There is a saying that when a person's life is about to come to an end, there will be a moment, and suddenly, the body seems to regain its vitality and spirit, as if the flame of life has shone again at the last moment. This phenomenon is commonly known as "returning to the light".
In the medical world, this is not uncommon, and veteran doctors can often encounter it in the clinic. But what's going on? Don't worry, let's take our time.
First, the phenomenon of "returning to the light".
"Back to light" sounds a bit like something out of a movie, but it does exist in our real world. This word describes the phenomenon of a person's physical and mental strength suddenly improving at the moment before death.
You see, isn't this like the last flash of an old light bulb before it goes out? But this flash is often the end of life.
That's a coincidence. Some time ago, there was an old man in the hospital with advanced liver cancer, who was already in a semi-coma, who knew that he would suddenly be able to sit up and say a few words to his family before leaving.
This makes people feel that life is really a wonderful thing, and it can come out like this at the last moment.
Second, the last burst of energy in life
When it comes to "returning to the light", we have to mention the energy in the body. You know, our body is like an energy factory, and what we eat will be converted into glucose for the body to use.
But ah, when people are about to breathe, this energy factory is about to close. But at this critical juncture, all parts of the body seemed to be unwilling to close the door like this, and they began to desperately squeeze the last bit of energy to give the dying life another "endurance".
At this time, the adrenaline also jumps out to join in the fun. This guy is usually responsible for doing things in our bodies, such as making the heart beat faster and the blood flow more violently.
Before dying, it is like the guy who is in a hurry, suddenly releasing a large amount of adrenaline, lubricating the blood all over the body, so that the person can have the strength to say the last word to his family, or to make the last action.
You see, it's not like in those movies where the kerosene lamp goes out and suddenly turns on again, making people think it's going to be on for a little longer. But in reality, it was just the last struggle, the oil ran out, and the lights went out.
Once this energy is exhausted, a person has really come to the end of his life. This process, to make a long story, actually happens in just a few hours, or even minutes.
3. Scientific exploration of end-of-life psychological phenomena
When life comes to an end, people often say that "the last light of life" is not only a physical change, but also a psychological phenomenon.
Scientific research has revealed that dying people may experience a complex range of psychological processes, including the emergence of memories, the amplification of emotions, and reflection on the meaning of life.
These psychological phenomena are sometimes described as a kind of inner "marquee", that is, a person's life is quickly replayed in a short period of time.
This phenomenon is scientifically believed to be related to changes in brain function. In the final moments of life, the brain may enter an abnormally active state, at which point memory centers may be activated, causing fragments of past experiences to suddenly become unusually clear. It's not just a simple memory, it's more like a full-fledged sensory experience that touches the heart.
However, this psychological phenomenon is not experienced by all dying people. Scientists believe that this may be related to the individual's brain structure, life experiences, and physiological changes during death.
Studies have shown that people who have experienced major emotional events in their lives are more likely to experience this psychological phenomenon at the end of life. At the same time, the use of some medications, such as analgesics and sedatives, may also affect this process.
Fourth, the physiological mechanism of human self-retention
At the end of life, the human body seems to instinctively activate a series of physiological mechanisms for self-retention. The activation of these mechanisms can be seen as the body's final response to life-threatening conditions.
From a physiological point of view, the "flashback" may be related to the brain's response to the crisis. In the final moments of life, the brain may try to mobilize all available resources to maintain vital signs.
This mechanism of self-retention may include activation of the neuroendocrine system, particularly the massive release of adrenal hormones, which can temporarily improve the function of the heart and muscles, allowing the patient to experience temporary mental and physical recovery.
In addition, some areas of the brain may become particularly active at the end of life, especially those related to emotions and memories, which may be to preserve the individual's life experience as much as possible in the final moments of life.
From the perspective of physiological responses, the natural physiological response before dying is also part of the body's self-retention. For example, incontinence may be caused by the body losing control of the bladder and bowel during death, which reflects the gradual weakening of vital signs.
However, these physiological responses are not simply "giving up", but are the natural result of the body's constant attempts to maintain basic life functions.
5. The mystery of dying hallucinations
In the last moments of life, some people experience a special sensation – a dying hallucination. This phenomenon is sometimes misunderstood as a side effect of a drug or a sign of declining brain function, but in reality, end-of-life hallucinations can be a complex neurophysiological process.
Scientists have found that even in the face of a drastic decline in physiology, certain areas of the brain are able to work actively, producing vivid hallucinatory experiences.
Research has shown that dying hallucinations, in which people may see deceased relatives or religious symbols, are often deeply emotionally charged and may be both comforting and an exploration of the unknown in their hearts.
The physiological basis behind this psychological phenomenon may be related to changes in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as changes in the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which work together to act on the sensory and emotional centers of the brain, resulting in end-of-life hallucinations.
However, these hallucinations are not experienced by all dying people. Their appearance may be closely related to the individual's life experience, psychological state, and cultural background. For example, people with deep religious beliefs may see hallucinations related to their beliefs.
Although the specific mechanisms of end-of-life hallucinations are not fully understood, they are important for understanding human consciousness and the mental state at the end of life.
summary
In the last stage of life, whether it is the "return to the light", the psychological phenomenon of dying, or the self-retention mechanism of the body, these are our explorations of the ultimate questions of life.
They are not just the object of medical research, but part of a deep understanding of human life. These phenomena remind us that even in the most fragile moments, life exhibits incredible complexity and tenacious vitality.