and inner reserves dwindle, this balance falters. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) loses its self-regulating ability, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes hyperactive—a state often mirrored in the fibers of the psoas muscle.

Your pelvis is like the foundation of a house—it sets the stage for everything above it. When it’s in balance, your body works like a well-oiled machine. But if your pelvis tilts forward into an anterior position, it can throw off the entire system, leaving you with tight muscles, poor posture, and even breathing difficulties. Let’s unpack how this naughty tilt impacts your back, your psoas, and your breath—and, most importantly, what you can do about it.