Neuroadaptability and Habit: Modern Medicine and Ayurveda

Abstract

In our increasingly stressed world, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, the activation of the threat network in everyday situations can adversely affect our mental and physical health. Neurophysiological response to these threats/challenges depends on the type of challenge and the individual’s neuroadaptability. Neuroadaptability is defined as the ability of the nervous system to alter responsiveness over time to reoccurring stimuli. Neuroadaptability differs from neuroplasticity, which is more inclusive and refers to the ability of the nervous system to change and learn from any experience. We examine neuroadaptability and how it affects health from the perspective of modern medicine and Ayurveda.

Forgetting what shouldn't be forgotten: the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

“…Even in the face of a scenario in which there was pain and suffering for the thousands of lives that were claimed by COVID-19, Brazilians, especially the younger ones, began to show an attitude of indifference to the high number of people affected by the SARS-CoV-2. This behavior is explained by psychology as a way for these young people to reaffirm their own autonomy and, as the brain has resources to adapt to adverse situations through neuroplasticity (Wallace and Wallace, 2021 ) when we talk about the pain and suffering of others, it becomes easier for us to get used to it. On the other hand, a study conducted with 2,067 participants from four countries, including 289 Brazilians, identified significant changes in human behavior during the post-vaccine pandemic period.…”