Health & the Autonomic Nervous System
The nervous system is complex, and its balance is essential to our health and well-being. In this article, I share some information about the autonomic nervous system (ANS) what happens when it is out of balance, what happens when it is in balance and how you can keep it that way.
The autonomic nervous system
In brief, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.
The ANS has three branches: parasympathetic nervous system, sympathetic nervous system and enteric nervous system.
The parasympathetic nervous system is concerned with resting, digesting and healing whilst the sympathetic nervous system is considered the flight-fight system.
The enteric nervous system is a system of neurons that govern the gastrointestinal tract.
When the nervous system is out of balance the nervous system adjusts and adapts as the body responds to the external and internal stimulus that it is presented with. For example, if you need to respond to an urgent deadline at work your nervous system will be working in sympathetic state this state helps us get on with things and get things done. This is normal and generally, after the task is completed the nervous goes back into its sympathetic state.
Problems start to arise however when a body starts to switch into parasympathetic more regularly and in some cases is in this state constantly. When this is the case symptoms will start to arise and these could include Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mental problems and issues, Digestive disturbances, Headaches, exhaustion, Sleep problems. Over time symptoms can worsen and may often lead to more serious problems.
What can trigger an imbalance
Imbalance occurs when the nervous system is in one of the states inappropriately for an extended period.
There are many situations that can trigger this occurrence and some of these include.
• Physical exhaustion
• Mental pressure
• Emotional upset
• Shock
• Trauma
• Stress
• Noise
When the nervous system is in balance
When our nervous system is working as it should we are constantly adapting to stimuli presented to us internally and externally. We are designed to do this and given the right circumstances and responses we do this extremely well. This balanced state is optimal for our health and wellbeing.
How Bowen and Kinesiology work to balance the nervous system
Often trauma is locked into the body at a cellular level. Bowen and Kinesiology seem to work well at releasing these patterns of trauma even years after the original stressful event.
Often after these patterns are released the body will change and adapt and healing can occur.
Bowen works directly with the nervous system in that many of the Bowen moves are made along the erector spinae muscle which sits either side of the spine and has a direct link into nervous system. Bowen puts the nervous system into parasympathetic state very quickly. This is why most people find the therapy deeply relaxing and is why the therapy is so effective, it literally switches our body into healing mode.
Health Kinesiology aims to identify stressful patterns that are causing problems in the body and energy systems. Once these are identified I work to find the energetic circuits or meridians that are out of balance and apply techniques to correct the imbalance.
I have found this modality wonderfully efficient in dealing with problems, even those that have existed for a long period of time.
Treatments
I generally use a combination of the therapies that I work with to balance the body and nervous system.
I may also offer advice and test clients for specific remedies and nutritional supplements that could help with the symptoms that they are experiencing.
I will also most likely recommend self-help techniques that clients can use for themselves daily to help ease their symptoms.
Remedies to balance the nervous system
Rescue remedy / 5 flower remedy – This is a great remedy to have in your medicine cupboard or handbag. It is a combination of 5 of the Bach flower remedies and really does help to calm the nervous system. Use when you are feeling like you need some extra support or after a difficult situation.
Mimulus – A Bach flower remedy used to treat fears, particularly fears of known things. This remedy is useful for things like upcoming exams, driving tests, meetings or any event that you fear.
Argent Nit – A homeopathic remedy that is used to treat apprehension and anxiety especially regarding an approaching event.
Aconite – A homoeopathic remedy that is excellent for intense fear, shock, and anxiety.
There are many more homeopathic and flower remedies remedies that can be used in practice, the above is a basic overview. When I work with clients I always test them for specific remedies that will help.
Vitamins, Minerals and other remedies to help the nervous system
There are many vitamins and minerals that can help regulate the nervous system some of these include:
Magnesium – I use and recommend a liquid magnesium that bypasses the gut and gets directly into the cells where it is needed. I also like magnesium glycinate which is extremely gentle on digestion.
Minerals – Minerals are essential for our overall health and have a big impact on the nervous system, I often find that clients are depleted in minerals.
B vitamins – I like to use a good b complex and often find that clients are deficient in these when they are presenting with nervous system issues. b vitamins are essential for many things and the maintenance of nervous system function is highly dependant on many of the b vitamins. It is also worth noting that many of the b vitamins work synergistically with each other hence why a good b complex is often recommended.
Vitamin D – This vitamin is essential for nervous system development and function. Deficiency has been linked to many neurological disorders and disease. Vit d is essential for proper brain function. I recommend liquid vitamin d to maximise absorption. I also recommend that vit d be taken with vitamin k2.
L – Theanine – An amino acid that helps promote relaxation, improves stress and anxiety, attention span and promotes alpha brainwaves.
There are many herbal remedies that work to help the nervous system some of my favourites include:
- Lemon Balm,
- Passion Flower
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Ashwagandha
Techniques to help balance the nervous system
Triple Warmer Smoothie
This simple exercise called “Triple Warmer smoothie” can be used to calm the Triple Warmer meridian. Meridians are energy circuits in the body that can be tapped into to bring about health and wellness. This meridian is closely linked with the nervous system.
When done regularly this exercise can significantly lower stress and regulate the nervous system.
- Take hold of your left deltoid with your right hand.
- Place your left hand on your right rib cage.
- Breathe deeply in and out x 3.
- Repeat this process the other way around by swapping hands.
De-stress (AF/FE) points
The de-stress points are located on the forehead and the middle of the head. When these points are held, the stress response is diluted.
These points are physiologically wired into our stress and fear response and when held help reduce stress, anxiety, and fear.
To tap into these points simply put your head in your hands and hold this position for as long as you need. It will reduce the stress response. You can also think about an issue that has caused you stress or something that is about to happen that you find stressful.
For more techniques to balance your energies please have a look at my ebook:
If you would like to know more about treatments or discuss how I could help you please get in touch either by email or via the contact form below.
Thanks for reading!
Helen