The Regulation of Neuro-immune System by Pi (Parasympathetic) and SiGMA (Sympathetic Induction Governed by Meditation and Asana) Rhythmicity

The sympathetic system is overactivated under neurological stress states; however, it has been reported that certain extraordinary brain centers can help to counterbalance the heightened sympathetic system by activation of the parasympathetic arm of the autonomic system. The master regulator of the autonomic system is the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) that along with the ventral striatum expresses the VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2) gene, also known as the GOD gene, which regulates the transport of essential brain chemicals known as monoamine neurotransmitters and has also been associated with the genetic variance in spirituality. We discuss the emerging molecular determinants of regulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic arms of the autonomic nervous system with a brief discussion on the GOD gene, VMAT2 that can regulate the transport of catecholamines, especially the dopamine and the norepinephrine that have an important effect on memory and cognition in the limbic system during the stress states. It is proposed that the parasympathetic arm of PVN in the hypothalamus can be activated by meditation and asana, which can improve the mental state and cognitive functions by promoting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative actions via RAAS inhibition through the overexpression of VMAT2 (GOD gene), that participates in dopamine vesicular transport and facilitates neurotransmission to essential parts of brain for elevating moods, cognition, and memory improvement.