What is Memory Reconsolidation?

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To answer that, we must first establish what are memories? They're not what we think they are. Most would suggest that our memories are storehouses of what we've experienced. But memories serve a much more important function. They are dictators of our future. Everything we do and every decision we make is based on something we've experienced previously. 

What's more, memories don't happen instantly; they consolidate over time, for the purpose of influencing future action.

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Memories are composed of two things: 1) our impression (or perspective) of what happened, and 2) what meaning it had for us. Two people can tell a very different story about what happened at the same event based on their perspective, and what the event meant to them personally. This is also why the way you tell a story can change over time, because your perspective and it's meaning to you can change as you consolidate more memories into the original experience.

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So here's where memory reconsolidation comes in: "Memory reconsolidation is the process of previously consolidated memories being recalled and actively consolidated. It is a distinct process that serves to maintain, strengthen and modify memories that are already stored in the long-term memory." What is the benefit of this? It enables a person to re-wire their subconscious responses to consolidated memories that have been keeping them stuck in a negative behavior.

 

Here's an example: a woman goes on a blind date and everything on the date goes really well. But she never calls the man for a second date. She tells her friend that something about him makes her feel uneasy, even though she can't say specifically what it is. Come to find out, he has a beard and wears glasses just like her third grade teacher who humiliated her in front of the class. Her brain has made the connection, and sent her an alert that the man with glasses and a beard is not safe, even though there is no evidence supporting it. So if this original memory that took place in third grade is reconsolidated, it will stop causing her to make unrelated judgments that are potentially interfering with her future decisions. This is a simple example, but it demonstrates how phobias,  fears, addictions, obsessive behaviors etcetera can be attributed to the memory consolidation process.  

 

The re-consolidating of those highly influential memories is the running theme of GOOD HEALTH. You can achieve lasting results without going through tireless hours of repetition or years of talk therapy. The addition of essential oils makes this process incredibly effective, because of the limbic system's connection to our sense of smell. My clients take great comfort in knowing that GH methods are based on science.

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*To order an Infuser Kit and experience Memory Reconsolidation for yourself, go HERE.

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