By Charon Normand-Widmer
What are ‘Epigenetics’? Why should they interest us?
Epigenetics offer profound insights into how our environment and lifestyle can influence gene expression, without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Alteration of the underlying sequence results in a mutation, which can have various impacts on an organism’s physical and mental well being.
I first became interested in epigenetics while teaching anatomy, physiology and pathology to massage therapy students. As I deepened my understanding of the origins of varying pathologies, I came to understand how genetics, environment and nutrition come together to influence gene expression. Later, my education in the field of trauma added to my growing knowledge base around the importance of factoring in the effects of stress and trauma when working with a client towards wellness.
How do Epigenetics work?
Epigenetics bridge the gap between genetics and environmental factors, explaining how behaviours, diet, stress, and even prenatal conditions can impact health outcomes across generations. This field holds promise for revolutionary advancements in medical science, including personalised medicine, where treatments can be tailored based on an individual’s epigenetic profile. Moreover, understanding epigenetics can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for combating diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological and psychological disorders, thereby improving overall human health and longevity.
At the core of epigenetics are chemical modifications to DNA and its associated proteins, called histones, which regulate gene activity. These modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, can alter the structure of chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins that makes up chromosomes. This alteration can either loosen or tighten the chromatin structure, making genes more or less accessible for transcription, the process by which genetic information is copied into DNA.
One of the key mechanisms in epigenetics is DNA methylation, where methyl groups are added to specific locations on the DNA molecule, typically cytosine bases. This modification often leads to gene silencing, preventing the associated gene from being expressed. In contrast, histone modifications, such as acetylation or methylation, can either activate or repress gene expression depending on the specific modification and its location within the chromatin.
The fascinating aspect of epigenetics is its role in mediating the interaction between genetics and the environment. Environmental factors such as diet, stress, toxins, and even social interactions can induce epigenetic changes that can be passed down through generations. This phenomenon, known as transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, challenges the traditional view of genetics, where only DNA sequence variations were thought to be heritable.
For example, studies have shown that food insecurity experienced by pregnant women can lead to changes in DNA methylation patterns in their offspring, affecting their susceptibility to certain diseases and mental illnesses. Similarly, exposure to environmental toxins like cigarette smoke or pollutants can induce epigenetic modifications that increase the risk of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular issues, and personality disorders, for example.
Furthermore, epigenetic changes are not limited to humans but are also observed across various species, from plants to animals. In agriculture, understanding epigenetic mechanisms can have significant implications for crop improvement and breeding programs. Epigenetic modifications can influence traits such as flowering time, stress tolerance, and yield, providing a potential avenue for crop enhancement in response to changing environmental conditions.
Epigenetics and the impact of stress
Paternal stress pre-conception, as well as maternal stress during pregnancy, can influence a person’s experience of life in several ways. Firstly, individuals who were exposed to high levels of maternal stress in utero may be more susceptible to emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, or depression later in life. This could manifest as heightened emotional responses, difficulty managing stress, or challenges in building trust with others. Before I completed my training in trauma therapy, I used to read a lack of eye contact in another as lack of manners or rudeness. I now consider that this person may be in some way disconnected from themselves (which happens when trauma occurs) and this may be interfering with their ability to connect with me.
Additionally, individuals with a history of prenatal stress, as well as life stress, may have altered brain structures related to memory and stress response, which could impact their ability to process and integrate therapeutic interventions, particularly somatic approaches. They may require tailored approaches in therapy that address these specific neurological differences. When the body has never been a “safe place”, it can be frightening and overwhelming to even consider connecting to one’s inner landscape.
Moreover, exploring the impact of paternal stress, and maternal stress during pregnancy on a person’s early life experiences and development could be a valuable aspect of therapy. Understanding the potential roots of certain emotional or cognitive patterns can help clients make sense of their experiences and work towards connecting with their essential Self.
The impact of predecessor stress and even intergenerational trauma sometimes shows up in the treatment room when a client cannot access the first time they experienced a feeling or sensation. In my practice, gently remind them that this sensation may be preverbal, possibly intrauterine, and may even be in their ancestral coding. After all, our bodies, our nervous systems, did not invent the ability to experience complex emotions, or the ability to process the world cognitively. We were born with these abilities, developed through the achievements of our ancestors. Alongside these benefits, we also inherit traces of ancestral trauma, which often can shape how we perceive our environment.
Epigenetics offers profound insights into how our environment and lifestyle can influence gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This field bridges the gap between genetics and environmental factors, explaining how behaviour, diet, stress, prenatal, and ancestral conditions can impact health outcomes across generations. The potential for revolutionary advancements in personalised medicine, as well as new therapeutic strategies for physical, mental and emotional disorders, makes epigenetics a field of immense promise. Understanding the chemical modifications to DNA and histones that regulate gene activity deepens our knowledge of how environmental factors can induce changes that may be passed down through generations, challenging traditional views of heredity. For those interested in health and wellness, the implications of epigenetics are vast, offering a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between our genes and the environment.
