Parasympathetic State: The Key to Wellness

So imagine yourself in the shoes of your ancestors. You are out in an open field hunting game. You hear a rustle in the bushes, and you have a terrible realization that you are now prey instead of predator. Your body has three responses: fight, flight, or freeze. You can fight this predator and risk your life. You can RUN. Or you just freeze, no movement, too afraid to choose.

This is the sympathetic state. Your digestion shuts down, breath shortens, and all energy goes to systems in your body imperative for survival. 

Now imagine yourself on vacation relaxing by the pool with a feel good playlist, a plate of your favorite snack, and the sun kissing your skin. You feel so at peace and safe.

This is the parasympathetic state. Your body is in repair. Digestion is moving along smoothly, your immune system is boosting, and cells are in repair. This is where we get that inner glow.

Both states are essential to our physiology. In today’s society, especially the state that the world is in, it is important for us to create a life where we can allow our bodies to heal and regenerate. When we are often living in the sympathetic state— Our bodies ache. We are more susceptible to illness. We are ALWAYS TIRED.

Try these simple tips for creating habits supportive of the parasympathetic state:

1. Breathing!
   Breath is considered the life force in many ancient healing techniques. It is the body’s way of oxygenating muscles, organs, and different systems in our body. Breathing deeply is a catalyst to good digestion.

   Are you breathing correctly? Tension in the neck and shoulders are can be signs that someone isn’t breathing properly.
   
   How to know if you’re breathing properly? Here’s a simple exercise: Sit comfortable on the ground with your legs crossed or lay on your back with legs stretched out. Now put your hands on your ribs. Take a deep inhale. Notice if your hands are rising or falling with each inhale. If your hands are rising because your ribs are rising and expanding as you inhale, congratulations! You are a diaphragmatic breather and are properly using your breath. If you find that you do the opposite; that your hands actually sink when you breathe in and your chest rises, you are a chest breather. This type of breathing is common during anxiety attacks and other times when we are in the sympathetic state.
   
   If you need more assistance and professional help, seek out your local breath work practitioner, or physical therapist.
   

2. Massage
   Bodywork is incredibly helping at training the body to live in a parasympathetic state. Massage helps lower blood pressure, helps improve blood circulation, and assists in improving the immune system. Receiving massage from a trained, professional at least 1-2 times a month is ideal.
   
   Self massage is also equally as important. You know your body best. You know where you ache the most and what feels the best.
   
   Head to this article to read a list of my favorite self-care tools.
   

3. Medicinal Herbs
   Plant allies are a great way to help our bodies physiologically return to the parasympathetic state. Some herbs that are supportive to the Nervous system are called nervines. My favorites are skullcap, damiana, lemon balm, and holy basil.
   
   Always do your research or consult a trained herbalist to know what herbs will work best for you and your constitution.

I hope that this sheds some light on the states of our nervous system and how it affects our health.

What are your favorite ways to relax? Share in the comments below!