ABSTRACT
This commentary explores the concept of autonomic asymmetry – particularly the role of rightward hemispheric dominance in maintaining heightened sympathetic tone – and how it may contribute to lateralised tension patterns in the body. Drawing on long-term clinical observations by the author, developed over many years of osteopathic practice and during the creation of The Reaset Approach – a method prioritising body-centred autonomic regulation before addressing structural and functional somatic dysfunctions – recurring right-sided somatic dysfunctions were observed in patients presenting with suspected stress-related dysautonomia or autonomic lesions. These patterns align with theoretical models such as the Bihemispheric Autonomic Model, which links traumatic stress to hemispheric imbalance and prolonged autonomic dysregulation. If autonomic asymmetry indeed contributes to lateralised tension patterns in the body, this perspective could offer a valuable diagnostic lens – particularly for identifying stress-related musculoskeletal disorders rooted in dysautonomia or autonomic lesions. Recognising such patterns may help prevent treatment mismatch by distinguishing stress-related musculoskeletal disorders – those less likely to respond to conventional biomechanical interventions – from biomechanical disorders that do, thereby enabling a more effective therapeutic strategy to be initiated from the outset.

In our fast-changing world, an unspoken fear lingers in many minds: Are we ready for what’s coming? The rapid pace of technological advancement, societal upheaval, and environmental challenges has left many feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and disconnected. This anxiety often remains unspoken, yet it shapes our behaviour, relationships, and health. But what if we could face the future not with fear, but with purpose? What if we could adapt, flourish, and thrive in this evolving world by addressing the biopsychosocial and evolutionary roots of the crises we face? This is the vision behind Homo Evolopsis—the self-evolving human—a term I coined to explore how humanity must intentionally evolve to navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world with clarity, resilience, and purpose, and to define my role in fostering this transformation.

The Hidden Fear: Losing Control in a World of Change

Beneath the surface of modern life lies a growing unease. As technology accelerates, the climate shifts, and social tensions escalate, many people feel they’re being swept along by forces they can’t control.

1. Technology: Will AI and automation replace our value as humans?

Solution: Building resilience helps us adapt to technological shifts, ensuring we see change not as a threat but as an opportunity to innovate and thrive.

2. Stress: How do we cope with the endless demands of modern life?

Solution: Cultivating a sense of purpose gives us clarity and direction, enabling us to navigate stress with intention rather than being overwhelmed by it.

3. Climate Crisis: Are we powerless to stop the environmental degradation threatening our future?

Solution: By reconnecting with ourselves and others, we can foster sustainable behaviours that align with the well-being of humanity and the planet.

4. Social Upheaval: How do we navigate increasing polarisation, inequality, and instability?

Solution: Taking purposeful action allows us to move beyond fear and into collaborative solutions for the collective challenges we face.

These concerns, though daunting, are not insurmountable. When we strengthen our resilience, live with purpose, reconnect with ourselves, and act with intention, we can meet these challenges head-on, building a future where humanity flourishes and thrives.

A Solution Rooted in Intentional Evolution

We don’t have to be passive participants in this fast-changing world. Instead, we can take an active role in shaping our future—both individually and collectively. This is the essence of Homo Evolopsis: the deliberate process of evolving with intention and purpose. It is about embracing personal growth, adaptability, and progress not just for survival but for thriving in an ever-changing world.
Intentional evolution involves strengthening key pillars that guide us through uncertainty:

• Resilience: Building the capacity to adapt to change without losing balance.
• Purpose: Living with clarity about who we are and where we’re going.
• Connection: Reuniting the body and mind to navigate challenges with ease.
• Action: Recognising that our internal states—our stress, fear, and disconnection—are deeply linked to external crises like climate change and societal unrest.

At the heart of these pillars lie Futurizing Yourself and The Reaset Approach. Futurizing Yourself provides the mental anchor that strengthens resilience and guides purposeful action. By fostering a stronger connection with your future self, it helps align today’s decisions with long-term aspirations, empowering individuals to navigate change with clarity and intention.

The Reaset Approach, on the other hand, is an innovative manual therapy method designed for manual therapists to incorporate into their treatments. It helps individuals re-establish balance within their autonomic nervous system, fostering a state of ease and connection that supports resilience and well-being.

Together, these approaches offer the biopsychosocial and spiritual support needed to flourish and thrive in a fast-changing world, contributing to the evolution of Homo Evolopsis—the self-evolving human.

The Four Essential Needs in a Changing World

1. Resilience

The Challenge: As the pace of change accelerates, people often feel unprepared to adapt without becoming overwhelmed. Stress and uncertainty erode mental, emotional, and physical balance, leaving individuals vulnerable to burnout.

The Solution: Futurizing Yourself helps people build the capacity to adapt to change while staying grounded. This involves forward-thinking practices that align vision, values, and actions with the demands of a rapidly changing environment. By consciously shaping your approach to the future, you cultivate resilience and a calm adaptability.

2. Purpose

The Challenge: Many people feel lost in the noise of modern life, disconnected from their values and uncertain about their direction. Without clarity about who we are and where we’re going, we struggle to make meaningful decisions.

The Solution: Futurizing Yourself provides tools for living with clarity and intention. By exploring your potential and defining your goals in alignment with your values, you can navigate the future with confidence and a strong sense of purpose. This empowers you to flourish and thrive, even in times of uncertainty.

3. Connection

The Challenge: Disconnection from our bodies, minds, and emotions is increasingly common in a world of overstimulation, digital distractions, and relentless demands. This fragmentation makes it harder to navigate challenges or feel at ease.

The Solution: A treatment including The Reaset Approach re-establishes the vital connection between the body and mind. By focusing on reasetting the eANS, this method fosters balance and harmony, helping individuals to feel grounded and whole. A connected body-mind system is better equipped to handle life’s complexities with ease.

4. Action

The Challenge: Stress, fear, and disconnection prevent us from addressing larger external crises, such as climate change and societal unrest. When overwhelmed by internal struggles, we lose the clarity and capacity to act meaningfully.

The Solution: A treatment with The Reaset Approach empowers individuals to recalibrate their autonomic nervous system, alleviating pain and restoring balance. This renewed state of ease fosters clear thinking and a sense of agency, enabling effective engagement with external challenges. At the same time, Futurizing Yourself aligns today’s actions with long-term aspirations, helping individuals approach external crises with vision and purpose. When we take action with calm, connection, and clarity, we contribute to collective solutions like climate resilience, social harmony, and sustainable living.

Together, Futurizing Yourself and The Reaset Approach form a comprehensive framework for intentional evolution. This vision, embodied by Homo Evolopsis, empowers humanity to take control of its future.

Resilience and Purpose: Emphasising Self-Continuity

Resilience today is about more than bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward. To do this, we must connect with our future selves. When we feel a strong sense of self-continuity, we’re more likely to invest in decisions that benefit us long-term.

For example, imagine your future self thriving in a world shaped by rapid change. How do you feel? What habits, relationships, or goals brought you there? This connection fosters emotional endurance and motivates actions today that align with your vision for tomorrow.
Similarly, a sense of purpose strengthens resilience by anchoring us to our values. When we align our present decisions with our future aspirations, we gain clarity and confidence. By futurizing yourself—actively envisioning your future self—you create a mental bridge that empowers you to make intentional choices in the present.

Connection and Action: The Wellbeing of Y’our Health

As we stand on the brink of unprecedented change, the question is not just how we will survive, but how we will flourish and thrive. To address the external crises we face—climate change, social instability, and the uncertainty of the future—we must first recognise their deep connection to our internal states.

A stressed and disconnected humanity remains trapped in survival mode, unable to think clearly about the future or its role in shaping it. In this state, the parts of the brain responsible for reasoning, planning, and envisioning the collective good are offline. However, a humanity grounded in ease, balance, and purpose can rise to the challenge. When balance is restored within, our capacity to think critically and act intentionally is reawakened.

Before we can futurize ourselves, we must first cultivate internal balance. This foundation allows us to approach the future with clarity, resilience, and the readiness to take meaningful action.

Navigate the challenges of the 21st century

We have a choice to make:

• To let the tides of technology, environmental crises, and social changes dictate our path.
• Or to take control, shaping our evolution with purpose, values, and humanity at the forefront.

We once shaped our environment to suit our needs; now, our environment compels us to reshape ourselves. By fostering conversations about our future—not from a perspective of fear, but from a place of intention and aspiration—we can focus on what we truly want, who we want to be, and who we wish to become. By minding our body before it reminds us and intentionally carrying it into the future, we can help humanity navigate this transition with greater ease. Not by becoming technology, but by learning to use it wisely. Not by succumbing to fear, but by acting with clarity, purpose, and connection.

A Call to Action: Questions to Shape Y’our Future

As we move forward, the question isn’t just how to survive the changes ahead—it’s how to thrive with intention, clarity, and connection. To begin shaping your future and humanity’s shared path, I invite you to reflect deeply and ask yourself:

• What do I want for myself—and for humanity?
• Who do I want to be in this evolving world?
• Am I living in alignment with my aspirations?
• How do I feel—right now?
• What action can I take today to connect with my future self?

These questions are your compass to intentional evolution. And as you reflect on them, ask yourself one final, pivotal question:

“What is one small step you can take today to create a future you’re proud to live in?”

Resilience, purpose, connection, and action are not abstract ideals—they are the practical keys to thriving in a fast-changing world. By asking the right questions and fostering clarity about who we are and who we want to become, we can shape a future that reflects our highest values. This is the essence of Homo Evolopsis—intentional evolution for individuals and humanity.

The Power of Intentional Evolution

Resilience, purpose, connection, and action are not abstract ideals; they are practical, actionable steps we can take to navigate a world that demands adaptability. The future isn’t something that happens to us; it’s something we create. By transforming ourselves, we lay the foundation for transforming our communities, societies, and planet.

Intentional evolution isn’t just about individual well-being—it’s about building a future where humanity thrives together. This is the essence of Homo Evolopsis: intentional evolution for individuals and humanity.

Let us face the future not with fear, but with purpose. Let us shape the future not through reaction, but through thoughtful action. And let us build a future not just for ourselves, but for all who come after us.

This article was written by Tom Meyers with the assistance of ChatGPT, blending personal insights and advanced AI support to create a compelling and impactful message.

I recently read that COVID-19 has left broader, lingering effects on the population. Research shows that many people who’ve had COVID-19 are now more prone to illness and recurrent health issues. However, these cases don’t qualify as long COVID, where symptoms persist over a prolonged period after infection.

In a flash, it dawned on me: from a certain perspective, COVID-19 has slowed us down—delaying recovery, tampering with our immune systems, affecting cognitive function, and reducing our capacity to adapt and manage change. And this is happening at a time when we need adaptability the most.

While our evolutionary pace has slowed, technology continues to accelerate the rate of environmental change. In my mind’s eye, I could see how the conflict between biology and culture is worsening, rather than closing.

I’m not a scientist but a practitioner. I hear from my patients how they feel less resilient and more prone to illness without a clear reason. They regularly develop musculoskeletal problems and other health issues, including mental health struggles, without fully understanding why.

Could it be that our biological resistance has slowed, while our stress response becomes more active in defence?

By Tom Meyers (Belgium, Osteopath D.O., Body-centred Stress Coach, Founder of The Reaset Approach and Author of Futurize Yourself and The Futures Effect.

Abstract

The concept of the myodural bridge has traditionally been limited to the connection between the sub-occipital muscles, the posterior atlantooccipital membrane, and the cervical dura mater. However, new observations suggest that these anatomical connections may extend throughout the entire cervical spine, involving multiple cervical muscles beyond those commonly discussed. This expanded understanding could have significant implications for health, particularly in managing stress-related disorders, chronic neck pain, and cervicogenic headaches. Further research into the presence of multiple myodural bridges at different cervical levels is recommended to confirm their existence and clinical relevance. Their role, particularly in stress-related conditions, may prove to be valuable in the treatment of a wide range of disorders that are currently classified as medically unexplained.

Introduction

For years, the myodural bridge has been described as a specialised anatomical connection with the dura mater located between the occiput and atlas (C0-C1) and occiput and axis (C0-C2). This relationship has primarily garnered interest in the context of cervicogenic headaches and upper cervical biomechanics. Recent research has also highlighted the crucial role of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM), which serves as a critical anchor for these bridges and merges with the craniocervical dura to stabilise the cervical region.

However, during a visit to the Body Worlds exhibition in Amsterdam, osteopath D.O. MSc Tom Meyers observed, while examining plastinated bodies, that these dural connections were not confined to the upper cervical region but appeared to extend throughout the cervical spine, involving other structures that had not previously been associated with myodural bridges. If so, these myodural bridges may have broader clinical relevance than previously thought, particularly, Meyers believes, in the management of stress-related disorders, chronic neck pain, and other neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This discovery calls for further research and may lead to new insights into medically unexplained symptoms, as well as new therapeutic applications.

New Anatomical Insights: Extending Beyond the Sub-Occipital Region

Beyond the Expected: Multiple Myodural Bridges Throughout the Cervical Spine
While the classical view of myodural bridges focuses on their connection to sub-occipital muscles such as the rectus capitis posterior minor and major, as well as the obliquus capitis superior and inferior, it is possible that other neck muscles, such as the semispinalis capitis and multifidus (extending from C2 to C7), also connect directly or indirectly to the dura mater.
Furthermore, the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM) plays a critical role in this network. Research shows that the PAOM merges with the craniocervical dura, extending to the C3 level, forming a membrane-dura complex that stabilises the cervical dura mater beyond the classical C1-C2 region.

It is also possible that the dural bridges observed in the lower neck are not related to muscular structures but to fascial structures or, for example, the ligamentum nuchae, a prominent structure in the cervical spine.

The potential direct or indirect influence on dural tension through fascial or ligamentous connections should be further researched or, at the very least, considered in discussions of myodural dynamics, particularly in the lower cervical levels, where traditional myodural bridges might not be as prominent.

Why Further Research is Needed for Stress-Related Disorders

Stress is a major contributor to musculoskeletal dysfunction, particularly in the cervical region. Prolonged stress causes muscle tension, which, in turn, can affect the function of myodural bridges, potentially leading to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, and even dizziness. By examining these bridges in the context of stress-related disorders, we could better understand how chronic tension impacts the dura mater and nervous system. Therapeutic approaches such as osteopathic manipulative techniques, The Reaset Approach, and craniosacral therapy could be refined to target these myodural connections, offering patients relief from stress-induced symptoms.

Clinical Implications of the Newly Identified Myodural Bridges

Cervicogenic Headaches and Migraines
With the recognition that myodural bridges are not limited to the C0-C1 region, it becomes clear that cervicogenic headaches and migraines might have a more complex origin involving dural tension across multiple cervical levels. This expanded understanding allows for more precise and effective treatments that address tension and dysfunction along the entire cervical spine.

Chronic Neck Pain and Postural Syndromes
Chronic neck pain is often associated with muscular imbalances and poor posture, both of which may exacerbate tension in myodural bridges. Recognising their widespread presence throughout the cervical spine suggests that treatments focusing on the entire cervical musculature, rather than just the sub-occipital region, may be more effective in relieving persistent pain.

Stress-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Stress often manifests as tension in the neck and shoulders. With multiple myodural bridges potentially involved in transmitting that tension to the dura mater, understanding how to treat these structures could significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from stress-related conditions. Manual therapies that release tension in these muscles and bridges may reduce the frequency and severity of stress-induced headaches and neck pain.

Potential Role in Long COVID Symptoms
Although speculative, it is possible that chronic inflammation and muscle tension seen in Long COVID could affect myodural bridges, particularly given their role in regulating cerebrospinal fluid flow and dural tension. Future research might uncover connections between these structures and the neurological symptoms of Long COVID, such as brain fog, headaches, dizziness/vertigo, altered sensory perception, tinnitus, cervical dizziness, tension-type headache, cervical radiculopathy, restricted range of motion, and occipital neuralgia.

Conclusion

The discovery that dural bridges extend beyond the known C1-C3 levels and potentially involve all cervical levels challenges the traditional anatomical view. Recognising the possibility of these myodural, or at least ligamentous, bridges existing in the lower segments of the cervical spine opens up new avenues for understanding their role in both health and disease. From cervicogenic headaches to stress-related disorders, these structures may play a crucial role in influencing dural tension and cervical biomechanics.
Further research is necessary to explore their full clinical relevance, particularly in managing medically unexplained symptoms and conditions associated with chronic stress.
And perhaps, as this observation by Meyers is further validated, these structures might even be referred to in the future as “Meyers Bridges”—it would be a fitting tribute. However, the broader message would be that keen observation is something everyone can engage in, and meaningful contributions to science are not restricted to scientists alone.

References

Alix, M. E., & Bates, D. K. (1999). A proposed etiology of cervicogenic headache: the neurophysiologic basis and anatomic relationship between the dura mater and the rectus posterior capitis minor muscle. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 22(8), 534–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0161-4754(99)70006-0

Enix, D. E., Scali, F., & Pontell, M. E. (2014). The cervical myodural bridge, a review of literature and clinical implications. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 58(2), 184–192.
Humphreys, B. K., Kenin, S., Hubbard, B. B., & Cramer, G. D. (2003). Investigation of connective tissue attachments to the cervical spinal dura mater. Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.), 16(2), 152–159. https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.10109

Humphreys, B. K. (2008). Cervical Dural Attachments: An Anatomic Study. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 16(3), E1-E8.

Mitchell, B. S., Humphreys, B. K., & O'Sullivan, E. (1998). Attachments of the ligamentum nuchae to cervical posterior spinal dura and the lateral part of the occipital bone. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 21(3), 145–148.

Scali, F., Pontell, M. E., Enix, D. E., & Marshall, E. (2011). Histological Analysis of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor’s Myodural Bridge. Clinical Anatomy, 24(7), 933-937.

Scali, F., Enix, D. E., Pontell, M. E. (2013). The Myodural Bridge: A Review of Literature and Clinical Implications. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 113(8), 623-633.
Scali, F., Ohno, A., Enix, D., & Hassan, S. (2022). The Posterior Atlantooccipital Membrane: The Anchor for the Myodural Bridge and Meningovertebral Structures. Cureus, 14(5), e25484. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.25484

Song, X., Yu, S. B., Yuan, X. Y., Alam Shah, M. A., Li, C., Chi, Y. Y., Zheng, N., & Sui, H. J. (2024). Evidence for chronic headaches induced by pathological changes of myodural bridge complex. Scientific reports, 14(1), 5285. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55069-7

References:
- https://drdenef.com/covid-long
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12035-021-02696-0
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10166245
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971221007517

In the 21st century, healthcare professionals are witnessing a growing trend of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that no longer respond effectively to traditional treatment methods. This phenomenon, which I term "treatment mismatch," arises from the rapid and profound changes in our environment and lifestyle. Understanding this concept is crucial for developing more effective therapeutic strategies that address the modern aetiology of these disorders.

The Evolutionary Mismatch

To comprehend the treatment mismatch, we must first explore the concept of evolutionary mismatch. For 99% of our evolutionary history, humans lived as hunter-gatherers in small, nomadic groups. This lifestyle, deeply intertwined with nature, shaped our physiology and behaviour. Our bodies evolved to respond to acute, short-term stressors with the fight-or-flight response, a mechanism designed to handle immediate physical threats.
However, the last 10,000 years have seen a dramatic shift. We transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to agrarian societies, then to industrialised cities, and now to an information age characterised by rapid technological advancement. These changes have occurred so quickly that our physiological adaptations have not had time to keep pace. As a result, our stress response, once advantageous for survival, has become maladaptive in the face of chronic, psychosocial stressors such as work overload, social pressures, and the constant connectivity of modern life.

The Rise of Psychosocial Stressors

In today's world, many MSDs are not caused by physical trauma but by psychosocial stress. Chronic stress, job insecurity, fear of change, and even frustrations like an internet outage trigger the same physical stress response our ancestors used to deal with immediate threats. This includes neurohormonal changes that tense muscles, alter vascularisation, and redistribute nutrients—all of which are inappropriate for addressing the subtler, chronic challenges of the modern environment.

Traditional Treatments and Their Limitations

Traditional treatment methods for MSDs, developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, were primarily designed to address biomechanical issues resulting from physical trauma. These methods include manual therapies, physical exercises, and ergonomic adjustments that focus on correcting mechanical dysfunctions and alleviating pain through physical means.

While these treatments can be effective for conditions with a clear biomechanical origin, they often fall short in addressing MSDs driven by chronic stress and psychosocial factors. This is the crux of the treatment mismatch: therapies that worked well for the health problems of the past are less effective for the stress-related disorders prevalent today.

Addressing the Treatment Mismatch

To bridge this gap, manual therapists and healthcare professionals must adopt a more integral approach that integrates the understanding of psychosocial stressors and their impact on physical health. Here are several strategies to consider:

1. Integral Assessment: Evaluate patients not only for biomechanical issues but also for psychosocial stressors. Understanding the broader context of a patient's life can provide insights into the underlying causes of their MSDs.
2. Stress Management Techniques: Incorporate autonomic nervous system balancing methods, like The Reaset Approach, into treatment plans. Techniques that modulate the stress response and reduce its impact on the musculoskeletal system should be applied first, before treating overcompensations and the biomechanical dysfunction(s) themselves.
3. Patient Education: Educate patients about the role of stress in their condition and teach them self-management strategies. Empowering patients with knowledge and tools to manage stress can enhance the effectiveness of their treatment.
4. Adaptive Therapeutic Practices: Stay informed about the latest research and developments in the field of psychosocial health. Incorporate evidence-based practices that address the evolving nature of MSDs into your therapeutic repertoire.

Conclusion

The concept of treatment mismatch highlights the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach musculoskeletal disorders. By recognising the role of psychosocial stressors and adopting holistic, interdisciplinary strategies, we can develop more effective treatments that are attuned to the realities of modern life. Addressing this mismatch is essential for improving patient outcomes and promoting long-term health and wellbeing in the 21st century.

Recently I've been reflecting on Dr. Robert Sapolsky’s views on free will. A subject he as described in his book "Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will" where he argues that free will is an illusion, positing that our choices and behaviours are entirely determined by biological and environmental factors beyond our control. I can follow his reasoning but then I got to wonder about how where the placebo effect would fit in his theory. This can seem paradoxical at first glance, but seems they can be reconciled.

It was my believe that the placebo effect typically involved some level of expectation or belief influencing physiological outcomes, which might initially seem to require an act of free will. But if free will is an illusion, as Dr Sapolsky argues, then understanding how a placebo effect can still occur under determinism becomes an interesting puzzle... well I thought so anyway 😅

Understanding the Paradox
Mind as a Product of the Body:

• Sapolsky’s Perspective: Sapolsky argues that what we perceive as “mind” and “free will” are deeply rooted in the biological processes of the brain. Our decisions and behaviours are influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, neurobiology, and environmental factors.
  
• Implication: This means that our thoughts, beliefs, and expectations—key components of the placebo effect—are shaped by underlying biological mechanisms.
  

Placebo Effect:

• Mechanisms: The placebo effect occurs when an individual experiences a real improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment with no therapeutic value. This improvement is due to the individual’s belief in the efficacy of the treatment.
  
• Biological Basis: Research shows that the placebo effect can activate specific neural pathways in the brain that release neurotransmitters like endorphins and dopamine, which can alleviate symptoms and improve health.
  

Reconciling the Two Concepts
Belief and Expectation as Biological Phenomena:

• No Contradiction: If our beliefs and expectations are products of our brain’s biology, then the placebo effect fits within Sapolsky’s framework. The mind’s ability to influence the body through beliefs and expectations does not contradict the idea that these mental states are biologically determined.
  
• Neural Processes: The belief in the effectiveness of a placebo triggers biological processes in the brain that can result in physical changes, such as pain relief or reduced anxiety.
  

Automatic and Unconscious Processes:

• Non-Conscious Influence: Much of what drives the placebo effect happens automatically and unconsciously. The brain’s response to a placebo is not a matter of conscious choice but rather an automatic response to perceived cues.
  
• Learned Associations: The effectiveness of placebos can be partly explained by learned associations. For instance, if taking a pill has historically been associated with feeling better, the brain may automatically initiate healing processes when a placebo pill is taken, based on prior experience.
  

This is a work in progress based on my own thoughts and those of Professor R. Sapolsky’s books, including his latest, “Determined”, as well as A. Damasio’s “The Strange Order of Things” and elements of evolutionary and developmental mismatch theories.

The purpose of this simplified diagram is to gain a better understanding of whether and how we can evolve on purpose to better adapt and manage change. It illustrates the continuous body-mind loop where our body’s neuronal and molecular mechanisms, influenced by genetics, environmental factors, and individual experiences, govern our behaviour. Behavioural changes affect cognition, which in turn shapes the mind. The mind’s decisions, choices, and actions then alter the environment, creating new experiences that continue to influence our body’s mechanisms. Throughout this process, feelings are generated and play a crucial role at each stage.

At the moment, our rising “ biological footprint ” — a term I coined to capture the impact of our lifestyle, environment, and actions on our biological systems — is making us sick.
By understanding the interconnected elements of my illustration, I hope you/we can better comprehend what is happening and why, but also gain insights into how you/we can purposefully change or stimulate a process of evolving on purpose (evolopsis).

How do you feel about this? For example, by reading this, your body has created neuronal and molecular changes that alter your behaviour, perspective, emotions, choices, decisions, and actions, which in turn cause changes in your environment, creating experiences that further influence your body, changing the way you respond, and so on.

What I’m striving for with this illustration is to shed light on my understanding of how you/we can foster better ways of adapting and managing change. In other words, how we can create stability through change and evolve with the changing times, thereby improving our physical and mental health and wellbeing and foster a more compassionate and humane society.
Again it is a work in process… and I’m awaiting Prof. Sapolsky’s view on this.

PS: The key message of Robert Sapolsky’s book Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will is that human behaviour and decision-making are entirely shaped by a complex interplay of genetics, environmental influences, and individual experiences. Sapolsky argues that the concept of free will is an illusion, and our actions result from deterministic processes involving the body’s neuronal and molecular mechanisms, which influence behaviour and cognition.

In our fast-changing world, stress has become a ubiquitous aspect of daily life. But why has stress, a general adaptive response meant to protect us, turned into a stressor that seems to harm us more than it helps? Does the answer lie in a conflict between biology and culture, or in other words, the concepts described in evolutionary medicine as evolutionary and developmental mismatches? Let’s take a look at these mismatch theories and see if they can shed light on the bigger picture.

Evolutionary Mismatch: A Legacy of Our Past

Evolutionary mismatch refers to the idea that the environment in which humans evolved differs vastly from the one we live in today. Our ancestors adapted to a world where immediate physical threats, food scarcity, and survival in the wild were the norm. The general adaptation response, involving the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—more commonly known as the stress response and characterised by the "fight or flight" mechanism—evolved to handle these acute, short-term threats effectively.
In the modern world, however, we face predominantly psychosocial stressors such as work pressure, financial concerns, and rapidly changing technological advancements that affect every aspect of our lives. These stressors are not typically life-threatening but are persistent, leading to prolonged activation of the general adaptation response. Our bodies, still wired for ancient dangers, respond to these modern stressors with the same neurohormonal and physical responses as they would to a predator attack, as there hasn’t been enough time for an evolutionary more apt adaptation to occur. This conflict between biology and culture, known as an evolutionary mismatch, may be one of the reasons for the rise in physical health problems today, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as mental health problems such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

Developmental Mismatch: The Impact of Modern Lifestyles
Developmental mismatch, on the other hand, refers to the discrepancies that occur during an individual’s growth and development due to the environment they are exposed to at various stages. A mismatch because experiences for which we create protective or defence mechanisms during critical periods of development are different than the conditions/ experiences encountered later in life. These developmental mismatches can disrupt normal physiological and psychological development, leading to long-term health issues, including obesity, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment and behavioural disorders

The Interplay of Evolutionary and Developmental Mismatches

Does the interplay between evolutionary and developmental mismatches compound the problem of stress in modern society? Our evolutionary heritage predisposes us to respond to stress in ways that are no longer appropriate for most contemporary challenges. At the same time, developmental mismatches exacerbate our vulnerability to stress by disrupting healthy growth and development. This interplay may indeed explain the rise in stress-related physical and mental health problems and why traditional treatment solutions often fall short, as they fail to address the underlying evolutionary and developmental causes.

To be continued...


References:

• Dellink, A. (2019). Essay: An Evolutionary Explanation of Burnout.
• Gluckman, P., Hanson, M. and Low, F. (2019). Evolutionary and developmental mismatches are consequences of adaptive developmental plasticity in humans and have implications for later disease risk. Phil. Trans. R. Soc.  374(1770): 20180109.
• Hoogland, M., Ploeger, A. (2022°. Two Different Mismatches: Integrating the Developmental and the Evolutionary-Mismatch Hypothesis. Perspect Psychol Sci. 17(6):1737-1745.
• Meyers, T. (2017). Stress: A conflict between biology and culture. Executive Support Magazine.

Tom Meyers is an osteopath (D.O. OSD, MSc. Ost), body-centred stress coach, and founder and instructor of The Reaset Approach, a therapeutic methodology and treatment modality designed to help individuals adapt, flourish, and thrive in the 21st century. Through workshops and writings, Tom aims to inform and revolutionise the field of manual therapy and empower therapists with the tools and knowledge to better serve their patients.