Book Review: The Edge Effect by Eric R. Braverman, M.D.

I am fascinated by how the brain functions and love to learn more about it. This is a very interesting book that looks at our brain chemistry and how it affects our personality, the way we function, our physical health and so on.

Dr. Braverman focuses particularly on the four neurotransmitters that must be processed in the brain in a specific order and in precise amounts. He talks about how even small electrical imbalances in the brain lead to bigger health problems. How the slightest deviation in the brain’s activity can be felt in the body. Deficiencies in neurotransmitters lead to decreased physical and mental health.

The book is structured into four parts and, considering the amount of technical information that is in the book, I found it extremely easy to read and understand. Part I focuses on how the brain works. It talks about vital brain biochemicals and ways to know whether your brain is balanced or not. It also talks about four basic personality types or biotemperaments (natures) which are based on our primary neurotransmitters. Knowing your neurotransmitter type or nature can help you to know if changes in brain chemistry are leading to changes in memory, attention and mental or physical health.

Part II looks at information specific to each brain type. It shows how your brain chemistry creates your personality and offers specific recommendations for diet, exercise, supplements and lifestyle changes for each brain temperament.

Part III addresses specific health problems in terms of brain health and matches them with treatments.

The four neurotransmitters and personality temperaments that are described in detail in the book are:

• Dopamine – people with a dopamine nature (approximately 17% of the world’s population) thrive on energy. They are good a problem-solving, strategic thinking and they function well under stress.When people with a dopamine nature produce too much of this biochemical they can become very intense, driven and impulsive. They may even resort to violence.When people with a dopamine nature do not produce enough dopamine they slow down, feeling less energetic, less powerful and their thinking will not be as sharp as it used to be.

• Acetylcholine – people with an acetylcholine nature are very creative and in tune with their senses. They are flexible and considerate and always consider others.When people with an acetylcholine nature produce too much of this biochemical they can give too much of themselves to others, depleting themselves in the process and then feeling that others are taking advantage of them.When they do not produce enough acetylcholine they become forgetful, thinking slows down and they will start to become aware that they just don’t feel right.

• Gaba – the Gaba nature is characterized by stability and almost 50% of the world’s population have this dominant nature. They tend to be loyal, balanced and dependable.When people with a Gaba nature produce too much Gaba, they can crave attention and love, looking for opportunities to give care to others in order to be loved, resulting in them feeling like their own needs are not being met.When they produce too little Gaba they can feel very anxious, nervous or irritable. The brain’s electricity will be delivered in bursts, rather than a smooth flow, causing brain arrhythmia.

• Serotinin – people with a serotonin nature know how to live in the moment. They enjoy life and enjoy the excitement of taking on a challenge.When people with a serotonin nature produce too much serotonin they can become extremely nervous, hesitant, distracted and sensitive to criticism. They can become very sad and angry.With too little serotonin they will have trouble sleeping, feel over tired and out of control.

The book obviously explains each of the four neurotransmitters in much more detail and there are even a couple of assessments you can take in the book that will show which nature you are predominantly and where you may have a deficiency or excess of any of the biochemicals.
Not only does Dr. Braverman explain everything very well, he gives lots of information on how to treat each type. It will become clear as you read the book why you are the way you are, and why certain health problems may have become prevalent.
So why am I doing a review on a book about the brain? What does this have to do with Feng Shui? I believe that everything is connected and the essence of Feng Shui is about balance. We want to become balanced energetically, physically, emotionally, spiritually – and that includes our brain. The brain is so complex, yet it is behind everything we do and everything we feel. As we strive to have a greater understanding of ourselves, I feel it’s very important to learn more about how we can help ourselves become stronger and more balanced in all areas, and this book will help you do just that.

Linda Binns
“The Feng Shui Success Strategist”

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Tags: brain, Feng Shui, neurotransmitters