I have been learning, practicing and studying health and wellness for 45 years, teaching and sharing for 42 years. I feel that I have a lot to share that can benefit the mind, body & spirit. Watch my video of various venues that I have held holistic health discussions.
Contact me to discuss options for you, your business, your group, etc. Good health and wellness are a journey that doesn’t happen overnight. We will all experience some pain and suffering throughout our lives. Learn how to manage it before it comes it comes knocking at your door.
Jim Moltzan – 407-234-0119 or info@MindAndBodyExercises.com
Many people believe that a person’s brain only ever exercises 10% of its capacity.
The Potential for Extraordinary Human Abilities
For over a century, a persistent misconception has claimed that most people use only 3–10% of their brain capacity, while exceptional individuals, such as Albert Einstein supposedly accessed much more, some unique individuals perhaps even 100%. While appealing, this notion is unsupported by credible neuroscience. Modern research shows that humans use all parts of their brain over time, and differences in intellectual performance are due to efficiency, connectivity, and specialized skill development rather than large unused reserves.
The Origins and Fallacy of the “10% Brain” Myth
The “10% brain myth,” sometimes altered to 3%, 5%, or 8%, appears to have originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early neuroscientists misunderstood the roles of various brain regions, sometimes labeling underexplored areas as inactive. Pioneer psychologist William James’s statement that “we are making use of only a small part of our possible mental and physical resources” was also misinterpreted as a literal statement about unused brain tissue rather than human potential (Beyerstein, 2004).
Today, brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans clearly show that nearly all regions of the brain are active over the course of a normal day, even during rest and sleep (Raichle & Gusnard, 2002). Moreover, the brain’s high metabolic cost accounts for ~2% of our body weight but ~20% of resting energy expenditure, makes it implausible that most of it lies dormant (Attwell & Laughlin, 2001). Even minor injuries can cause significant deficits, further demonstrating that all areas contribute to normal function.
Einstein’s Brain: Anatomical Variations and Cognitive Implications
Albert Einstein appears to have never claimed to use a greater “percentage” of his brain than others. However, his preserved brain, examined by Dr. Thomas Harvey and later researchers, revealed several structural distinctions. Notably, Einstein’s inferior parietal lobules, which are critical for spatial reasoning, mathematical processing, and visual imagery, were about 15% wider than average (Witelson et al., 1999). Additionally, his Sylvian fissure pattern was atypical, allowing more cortical connectivity between mathematical and spatial areas. Increased glial cell ratios in certain regions may have provided enhanced metabolic support for sustained cognitive work (Witelson et al., 1999).
Einstein’s Documented Brain Features vs. Modern Trainable Extraordinary Abilities
Einstein’s Documented Brain Features
Modern Trainable Extraordinary Abilities
Enlarged inferior parietal lobules – 15% wider than average, linked to advanced spatial reasoning, mathematics, and visual imagery (Witelson et al., 1999).
Spatial mastery through training – Architects, pilots, and martial artists develop exceptional spatial awareness via repeated practice and sensory-motor mapping.
Unusual Sylvian fissure pattern – Reduced fissure depth allowed more cortical connectivity between regions for math, spatial visualization, and abstract thinking (Witelson et al., 1999).
Cross-domain skill integration – Interdisciplinary study and problem-solving enhance connectivity between brain networks (e.g., combining art and engineering in design thinking).
Increased glial cell ratio – Higher density in certain regions, possibly providing better metabolic support for sustained thought.
Endurance of cognitive focus – Meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive endurance training improve attention regulation and mental stamina (Goleman, 2013).
High neuron density in integrative areas – Supports rapid processing of complex, abstract information.
Likely enhanced interhemispheric connectivity – Possibly allowing faster and richer information exchange between hemispheres.
Bilateral coordination training – Activities like music performance, ambidextrous martial arts practice, or juggling increase interhemispheric communication.
Innate neuroanatomical advantage from birth – Unlikely to be replicated through training alone.
Neuroplasticity-driven gains – Long-term skill practice in domains like language learning, navigation, or musical performance physically alters brain structure and function (Eagleman, 2023).
These features likely supported Einstein’s remarkable ability to mentally visualize and manipulate physical concepts, as seen in his thought experiments on relativity. However, his genius also stemmed from decades of intense study, curiosity, and integrative thinking, all factors rooted in training and persistence rather than sheer anatomy.
Extraordinary Cognitive Abilities and the “Sixth Sense”
While the term “sixth sense” often evokes supernatural connotations, neuroscience recognizes several sensory modalities beyond the traditional five. These include proprioception (awareness of body position), vestibular sense (balance), and interoception (perception of internal bodily states). In certain individuals, these senses may be unusually acute, giving the impression of extraordinary perception.
Extraordinary abilities can arise from different mechanisms:
Synesthesia involves cross-activation between sensory regions, sometimes enhancing memory or creativity.
Savant syndrome allows individuals with developmental or acquired conditions to demonstrate exceptional skills in calculation, art, or memory.
Intuitive expertise emerges when professionals make rapid, accurate judgments by subconsciously recognizing complex patterns from experience (Kahneman & Klein, 2009).
Heightened situational awareness, often found in elite athletes, martial artists, or soldiers, develops through systematic training in sensory attention and pattern detection.
These capabilities are grounded in neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to reorganize and strengthen neural pathways through repeated use (Goleman, 2013). Sensory compensation, such as improved hearing in those with vision loss, also illustrates how the brain can refine and amplify perception in certain channels (Eagleman, 2023).
Conclusion
The myth that most humans use only a small fraction of their brain capacity is not supported by scientific evidence. Instead, differences in performance, whether in Einstein’s theoretical physics or in individuals demonstrating exceptional perception stem from variations in brain structure, connectivity, training, and experience. Einstein’s brain offered anatomical advantages that may have facilitated his unique style of thinking, but his genius was equally shaped by intellectual discipline and curiosity. Similarly, so-called “sixth sense” abilities are the result of heightened sensory integration, superior pattern recognition, and deliberate practice, illustrating that human potential is less about unlocking unused brain areas and more about refining and optimizing the capacities we already employ.
References:
Attwell, D., & Laughlin, S. B. (2001). An energy budget for signaling in the grey matter of the brain. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 21(10), 1133–1145. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004647-200110000-00001
Kahneman, D., & Klein, G. (2009). Conditions for intuitive expertise: A failure to disagree. American Psychologist, 64(6), 515–526. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016755
Raichle, M. E., & Gusnard, D. A. (2002). Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 99(16), 10237–10239. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.172399499
As nature enters early summer, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views this vibrant season through the lens of the Fire element, a phase of maximum Yang, warmth, expansion, and communication. Fire governs not only the Heart and blood vessels, but also the nervous system, emotions, and spiritual awareness. This inner fire fuels both our physical vitality and our mental clarity. In this unique seasonal phase, the flow of Qi, Blood, and Shen (spirit), especially through the veins, arteries, and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians takes center stage.
Understanding the dynamic between the Fire element, cardiovascular and neurological systems, and the deeper energetic channels allows us to harmonize body, mind, and spirit during this high-energy time of year.
🔥 Fire Element and Its Associations
In TCM’s Five Phase (Wu Xing) framework, Fire is associated with:
Season: Early Summer
Organs: Heart (Yin) and Small Intestine (Yang)
Emotions: Joy, enthusiasm, overexcitement, or mania
Body Tissue: Blood vessels and the nervous system
Sense Organ: Tongue
Color: Red
Climate: Heat
Direction: South
Taste: Bitter (Maciocia, 2005; Deadman et al., 2007)
Fire energy is expansive and expressive, symbolizing circulation, communication, and consciousness. When well-regulated, Fire fuels love, clarity, movement, and insight. When excessive, it can consume the mind and disturb the spirit.
❤️ Heart, Blood Vessels, and Nervous Regulation
The Heart (Xin) is considered the “Emperor” of the body, orchestrating the flow of Qi and Blood and serving as the seat of Shen (mind/spirit). TCM describes its functions as:
Governing the blood and blood vessels
Housing the Shen, which includes consciousness, thought, memory, and emotions
Regulating mental activity and sleep (Maciocia, 2005)
The blood vessels, seen as pathways of both Blood and Qi, rely on the Heart’s warmth and rhythm to remain supple and open. But TCM also suggests that nerve-like communication and coordination are part of the Heart’s governance.
In modern integrative interpretations:
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), particularly the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” functions, mirrors the Heart’s role in maintaining emotional and physical balance.
Excess Fire may overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to agitation, insomnia, hypertension, palpitations, and anxiety.
Deficient Heart Fire may lead to neurovegetative fatigue, poor concentration, and low vitality (Kaptchuk, 2000).
Thus, the vascular and neurological systems are harmonized through Fire’s balance affecting everything from blood pressure to mood and mental performance.
🧠 Fire Element and the Nervous System
TCM may not anatomically label the nervous system as Western medicine does, but the concepts of Shen, Yi (intellect), and Zhi (willpower) reflect cognitive and neurological activity.
In early summer:
Shen becomes more active and outward, seeking expression, connection, and joy.
The Du Mai (Governing Vessel) linked with the brain and spine, rises in importance, guiding mental alertness and emotional regulation.
The Fire element’s influence supports neurotransmitter balance, sleep-wake cycles, and emotional processing.
From a modern neurobiological point of view, this aligns with the brain-heart connection:
Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a marker of nervous system resilience, increases with parasympathetic tone, a goal of Heart-focused qigong and meditation
Practices that balance Heart Fire can directly impact the vagus nerve, thereby stabilizing emotions and stress responses (Porges, 2011)
🩸 Extraordinary Meridians and Fire Circulation
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians function as deep energetic reservoirs, regulating circulation, constitutional energy, and emotional integration (Larre et al. (1996). In early summer, these vessels help modulate the Fire element’s rise and distribute Qi and Blood in ways that nourish the whole system.
1. Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
Sea of Blood, linked to Heart and uterus
Balances hormonal and emotional rhythms
When Fire is excess: anxiety, chest oppression, uterine bleeding
2. Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
Nourishes Yin; anchors the Heart through calming fluids
Connects deeply to Heart-Yin and Shen stabilization
3. Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
Axis of Yang energy; influences brain, spine, and nervous system
Becomes overactive when Fire flares upward, causing insomnia or hyperarousal
4. Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
Regulates Qi flow around the waist, harmonizes rising Fire from middle and lower burners
By supporting these vessels through breathwork, meditation, herbs, and seasonal living, we can help regulate the Fire element’s effects on circulatory, emotional, and neurological functions.
🌿 Seasonal Strategies for Summer Balance
🔹 Qigong & Meditation
Heart-centered qigong and the Inner Smile meditation bring Shen home to the Heart
Breathing practices that lengthen the exhale can calm the nervous system and increase vagal tone
Include “Cooling the Fire” meditations to harmonize Du Mai and Shen
🔹 Lifestyle Adjustments
Avoid overstimulation, especially from social media, caffeine, or excess sun
Go to bed earlier, maintain emotional equanimity
Emphasize connection over excitement
Prioritize joyful stillness rather than external thrill-seeking
🌀 Summary: Fire’s Intelligence in the Body
Early summer is the season of Shen and circulation, a time when the Fire element stimulates outward movement, connection, and the full flowering of human potential. Yet this power must be anchored. Overexertion, excess heat, and emotional overload can disrupt the Heart, destabilize the nervous system, and drain the blood vessels and extraordinary meridians.
Through awareness, breath, and regulation, we can cultivate a sovereign Heart, a resilient mind, and an inner flame that warms but never burns.
8 Vessels Qigong
References:
Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
Kaptchuk, T. J. (2000). The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Larre, C., de la Vallée, E., & Rochat de la Vallée, E. (1996). The Eight Extraordinary Meridians: Spirit of the Vessels. Monkey Press.
Maciocia, G. (2005). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists (2nd ed.). Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.
Deep within our muscles and tendons lies a sophisticated intelligence. One that operates beyond conscious control, regulating our strength, flexibility, and safety in every movement. Among the body’s built-in protective systems, the Golgi tendon reflex (also known as the inverse myotatic reflex) plays a pivotal role in preventing injury and maintaining neuromuscular balance.
Whether you’re a martial artist mastering internal softness and explosive force, an older adult regaining balance, or a rehab patient rebuilding function, this reflex is one of the silent forces shaping your movement.
The Golgi Tendon Reflex: A Safety Mechanism Against Overload
The Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) are tiny sensory receptors embedded within the tendons, especially near where muscle fibers attach. These structures monitor tension, not length. When a muscle generates excessive force, the GTOs activate and send signals through Ib afferent neurons to the spinal cord. In response, inhibitory interneurons suppress the alpha motor neurons of the same muscle, causing it to relax,a reflexive release that protects against tendon tears and muscle damage (Kandel et al., 2013).
This response is involuntary, immediate, and essential when lifting something too heavy, absorbing shock from a fall, or stabilizing during sudden force.
(Muscle Spindle and Golgi Tendon Organ, n.d.)
Application in Martial Arts and Internal Cultivation
In martial disciplines, particularly internal arts like Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and Aikido, awareness of the body’s reflex arcs can inform a practitioner’s ability to flow with force rather than oppose it. Here’s how the Golgi reflex relates:
Iron Palm training along with Dit Da Jow herbal extracts help to gradually condition the body to tolerate greater tendon strain. Controlled stress during impact training subtly recalibrates the GTO sensitivity over time.
Soft styles like Tai Chi and Baguazhang avoid jarring, stretch-activated movements. Instead, working slow, and with controlled tension that stimulates Golgi response, allows the body to yield and remain supple under pressure.
In dynamic grappling or throws, as seen in Chin Na,Judo or Hapkido, reflexive yielding through the Golgi pathway helps reduce injury by inhibiting over-tensed muscles at the point of joint load.
Advanced practitioners learn not only to listen to these reflexes, but to train around them, balancing contraction and surrender, strength and softness.
Beyond Martial Arts: Who Else Benefits from the Golgi Reflex?
This reflex isn’t just for warriors or athletes. It’s a vital part of movement safety and performance for everyone:
General Population
Everyday actions like lifting groceries, catching a falling object, or stepping off a curb involve sudden shifts in tension. The Golgi reflex modulates effort and prevents injury in such moments.
Seniors and Fall Recovery
Age-related proprioceptive decline can dampen these reflexes. That’s why gentle resistance training, balance work, and slow-motion practices (e.g., Tai Chi or aquatic movement) help reengage GTOs, reducing fall risk and enhancing muscular responsiveness (Howe et al., 2011).
Stretch and Flexibility Work
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching uses the GTO mechanism: by contracting a muscle group before passively stretching it, you activate the Golgi reflex, causing deeper relaxation and elongation. This principle is used in yoga, physical therapy, and high-level athletic warmups (Sharman et al., 2006).
Rehabilitation
After injury or surgery, the neuromuscular system often becomes overly protective. Isometric contractions, gradual load-bearing, and eccentric movement help reset healthy GTO thresholds. Therapists use these principles to reestablish functional movement patterns without triggering pain or spasm.
Stretch Reflex vs. Golgi Reflex: A Neuromuscular Balancing Act
Reflex Type
Golgi Tendon Reflex
Stretch Reflex (Myotatic)
Trigger
Excessive tension in tendon
Sudden lengthening of muscle
Sensory Receptor
Golgi tendon organ
Muscle spindle
Result
Inhibits contraction (relaxation)
Initiates contraction
Purpose
Protects tendon/muscle from rupture
Maintains posture and joint stability
Used In
Flexibility work, yielding reflexes
Posture, explosive movement
Together, these two reflexes keep the body in dynamic equilibrium, preventing collapse on one end and rupture on the other.
Training Neuromuscular Wisdom
By understanding and training with these reflexes, rather than against them, we unlock more than just flexibility or safety. We cultivate body intelligence.
In meditative movement arts, such as Qigong or Tai Chi, this intelligence is described as developing “song” or a state of relaxed, alert readiness.
In Western terms, it aligns with developing sensorimotor awareness and reflexive strength: tension when needed, release when wise.
In rehab or daily movement, it’s the difference between bracing unnecessarily and moving efficiently.
Whether you’re planting a garden, throwing a punch, or rising from a chair, your Golgi reflex is part of the feedback system keeping you safe, supple, and strong.
References:
Howe, T. E., Rochester, L., Jackson, A., Banks, P. M., Blair, V. A., & Ballinger, C. (2011). Exercise for improving balance in older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004963.pub3
Managing Chronic Pain Naturally: Integrating Traditional Wisdom with Modern Science
Chronic pain and stress affect millions of people today, often leading to dependency on pharmaceutical interventions that merely mask symptoms. But there are time-tested, natural ways to promote healing and resilience by working with the body’s innate intelligence.
In a recent lecture, I shared insights from over 40 years of practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), holistic movement, breathwork, and energy therapies. This article summarizes key concepts and practical tools from that presentation, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary research to empower your self-care journey.
A Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain
TCM views chronic pain not as an isolated symptom but as the result of disharmony in the body’s energy systems. Through modalities such as acupuncture, cupping, herbal therapy, and breathwork, TCM helps restore balance, encourage circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Yet the modern view adds valuable understanding: chronic stress, shallow breathing, emotional suppression, and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to nervous system dysregulation and persistent pain. The solution lies in integrating breath, movement, awareness, and lifestyle shifts, all of which support long-term healing.
Breathing: The Foundation of Resilience
We often overlook the quality of our breath. Most adults default to shallow chest breathing, reducing oxygen intake and maintaining a low-level fight-or-flight state. In contrast, deep diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing, as seen in babies and trained performers, nourishes the body and calms the nervous system.
By practicing techniques such as “box breathing” (inhaling, holding, exhaling, holding in equal segments), we can retrain our breathing patterns. Studies show this can lower the respiratory rate from 12–15 breaths per minute to as few as 4, promoting parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) activation and improving resilience (Jerath et al., 2006).
Autogenic training, which combines breath with mental imagery (e.g., sensations of lightness or warmth), offers another powerful tool to redirect the mind away from pain and tension (Fuster, 1959).
Emotions and Organ Health: The TCM Perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that emotions are deeply connected to organ systems:
Grief affects the lungs
Fear affects the kidneys
Anger affects the liver
Joy affects the heart
Chronic emotional states can block energy (Qi) flow, weakening organ function and fostering illness. Western research supports this: stress hormones like cortisol impair digestion, immunity, and tissue repair (McEwen, 1998).
Mindfulness, breathwork, and emotional regulation are not optional — they are essential for maintaining health and preventing chronic disease.
Movement and Reflexology: Tools for Daily Practice
Pain often leads to inactivity, which worsens circulation and energy stagnation. Safe, enjoyable movement is key. Practices like Tai Chi, swimming, gentle yoga, and controlled resistance training engage respiratory and postural muscles without exacerbating pain.
In addition, reflexology offers a simple method for self-care. Using tools like a golf ball or spiky massage ball to stimulate reflex zones on the feet, hands, and ears enhances circulation and soothes nerve pathways. Reflexology aligns with both TCM meridian theory and Western understanding of dermatomes and nerve reflex arcs (Ernst, 2009).
Sensory Input: A Subtle Yet Powerful Factor
We are constantly influenced by sensory stimuli: sound, light, smell, touch, and temperature.
Soothing music and pleasant aromas can promote relaxation
Harsh noise and unnatural lighting can trigger stress responses
Creating an intentional sensory environment is a subtle but powerful lever for healing and nervous system regulation (Ulrich et al., 1991).
Integrating Traditional and Modern Tools
Lasting relief from chronic pain comes from addressing its root causes, not just numbing the symptoms. An integrated approach combines:
Traditional therapies: acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal remedies
Breath practices: box breathing, autogenic training
Movement: gentle, customized exercise
Emotional awareness: mindfulness, journaling, supportive community
Sensory care: cultivating nourishing environments
Self-care tools: reflexology, energy work
Quick pharmaceutical fixes may offer temporary relief but do not build long-term resilience. A holistic model supports healing from within, empowering you to become an active participant in your well-being.
Conclusion
Pain is a complex experience woven from physical, emotional, and energetic threads. By understanding this interconnectedness and by applying time-tested practices we can shift from passive suffering to empowered self-care.
Breath, movement, emotional balance, and sensory awareness are accessible to all. With consistent practice, these simple tools can transform not only how we experience pain but how we experience life itself.
References:
Ernst, E. (2009). Is reflexology an effective intervention? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. The Medical Journal of Australia, 191(5), 263–266. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02780.x
Jerath, R., Edry, J. W., Barnes, V. A., & Jerath, V. (2006). Physiology of long pranayamic breathing: Neural respiratory elements may provide a mechanism that explains how slow deep breathing shifts the autonomic nervous system. Medical Hypotheses, 67(3), 566–571. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2006.02.042
Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0272-4944(05)80184-7
United Martial Arts Association 