Why do the various healing modalities such as Reiki, Acupuncture, Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery and others work with a person’s healing process? It is best understood through the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
Remember your Autonomic Nervous System? If you do, then you know that your ANS is comprised of two specific systems: the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS).
SNS is the part of your body tied to your “flight or fight” response. The PNS is the part that is focused on the relaxed and restorative aspects of your body. Both are very important and both control or support aspects of our bodies ability to function.
For instance, I live in the greater Washington metropolitan area where people live extremely hectic lives. They are constantly on the go, running to their jobs, to their families, to their commitments and deadlines. Simply put, their whole body is almost constantly in a “flight or fight” mode. There Sympathetic Nervous System is on overdrive.
I am always surprised by how often a client does not realize that he or she is predominantly stuck in the “flight or fight” mode. Once we have done a relaxation technique, usually the person realizes the difference. The body finally relaxes, tension or aches are released and the person can begin to think more clearly and calmly about life and various issues or concerns. This is when the person’s Parasympathetic Nervous System has taken over from the Sympathetic Nervous System.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System is known as “the rest and digest” state. It is the connection to a calmer, peaceful and more relaxed you. Most people relate it to how they feel after a great massage. You might also feel this after a meditation, a yoga session, being out in nature or even after a moment of silence or prayer.
Both the SNS and PNS are needed in our daily lives. One protects us and gets us going while the other allows our body & mind to rest and restore. If one system is working more than the other, the body begins to express it through physical signs and symptoms.
Let’s take a look at the overview provided below of the two systems and their impact on our physical bodies.
From the above diagram, you can see how both the PNS and SNS have specific roles to play within our bodies. Here are the specific physical signs, symptoms or conditions that you might experience if one system is out of balance.
When you are in your PNS state, you are able to release tension in your muscles (less headaches or body aches), able to have your digestion working properly and your elimination system works better for both urination and bowel movements.
Conversely, when you are in your SNS state, your body is able to have the energy and stamina to get going with the day’s activities. The SNS also gets our body moving internally too.
Both PNS and SNS are critical to our overall health. The trick is in learning how to balance them, ensuring that we are including both into our daily lives.
As mentioned previously, many people know how to incorporate the SNS into their lives. It seems as if our society, in general, needs help with incorporating the PNS equation to find balance.
What Helps Connect with the PNS?
- Meditation
- Guided Imagery
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Tai Chi/QiGong
- Being in Nature
- Reiki
- Chakra Balancing
- Exercise (In most cases)
- Massage
- Prayer
- Energy Work
- Shamanic Work
- Contemplative Exercises
- Spiritual Coaching
- Breath Work
- Journaling
There are so many ways to connect with the PNS. The above listing is meant as a sampling of possibilities but take time to see what fits you best. What is it that allows you to tap into your relaxation and restorative state?
Enjoy!
Interested in exploring further? Please schedule a session with Mara in person, by phone or by web at https://www.fourdirectionswellness.com/sessions/