The amygdala is an almond-shaped group of neurons located within the limbic system that is responsible for processing emotions and regulating autonomic functions like heart rate and respiration during emotional experiences. It receives sensory inputs from all modalities and influences the hypothalamus and brainstem to produce physiological responses to threats. Dysregulation of the amygdala is associated with mental health conditions involving anxiety and depression. Stimulating the amygdala can help shift it from inducing fear responses to activating reward centers by consciously directing its signals forward to cognitive control regions. Practices like meditation and living creatively can improve amygdala responses over time.

1. The Amgdala
USING THE BODY TO CONTROL EMOTION AND FIX PTSD

2. Where is the Amygdala?

3. The Amygdala
The amygdala is a bundled network of neurons, about one inch in
length that is responsible for emotions, moods, and other
functions related to depression and anxiety. It is located within the
limbic system, deep within the brain
The lateral amygdala receives inputs from sight, sound, touch, taste and
pain systems. The medial nucleus receives inputs from the olfactory
system.

4. The Amygdala
The amygdala receives inputs from all senses as well as visceral
inputs. Since the amygdala is very important in emotional learning it
is not surprising that visceral inputs are a major input source.
The central nucleus of the amygdala produces autonomic
components of emotion (e.g., changes in heart rate, blood pressure,
and respiration) primarily through output pathways to the lateral
hypothalamus and brain stem.

5. The Amygdala
● Many mental health disorders may be associated with imbalances
in neurotransmitters which are the chemicals that influence the
activity of brain cells that regulate mood, pleasure, and rational
thought (Kandal, 1998).
● The amygdala plays a key role integrating overt behavior,
autonomic responses, and hormonal response during stress and
emotion.
● Activity in the amygdala is elevated among patients/clients with
depression or anxiety disorders.

6. The Amygdala
We can choose to stimulate the amygdala forward, turning on the
reward centers for positive emotions.
When the amygdala is stimulated forward it's sending signals to the
frontal lobes. This is where the brain handles cognitive functions such
as long-term decision making and appropriate social actions. These
functions can play a major role in determining levels of
success and happiness.
When the amygdala signals backwards it's inducing a fear response.

7. The Amygdala
By noticing the difference in thought processes you can consciously
control the direction which the amygdala sends its impulses.
The goal is to remove the environmental anxiety or imbalance thus
enabling the creation of a truly therapeutic environment.
Stimulating the amygdala with regular practice can help you enter a
psychological state of flow. In this state you can easily overcome
problems and disregard distractions.

8. Anger, Fear, or Grief, which one are you?
 Anger-Hidden anger often covertly induces self-failure.
 Fear-You can only do one of three things, when you face a threat
(fear). Do something about it, avoid it, or live with it.
 Grief-Grief is a social emotion, which triggers pain.

9. The General Adaptation Syndrome
● A pattern of stress responses consisting of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
(Insel & Roth, 2010).
Flight
or
Flight
Response

10. The Amygdala
Practicing meditation, living creatively and being positive are some
things you can do to improve your amygdala's responses. Certain
practices may take more time and effort, but the outcome is incredibly
rewarding.
There are plenty of engaging exercises you can do to stimulate positive
responses. Any time you use imaginative thought processes you're
stimulating the frontal lobes.

11. The Amygdala…Activities
Recall a frustrating situation. Imagine feeling relaxed and control in this
situation. Can you consider another solution to your problem in this
resourceful state?
Everyone has issues in their life that sometimes seem unsolvable. What
would you do if you didn't have to deal with those problems? Imagine
how you would feel if you knew how to solve those problems.

12. The Amygdala…Activities

13. The Amygdala…Activities