The Neuro-endocrine Theory of Aging first proposed in the 1960's by Prof. Vladimir Dilman, along with Dr. Ward Dean, is the apical information that enwreathes all the various aspects of kundalini theory and specifically deals with how we might recover receptor sensitivity and receptor numbers after an awakening. The Neuro-endocrine Theory of Aging is outlined in Ward Dean's articles at vrp.com in 21 papers.

"The central thesis of the Neuro-endocrine Theory is that the aging process is caused by an age-related loss of central (hypothalamic) and peripheral receptor sensitivity to inhibition by hormones and other signaling substances. This loss of hypothalamic sensitivity results in a progressive shifting of homeostasis--the body's regulatory system for maintaining internal balance--and altered levels of hormones, neurotransmitters, and cell signalers. These metabolic shifts are believed to cause aging and the diseases of aging." ~ Ward Dean M.D.

By restoring hypothalamic and peripheral receptor sensitivity to more youthful levels, this will positively impact the four principle homeostats--energy, adaptive (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), reproductive and immune--increasing overall adaptogenesis and reducing "aging." Because kundalini represents increased metabolism and nerve transmission we should consider all the various aging mechanisms during an awakening and supplement accordingly. As such the protocol outlined in Dr. Dean's articles on receptor recovery constitute one of the main ways that we can recover from the consequences of kundalini surge and to substantiate a higher homeostasis. In this way we can gain the benefits of kundalini without enduring harm. In addition to a low-glycemic diet and exercise, we have to fight free radical damage to our cell membranes, conserve hormone and neurotransmitter receptor sensitivity, rebuild hormone and neurotransmitter levels after the peak and restore the four homeostats.

Dilman believed that the level of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) is one of the most important factors determining hypothalamic sensitivity and homeostatic balance. The Catecholamine receptors decline with age and are damaged both by the toxic effects of emotional repression, stress and the extreme chemistry like kundalini awakenings.

Three ways of enhancing catecholamine metabolism:

1. Receptor Repair-- Free radicals cause cross-linked AGEs, reduced cell membrane fluidity as well as the loss of number and sensitivity of receptors, this upsets the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters. Since kundalini is a highly excited state we can expect damage to our glutamate and catecholamine systems and consequently to our neuroinhibiting receptor mechanisms as well--i.e.: GABA, serotonin, acetycholine, glycine and opiate receptors.



2. Use Precusors--One way to balance neurotransmitters in the brain is to use neurotransmitter precursors like the amino acids: Tyrosine, phenylalanine, GABA, tryptophan and 5-HTP to normalize neurotransmitter levels. Dilman demonstrated that appropriate use of these substances restores hypothalamic sensitivity. The amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine increase the synthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters.



3. Inhibit transmitter breakdown--The enzyme Monoamine oxidase (MAO) catalyzes the breakdown of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine. MAO levels increase with age thus increasing the degradation of these stimulating neurotransmitters, in favor of the inhibitory, serotonergic neurotransmitters, altering the balance of the dopaminergic/adrenergic to serotonergic neurotransmitters. One way to conserve catecholamine power as we age is to use the MAO-B inhibitor Deprenyl.

RECEPTOR RECOVERY

Following are some supplements Dr. Dean suggests for increasing receptor sensitivity. They all have multiple mechanisms of action, without toxicity: Ginkgo Biloba, Goat's rue, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Cinnamon Extract, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), Phosphatidylserine, Acetyl-l-Carnitine (ALC), Tribulus terrestris, Chaste Berry, Forskolin, Chromium picolinate, Vanadyl Sulfate, Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), Tryptophan, (5-HTP), Blueberries, Spinach, Strawberries, Succinic acid, Calcium-2 AEP, Black Cohosh.

For details see Neuroendocrine Theory Of Aging, Part II: Adaptive Homeostat Dysfunction, Ward Dean, M.D.