The Healing Power of the Subconscious Mind

Eric Marquette

So, the idea that the brain can actually rewire itself—it kinda sounds like science fiction, doesn’t it? But neuroplasticity is this incredible process that’s at the core of how we, well, adapt and learn. Tanya, can you break that down for us? What is neuroplasticity really about?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Sure, Eric. Neuroplasticity, in simple terms, is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. And this isn’t limited to just when we’re young—it happens at every age, which is fascinating. Essentially, it allows the brain to adapt to new situations, recover from injuries, or even shift existing connections to learn new behaviors.

Eric Marquette

So you’re saying that no matter how old we are, we can train our brains to change? I mean, that’s—that’s pretty mind-blowing.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. And this is where the subconscious mind comes into play. You see, the subconscious holds a lot of our automatic patterns, whether that’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. It’s like the operating system that runs in the background, influencing the conscious decisions we think we’re making independently.

Eric Marquette

Wait, you’re telling me my subconscious might be making decisions without me even realizing it?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s right, Eric. Think of it this way—a lot of our habits, like brushing our teeth or even the way we react to stress, are rooted in subconscious programming. And those programs can be reshaped, thanks to neuroplasticity. For example, certain mental health therapies or even mindfulness practices are designed to rewire those deeper, ingrained patterns.

Eric Marquette

Huh. So, it’s like rewiring a circuit board. But how much of our physical health is tied to this subconscious wiring? Does it go beyond, say, habits?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Oh, absolutely. Subconscious patterns aren’t just about habits—they can directly affect things like physical stress responses, immune function, and even pain perception. There’s growing evidence that holding onto past emotional traumas, for instance, can influence chronic conditions later in life. It's all connected.

Eric Marquette

That’s—that’s pretty wild. But fascinating. So, when we talk about reprogramming the subconscious, are there practical ways to, you know, actually do that? Or is this something we’re still trying to figure out?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

There are definitely ways to start. Practices like guided imagery, affirmations, and meditation have been shown to help reshape these subconscious patterns over time. The key is repetition and, well, intention. But it’s not an overnight process; it requires consistent effort.

Eric Marquette

So it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Got it. But knowing we can even try—that’s empowering in itself.

Eric Marquette

So earlier, you talked about rewiring subconscious patterns to help with things like habits and stress responses. That got me thinking—what about negative thought patterns specifically? How do those go from being just thoughts to actually impacting us physically?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s a great question, Eric. Negative thought patterns, especially the ones we’re unaware of, can keep the body stuck in a stress response. And when the body is in chronic stress mode for too long, it can start affecting physiological processes—like raising cortisol levels or suppressing immune function.

Eric Marquette

And that’s not good. I mean, constant stress can’t be great for your health in the long run.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. Over time, chronic stress can lead to inflammation, which is often a root cause of many illnesses—everything from heart disease to digestive issues. And it’s not just about stress. Long-held emotional patterns, like unresolved anger or grief, can get stored in the body too, impacting overall health.

Eric Marquette

Stored in the body? As in, like, physically?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Yes, and it sounds a little abstract at first, but there’s research suggesting that emotions have a physiological presence. For instance, you’ve probably heard of psychosomatic conditions, where the body manifests physical symptoms tied to emotional stress.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, like when people get tension headaches or stomach problems from being anxious all the time.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. And if these emotional patterns aren’t addressed, they can become chronic, leading to more serious health conditions over time. The mind and body are deeply connected, and it’s something we’re still learning so much about.

Eric Marquette

It’s honestly kinda incredible—but also a little terrifying. I mean, if we’re not even aware of these subconscious patterns, how do we catch them before they start messing with our bodies?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Awareness is the first step. Practices like mindfulness, journaling, or working with a therapist can help bring these patterns to light. The more conscious we become of our thought loops, the easier it is to interrupt them and, ultimately, reframe them.

Eric Marquette

Right, so it’s not just about noticing, but actively, like, doing something to change the cycle.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Precisely. Once you identify those patterns, you can start introducing tools to shift them—things like affirmations, cognitive reframing, or guided imagery can be incredibly powerful over time.

Eric Marquette

Huh. So it really comes back to training the mind again, like we talked about with neuroplasticity.

Eric Marquette

So, we’ve talked about tools like affirmations and cognitive reframing to help interrupt those patterns. But once we’re aware of them, how do we truly go deeper and reprogram our minds? Is it something anyone can really achieve?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It is, Eric. And it starts with using intentional tools that tap directly into the subconscious. Affirmations are a great example of this. They’re simple, positive statements we repeat to ourselves to challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns. Over time, they help create new, empowering beliefs.

Eric Marquette

Like telling yourself “I am confident” or “I am healthy,” even if you don’t fully believe it yet? Does that actually work?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Yes, exactly. The repetition of affirmations sends signals to the brain to replace old, limiting beliefs with new ones. And while it may feel unnatural at first—because your current beliefs might resist—it’s that consistency that rewires those neural connections we’ve talked about.

Eric Marquette

Consistency’s the secret sauce, huh?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Definitely. And it’s the same with cognitive reframing, another powerful tool. This is about consciously reinterpreting a situation or experience to see it in a more positive or constructive light. For example, instead of thinking, "I’m bad at this," you might reframe it to, "I’m learning how to improve."

Eric Marquette

That sounds like it takes some practice though. I mean, retraining your brain to stop jumping to negative conclusions?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It does. But like any skill, it gets easier with time. The key is catching the thought as it comes up and intentionally shifting it. And there's another technique I want to mention—guided imagery. This involves visualization, where you imagine healing or positive outcomes that shift the subconscious towards a healthier state.

Eric Marquette

So, like visualizing yourself recovering from an illness or achieving a goal?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. Guided imagery works because the subconscious doesn’t distinguish between what’s real and what’s vividly imagined. By repeatedly visualizing a desired outcome, we can actually train the brain and body to align with that image.

Eric Marquette

That kind of blows my mind. But, like, these all sound so… subtle. Do people actually feel a difference when they try them?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Absolutely. Over time, these techniques can lead to noticeable changes—not just in your mindset but also in how your body responds to stress or even pain. It’s about small, consistent shifts that build over time.

Eric Marquette

Small shifts, big impact. I like that. And yeah, knowing there are tools we can use—it’s pretty encouraging.

Eric Marquette

Small shifts, big impact. That makes me think—how do practices like meditation, hypnosis, or even visualization tie into reprogramming the subconscious? Are those part of the same toolbox too?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Good question, Eric. These practices are all about accessing the subconscious mind in unique ways. Meditation, for example, helps bring the body into a state of deep relaxation, which resets the nervous system and reduces stress. And when the nervous system calms down, the body can actually focus on repairing and healing itself.

Eric Marquette

So, it’s not just about, like, sitting still and clearing your head for the sake of it—it has real physiological benefits?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. Studies show that regular meditation can lower cortisol, improve heart health, and even boost mood by increasing serotonin levels. And it’s not just meditation—hypnosis works in a similar way but with a more specific goal in mind. It guides the subconscious to adopt healthier patterns or release emotional baggage.

Eric Marquette

Hypnosis? Like when someone waves a pocket watch and says, “You’re getting very sleepy”?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s the Hollywood version, but real hypnosis is much more grounded. It places someone in a deeply focused, relaxed state—like a guided meditation—where their subconscious is more open to suggestion. And those suggestions can be incredibly helpful, especially when it comes to breaking habits or managing chronic pain.

Eric Marquette

Huh. So, it’s less about mind control and more about… what? Self-control?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. Think of it as empowering the subconscious to work for you rather than against you. And visualization operates along similar lines. By vividly imagining a positive outcome—like recovering from an injury or feeling calm in a stressful situation—you’re essentially training your mind and body to align with that image.

Eric Marquette

And you’re saying there’s actual science behind this? Like, our bodies respond to what we imagine?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Absolutely. The subconscious doesn’t distinguish between real and vividly imagined experiences. So, visualization can activate similar neural pathways as if the outcome were happening. Athletes actually use this technique—imaging themselves succeeding—to enhance performance.

Eric Marquette

Now that’s fascinating. But I imagine some people might be skeptical. I mean, it all sounds, you know, a little abstract.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Totally understandable. I always encourage people to simply try these practices first. It’s often the experience that convinces them. Even a few minutes of daily meditation or practicing guided imagery can lead to noticeable changes over time—lower stress levels, better focus, and even improved pain management.

Eric Marquette

So, it’s really about consistency again. Even if it feels a little strange at first.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. Just like any skill, it takes patience and practice. But when you stick with it, these methods can become powerful tools for not just mental well-being, but physical healing too.

Eric Marquette

Thinking about the subconscious and the body’s responses, let's talk trauma for a second. You mentioned earlier how emotions—like grief or anger—can have a physical presence in the body. But how does that process actually work? I mean, how do emotions translate into, you know, actual physical symptoms?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It’s a fascinating area of study, Eric. When we go through traumatic experiences or chronic stress, the body tends to store the memory of those events—not just in the mind, but in the muscles, tissues, and nervous system. It’s often referred to as “somatic memory.” The body quite literally holds onto the tension or energy from those unresolved experiences.

Eric Marquette

Wait, so you’re saying my body could be holding onto past stress without me even realizing it?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s exactly it. It's why people might experience tightness in their chest, migraines, or even chronic back pain without finding a medical cause—the root might actually be emotional. These stored patterns can linger for years unless they’re processed and released.

Eric Marquette

And how do we even begin to release those patterns? It sounds… complicated.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It can feel that way, but there are effective modalities for this. Somatic therapy is one approach. It's based on the idea of recognizing and releasing those tension patterns through body awareness techniques—things like gentle movement or breathing exercises that help reconnect the person to their body.

Eric Marquette

So, almost like teaching the body to, I dunno, relax again? Or is it more than that?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It’s more than just relaxation, though that’s definitely part of it. Somatic therapy works on a nonverbal level, often helping people experience and process emotions they may not even be conscious of. And then there’s another effective technique—EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Eric Marquette

EMDR. I’ve… heard of it, but what exactly does it do?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

EMDR is a therapeutic approach designed specifically for trauma. It uses guided eye movements—or other forms of bilateral stimulation—to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Essentially, it rewires how the brain stores those memories, so they’re no longer triggering the same stress responses.

Eric Marquette

And this really works? I mean, changing how we react to something that’s already happened?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Absolutely. Research has shown EMDR to be highly effective, especially for conditions like PTSD. By altering how traumatic memories are processed, it helps the body and mind finally let go of that fight-or-flight response—and that creates space for healing.

Eric Marquette

So, both somatic therapy and EMDR are really about helping the body and brain work together to overcome trauma. But are there any other tools out there for this kind of release?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Definitely. Practices like yoga or breathwork can also be incredibly helpful for accessing and releasing stored tension in the body. With breathwork, for example, the emphasis on deep, intentional breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps down-regulate stress responses and release trauma stored in the tissues.

Eric Marquette

It makes total sense, but it’s still amazing to think stress and trauma can get so physically embedded in us.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It really is. And the beauty of these approaches is they don’t ignore the body—they work with it. By addressing the stored trauma directly, people often find they’re able to experience not just emotional freedom, but physical relief as well.

Eric Marquette

So the body isn’t just carrying the burden—it’s also a tool for healing. That’s… hopeful, actually.

Eric Marquette

So, after exploring how the body plays a central role in healing and processing trauma, I’m curious—how can healthcare providers actually translate these insights into action? Are there clear, practical ways for them to integrate this into patient care?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Definitely, Eric. One of the simplest ways is for physicians to start incorporating stress management techniques into their treatment plans. For instance, encouraging patients to practice mindfulness or meditation regularly. These aren’t just fringe ideas anymore—there’s plenty of research showing how they can reduce stress and improve overall outcomes.

Eric Marquette

So, it’s about treating the person as a whole, not just the symptom?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. And another powerful tool is guided imagery. Doctors can recommend visualization techniques to their patients, like imagining their body healing or picturing positive outcomes. Studies show that these practices can complement medical treatments and even reduce recovery times. It’s like harnessing the mind-body connection to amplify physical healing.

Eric Marquette

Huh. And are doctors actually doing this? Or is it something we’re still, you know, trying to get used to?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It’s growing, but adoption does take time. Programs like integrative medicine are helping bridge this gap by training physicians to combine traditional treatments with these holistic techniques. For instance, some hospitals now offer relaxation rooms for patients to practice mindfulness, or they might have staff trained in teaching breathwork or meditation.

Eric Marquette

That’s amazing. But I imagine there must be challenges—like, not every doctor has time to, well, guide their patients through these techniques, right?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s true. Which is why empowering patients to take an active role in their own mental health practice is key. Physicians can provide resources, like apps for guided meditation or workshops on mindfulness and stress management. It gives patients the tools to practice independently, while still incorporating it into their treatment plan.

Eric Marquette

So, it’s less about doing everything during the appointment and more about giving patients the know-how to help themselves outside of it.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Precisely. And on the doctor’s end, learning to recognize the emotional and subconscious factors behind a patient’s symptoms is another step forward. For example, instead of solely prescribing medication for chronic pain, a physician might explore whether unresolved emotional stress is contributing to the condition.

Eric Marquette

That feels like such a shift from the way we often think about medicine—treating the root cause instead of just the symptoms.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It is. And to truly embrace this mind-body approach, collaboration is important. Physicians can work alongside therapists, bodywork practitioners, or even nutritionists to create a well-rounded care plan. The more comprehensive the approach, the better the results for the patient.

Eric Marquette

It’s really inspiring to think about how medicine is evolving to include all these dimensions of healing. And I guess it comes down to this—our minds and bodies are so interconnected, why wouldn’t we treat them like they are?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly, Eric. The more we embrace this connection, the more empowered both patients and doctors become. And really, it’s about bringing humanity back into healthcare—seeing people as whole beings, not just a collection of symptoms.

Eric Marquette

On that note, I think this is a perfect place to wrap up our conversation. It’s been absolutely eye-opening. As always, thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

And thank you, Eric. It’s been such a pleasure discussing this. Here’s to a future where we all embrace the healing power of the subconscious mind.

Eric Marquette

And that’s all for today’s episode of "Longevity Lounge." Thank you to everyone listening. Take care, and we’ll see you next time.