That means better integration. For instance, the hands and feet have a better neural integration with the eyes. Natural processes that are not conscious like digestion, heart rate etc. are “connected” to this balance in our body.

Through childhood development, and mature aging – our bodies are in a continual process of change. Early childhood milestones along with normal developmental reflexes become the foundation upon which “adult or mature” tasks are able to be accomplished (like walking and talking on your cell phone at the same time). However, when a baby or young child is exposed to stressful environmental influences and/or trauma, one or more developmental reflexes may not mature properly, or will not function correctly.

Around the age of 3, we are acutely aware of our environment and have already made decisions regarding whether we are safe (physically, mentally, and emotionally). If our brain/nervous system has determined that we are in an unsafe environment it will use the limbic system (which is the subconscious brain) to develop coping strategies. We may be responding to non-traumatic signals in our environment as if they are dangerous – even if they aren’t.

Some people may have tension in their necks, jaws, head, and/or shoulders that are a response to “normal” signals in the environment.

Think about newborn babies. What do they do to feel safe? What do they do to de-stress? They nurse…suck their thumb…coo. Action related to the mouth, lips, tongue. Think about this. Our tongue is moving in a pulsating fashion starting as early as 4 weeks of our uterine life! We swallow 1,500-2,000 times per day. The swallow is a pulsatile motion. It is unconscious and it usually “turns on” or stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (the more relaxed part of the autonomic nervous system) and confirms relaxation and digestion. Relaxation and digestion go together. The SmileLase Technique recognizes that the orofacial zone is central to the body’s natural integrative and regulatory processes (which are crucial for developing health and wellness), and that nearly all of the critical maturational milestones are pre-verbal, involving touch and perception of body movement.

SmileLase uses a specific wavelength, intensity, and pulse shape, in an initial sequence of strokes, predominantly in the orofacial regions, to create unique, comfortable / pleasurable sensations that activate a primitive response that appears to release oxytocin. This opens a window into the subconscious brain to help it calm down, and resolve negative patterns related to trauma and stunted development. This then reduces and/or eliminates ‘Limbic Hypervigilance’ which appears to be a common component in chronic disease.

Now (after a SmileLase session), our brain is able to process new sensations, signals, etc., in a more physiologic context and the “old wiring” can function with more “ease,” decreased limbic hypervigilance, decreased tension, improved breathing and so on.