By Emeritus Professor Ng Kwan Hoong
As a medical physicist, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of our emotional experiences and their physical manifestations. Nostalgia, often dismissed as mere sentimentality, is a prime example of this intersection. It’s not just a fleeting emotion or a wistful daydream—it’s a tangible, physical phenomenon that can profoundly affect our bodies and minds.
When we experience nostalgia, our bodies react in some measurable ways. Heart rates may fluctuate, skin conductance can change, and specific regions of the brain light up with activity. It’s as if our entire physiological system is participating in the act of remembering, creating a full-body experience that goes far beyond simple recollection.
I recall a compelling 2015 study where participants were exposed to nostalgic stimuli while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results were striking: areas associated with reward, positive emotion, and social connectedness showed increased activity. This neurological response suggests that nostalgia isn’t just in our heads—it’s a whole-body event that can influence our physical state.
While nostalgia can be a source of comfort and strength, it’s crucial to recognize its potential for both positive and negative impacts on our well-being. Just like any powerful emotion, it requires a mindful approach to harness its benefits while minimizing potential harm.
On the positive side, nostalgic reflections can boost our mood, reduce stress, and even alleviate physical pain. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in nostalgic thinking often relate feeling warmer—a subjective sensation that corresponds with actual increases in body temperature. This physical warming effect might explain why we often turn to nostalgia during times of loneliness or discomfort.
However, the physical manifestations of nostalgia aren’t always beneficial. For some, particularly those with traumatic pasts, nostalgic triggers can lead to increased heart rate, sweating, and other stress responses associated with anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these cases, what begins as a mental journey into the past can quickly become a very real, tangible discomfort.
To illustrate this duality, let me share an experience of a colleague, an avid cyclist. Three years ago, he suffered a severe accident during a rural cycling trip, leaving him physically and emotionally scarred. On the third anniversary of the incident, he reluctantly agreed to revisit the accident site.
As he confronted these sensations and the memories they accompanied, something unexpected occurred. His breathing slowly steadied, his muscles relaxed, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him—a powerful reminder of resilience, embodying the essence of the Chinese saying, ‘Where you fall, there you get back up.’
This visceral experience allowed my colleague to process the trauma in a new way. The physical sensations, initially distressing, became a pathway to healing. It’s a powerful reminder that nostalgia’s impact on our bodies can be transformative, for better or worse.
Harnessing nostalgia’s physical power
Understanding nostalgia as a physical phenomenon opens new avenues for its therapeutic application. In medical practice, this knowledge has been leveraged to enhance mental health therapy and support healthy aging.
For instance, guided nostalgia exercises have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. By intentionally evoking positive nostalgic memories, patients can experience physical relaxation, reduced heart rate, and decreased cortisol levels—all indicators of reduced stress.
In the field of geriatrics, nostalgia-based interventions are being explored to combat the physical effects of social isolation among the older persons. Engaging in nostalgic activities not only improves mood but can also boost immune function and cognitive performance, demonstrating the far-reaching physical benefits of this unique experience.
As we continue to unravel the complex relationship between our memories, emotions, and physical states, the study of nostalgia promises to yield fascinating insights. Advanced neuroimaging techniques and biometric sensors are allowing us to map the bodily expressions of nostalgia with unprecedented clarity.
This research may lead to innovative treatments for various physical and mental health conditions. Imagine a future where personalized nostalgia therapy is prescribed alongside traditional medical interventions, tailored to everyone’s unique life experiences and physiological responses.
As we explore the physical effects of nostalgia, it’s essential to approach our memories with both appreciation and discernment, ensuring we engage with nostalgia wisely to fully harness its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.
The next time you find yourself swept up in a wave of nostalgia, take a moment to perceive its physical effects. How does your body respond? Do you feel warmth spreading through your chest, or perhaps a quickening of your pulse? By tuning into these sensations, we can develop a deeper understanding of how our past experiences continue to shape our present physical reality.
In conclusion, nostalgia is far more than a sentimental journey through memory lane. It’s a complex psychophysiological experience that can influence our health, well-being, and perception of the world around us. By recognizing and respecting its unique power, we can learn to use nostalgia as a tool for physical and emotional healing, personal growth, and connection with others. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of nostalgia, one question remains:
Are we shaping our memories, or are our memories shaping us?
The author is an Emeritus Professor of Biomedical Imaging at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. A 2020 Merdeka Award recipient, he is a medical physicist by training but also enjoys writing, drawing, taking photos, and bridging the gap between older and younger generations. He can be reached at ngkh@ummc.edu.my