Our Body's 8th Sense: Unlock Your Brain's Hidden Power After TBI

Discover the Secret to Recovering Your Young Brain – It's All About Your Inner World.

This document is under continuous review and updates following state of the art knowledge from science and practise. Last update: 7/1/25

How to sense self? How to understand whats going on within you?

The system that connect brain and body heavily influences how we feel on both sides. Therefore when looking into brain injury: it’s causes, it’s consequences.

There are two features of what is going on in your body that need to be communicated to your brain in order for your brain and body to work correctly and in conjunction and synchronization with each other. These two are:

1. Mechanical information - Is your gut is full/empty? Do you have fast/slow heartbeating etc.

2. Chemical information - how does your gut feel? Are there subtle shifts in internal chemistry? These are the nuanced sensations.

Interoception comes here into play. The ability for you to know what is going on in your body, your sense of self, is dependent on mechanical and chemical information your body/brain is communicating towards both sides.

Your sense of self is sensed by sensing information from every organ in the body, except for one, which is the brain. The brain doesnt have pain receptors or touch receptors.

By sensing you can proactively control the mechenical and chemical state of the organs in your body in a way that facilitates your recovery significantly because it communicates to your brain directly.

By understanding and actively tuning into your interoception, you can learn to re-establish that crucial brain-body dialogue. You can begin to proactively influence your internal state in ways that directly support brain healing, reduce post-concussion symptoms, and help you feel more like your true self again.

For young TBI survivors and their incredible caregivers, understanding how your body can actively participate in brain recovery is a game-changer!

Beyond just rest and therapy, there's a powerful, often overlooked player called the Vagus Nerve. This isn't some abstract concept; it's a direct pathway to calming your nervous system, reducing inflammation, and even promoting neuroplasticity – your brain's amazing ability to rewire itself.

Think of it as your body's built-in "chill-out" button, and by learning how to gently press it, you can proactively support your healing. Techniques like deep, diaphragmatic breathing (imagine your belly expanding like a balloon!), humming your favorite tune, gargling with water, or even a simple splash of cold water on your face can stimulate this vital nerve.

These aren't just quick fixes; they are concrete, empowering tools you can weave into your daily routine, helping you feel more in control and actively engaged in your journey towards a stronger, healthier you