There is an ‘opium for the people’

And, it is not what you think.

Life Hurts. Yes, but believe it or not our bodies have built-in properties that help us with the pain.

Most of us know something about endorphins and have experienced “endorphin flows” through back rubs, soaking baths, exercise. Some even boast of the wonderment of “runners high.” Few realize the truth that our spiritual practices have been identified as key players when it comes to endorphin flows.

The fact we are “engineered” to transcend was discovered by three medical researchers, Dr. Andrew Newberg, Dr. Eugene D’Aquili, and Vince Rause, who shared their findings within a book titled, Why God Won’t Go Away Brain Science & the Biology of Belief.

While using SPECT MRI three medical researchers studied the brain images of people as they prayed or meditated, the doctors became enthralled with their findings. They found that our bodies are tailor-made for specifically helping us rise above what can bring us down in life. Our brains—and our body chemistry—are not only exceedingly affected by what we think, but also by our spiritual practices.

These medical researchers found there is a specific segment of the human brain that lights up “like fireworks” when people pray or meditate. We haven’t thought of endorphins as “opioids.” Still, it is true. When we have put some real time (say 12 or so minutes) into prayer, we are boosted into “the feel good realm.” No cost to it, and no hangover, or cravings to squelch. For some of us this can even happen while reading Scripture. Have you noticed how good it feels to sing, whistle, hum, or listen to music? Also, how blessed it feels during community worship. Think of the “high” times felt so frequently as a believer.

The research of these doctors was not instigated through or founded on any religious beliefs of their own. Their research was specifically based on studying the brain. What seized their attention and amazed them was finding the very location within the human brain that consistently lights up “like fireworks” when a person is in prayer or meditation. Of course, being scientists, a measure is securitized: This “lighting up” takes place at the 12 minute mark.

In 1975, endorphins were identified as a class of endogenous opioids. That means these are generated internally—and best of all, these endorphins have analgesic properties. This takes place through opiate receptors that are built into the human package and get triggered during our most blessed moments.

However, the good part about these endogenous endorphins[1] is—for one, there is no cost involved—and another fantastic benefit comes through the fact no matter how many endorphins your body makes, they do not lead to addiction or dependence—and never cause an overdose.

The National Institute of Health instructs, here, “All opioids, whether produced by the body (endogenously) or taken as a drug, interact through opioid receptors within the brain.”[2] Science confirms these are what relieve pain and trigger a positive feeling much like that of morphine.

Living “the way” that Jesus taught us within the Good News of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), bring amazing ease to the troubles endured while living as a human on earth. It is now scientifically proven that when we persist in communing with God, our brains can bring us into an amazing place of transcendence.

We are marvelously made, as Psalms 139:13-14 assures us: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Throughout our days endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our anxieties and to ward off depression—acting similarly to drugs such as morphine and codeine.

So, “Wake up Little Susie!” as the song goes [“or Little Sammy”] Pay attention to what brings you joy in life. Is it exercise, relaxation—hot tubbing it?

But, by all means, explore prayer more fully—and follow your heart. Find what activates your body’s natural ability to release endorphins. In this way, you can go for the “joy juice” intended, and provided within your body at birth.

[1]“Endogenous morphine, coined by the morphing of the two descriptive terms into endorphins, are opioid neuropeptides which are naturally produced in the body that serve a primary function as an agent blocking the perception of pain and, additionally, present in cases of pleasure.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470306/#:~:text=Endogenous%20morphine%2C%20coined%20by%20the,present%20in%20cases%20of%20pleasure (Accessed 1-15-21).

 

[2]https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-opioid-drugs-activate-receptors (Accessed 1-15-21).