One body. Three languages.
By Cintain Quintana
There are 3 continuous body-wide communication systems in the body: the nervous, circulatory and myofascial systems. They mediate the way that the body/system communicates with the world around it.
The nervous system is the one that we are most familiar with. It is the fastest and most highly specialised one, and relies on transmission of electrical impulses. It is also the youngest one in evolutionary terms. It mediates the relationship with changes in the environment on a moment-to-moment basis. It deals with sensory impressions and thoughts.
The circulatory system is older in evolutionary terms. It transmits chemical signals (neuropeptides) that allow for communication amongst different body systems, and sustained responses to outside conditions. It mediates longer-term interactions such as bonding, and building of partnerships and alliances. It deals with emotions.
The myofascial system is the oldest in evolutionary terms. It deals in mechanical information, the transfer of forces through the structure, the acceptance or resistance to those forces. It creates and sustains the shape that the body uses to interact with the world on an ongoing basis. It stores memories, and conveys what a person believes themselves to be.
