Modern medicine explains the Donguibogam concept that the heart governs the spirit through the complex interactions of our brain and nervous system. Mood swings and an unstable mind are deeply related to neurotransmitters in our brain and autonomic nervous system imbalance. For example, when the harmony among neurotransmitters—such as serotonin, which brings feelings of well-being; dopamine, related to reward; and GABA, which produces calming effects—is disrupted, emotional regulation can become difficult.
Chronic stress in particular activates our hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, promoting the secretion of stress hormones like cortisol. This can hyperactivate the amygdala, which handles emotional responses, and impair the function of the prefrontal cortex, which governs emotional regulation. Like an emergency alarm ringing continuously, it places the body in a state of tension, causing us to become easily irritated or fall into a depressed mood even with minor stimuli.
What is the scientific principle behind how Shenmen (HT7) acupressure helps? In Korean medicine, stimulating an acupoint directly influences the brain through the nervous system. Shenmen (HT7) is located on the wrist area, and stimulating this point can activate various neural pathways, including the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve regulates our parasympathetic nervous system, playing a critical role in inducing a rest-and-digest state, stabilizing heart rate, and aiding digestion. In other words, it calms the tense sympathetic nervous system and activates the relaxing parasympathetic nervous system, restoring balance to body and mind.
Furthermore, physical stimulation such as acupuncture or acupressure promotes the brain's secretion of natural analgesics and hormones such as endorphins. This relieves pain while also improving mood and reducing stress. According to recent research, stimulating specific acupoints can also induce changes in the activity of brain regions related to emotion regulation on functional magnetic resonance imaging. Beyond simply pressing a spot, Shenmen (HT7) acupressure sends positive signals to our complex nervous system and endocrine system, settling unstable emotions and helping us find inner peace.
