Understanding the Nervous System

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Understanding the Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls bodily functions not

under our conscious control such as the beating of our hearts and the

fluctuation of hormones. It is divided into two systems, the

sympathetic and the parasympathetic.

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) can be seen as the Yang or

active energy. In a threatening situation, the sympathetic nervous

system triggers the release of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol.

Our heart rate increases, our brain becomes instantly conscious and

aware and our digestion diverts blood to its large muscles. This is

our " fight or flight " response.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) can be seen as the Yin or

passive energy. Once the system no longer sees a situation as a

threat, the PNS decreases heart rate, relaxes blood vessels and

clears metabolic waste products such as adrenaline and lactic acid.

The parasympathetic system repairs and rebuilds the body after

exposure to stress.

The more we are stressed, the more energy it takes our bodies to

recover. This vicious cycle leads to such diseases as a weakened

immune system, migraines, frequent headaches, repetitive strain

injuries, backaches or peptic ulcers. The body is out of balance. It

then struggles to re-balance by finding ways to slow us down. Here

are some ideas for re-balancing your system:

Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that channels of

energy flowing throughout the body, may be manipulated by pressure

known as acupressure or with the insertion of fine needles, called

Acupuncture. By manipulating the Qi, our vital life force or energy,

good health is brought into balance.

Biofeedback: Biofeedback is the innate ability to influence the

automatic nervous system through the exertion of will and mind.

Chances are you have used biofeedback yourself. You've used it if you

have ever taken your temperature or stepped on a scale. These

devices " feed back " information about your body's condition.

Energy Balancing: Energy medicine is based on the belief that the

human body is composed of energy fields. When the energy is properly

distributed and circulating freely, the body is healthy. Imbalances

or abnormal amounts of energy are believed to indicate an excess or

deficency.

Guided Imagery: The power of visualization and guided imagery is one

of our most powerful gifts! A healing tool we all have with in us -

the " power of the mind! "

Meditation: Meditation is a time-honored technique that can take you

into infinite dimensions of consciousness. It is a simple effort that

becomes effortless as we do it more and more.

Spiritual Practice: To recognize a power that is greater than our own

is to recognize our Spirituality. We understand the mind/body

relationship to be inspired by alignment with one's Highest Spiritual

Principle and by that awareness we can choose Truth.

Yoga Therapy: Practicing yoga is associated with establishing

harmony, equanimity, balance. The therapeutic aspects of yoga go

beyond the physical and can transcend to spiritual.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit