The Three Nervous System Responses:
The nervous system is often thought about in terms such as “fight or flight” , “freeze”, “rest and digest” (aka sympathetic and parasympathetic).
Fight or flight can often be referred to as the survival aspect of you. If you are running from a bear in the middle of the woods, you want this aspect of your nervous turned on. When we are in this response we usually experience fear, stress, anger, and anxiety. Our blood pressure increases, our heart rate goes up, and adrenaline flows through the body.
The freeze state is another response to stress. When this happens we completely shut down. We feel depressed, lethargic, fearful, and “stuck” in our life like there is no way out.
The rest and digest phase is a parasympathetic response. It is here we are in balance and our body is at its normal restful state where it can rebuild and heal. In this place we are grounded, full of joy, loving, and connective to others. Our digestive system, immune system, and elimination system are all flowing well here.
There have been many studies done on the Vagus Nerve (Polyvagal nerve theory)
One of the longest nerves in the body is called the vagus nerve which originates in the brainstem and connects to muscles of the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and throat areas of the body. Over 80 percent of this nerve is sensory which means it gives a lot of feedback to the body to bring balance and homeostasis.
With 80-90% of your nervous system messages being received coming up from the body to the brain, it is no wonder we have a hard time changing old patterns and habits! Rather than try and change ourselves from the mind, we must also look to the body!
The brain then processes these signals and releases a chemical response back into the body. This creates the idea that the body is actually part of the mind. Therefore in order to free the body we must free the mind!
Receive freedom with your body today! Click here to learn more
The nervous system is often thought about in terms such as “fight or flight” , “freeze”, “rest and digest” (aka sympathetic and parasympathetic).
Fight or flight can often be referred to as the survival aspect of you. If you are running from a bear in the middle of the woods, you want this aspect of your nervous turned on. When we are in this response we usually experience fear, stress, anger, and anxiety. Our blood pressure increases, our heart rate goes up, and adrenaline flows through the body.
The freeze state is another response to stress. When this happens we completely shut down. We feel depressed, lethargic, fearful, and “stuck” in our life like there is no way out.
The rest and digest phase is a parasympathetic response. It is here we are in balance and our body is at its normal restful state where it can rebuild and heal. In this place we are grounded, full of joy, loving, and connective to others. Our digestive system, immune system, and elimination system are all flowing well here.
There have been many studies done on the Vagus Nerve (Polyvagal nerve theory)
One of the longest nerves in the body is called the vagus nerve which originates in the brainstem and connects to muscles of the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and throat areas of the body. Over 80 percent of this nerve is sensory which means it gives a lot of feedback to the body to bring balance and homeostasis.
With 80-90% of your nervous system messages being received coming up from the body to the brain, it is no wonder we have a hard time changing old patterns and habits! Rather than try and change ourselves from the mind, we must also look to the body!
The brain then processes these signals and releases a chemical response back into the body. This creates the idea that the body is actually part of the mind. Therefore in order to free the body we must free the mind!
Receive freedom with your body today! Click here to learn more