The nervous system is the main command centre for the body. It is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves and controls much of what you think and feel and what your body does. It allows you to do things like walk, speak, swallow, breathe and learn. It also controls how the body reacts in an emergency.

The nervous system is made up of:

 - the central nervous system, or CNS, which consists of the brain and spinal cord

- the peripheral nervous system, or PNS, which consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body

The nervous system is responsible for:

 - intelligence, learning and memory: your thoughts and feelings

- movement: how your body moves

- basic body functions like the beating of your heart, breathing, digestion, sweating and shivering

- the senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell

The main part of the central nervous system I am teaching you about is called the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls a lot of the body processes we don’t think about, like breathing, sweating or shivering. We will also be looking at one very important nerve in particular; the Vagus Nerve.

The nervous system, being the controller of the body, is the reason you are able to muscle test to find out what our body needs as it governs all and monitors exactly what is going on.

ANS

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates certain body processes, such as blood pressure and the rate of breathing. This system works automatically (autonomously), without a person’s conscious effort.

The ANS is the part of the nervous system that works with the internal organs, including the blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, bladder, genitals, lungs, pupils, heart, and sweat, salivary, and digestive glands.

The ANS has two main parts which work together to manage how the body responds to our changing environment and needs.

 -           Sympathetic (fight or flight) and

 -           Parasympathetic (rest and digest)

After the autonomic nervous system receives information about the body and external environment, it responds by stimulating body processes (sympathetic state), or inhibiting them (parasympathetic state).

Many organs are controlled primarily by either the sympathetic or the parasympathetic division. Sometimes the two divisions have opposite effects on the same organ. For example, the sympathetic division increases blood pressure, and the parasympathetic division decreases it. Overall, the two divisions work together to ensure that the body responds appropriately to different situations.

Being in a sympathetic state prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations—fight, flight or freeze.

Thus, the sympathetic state increases heart rate and the force of heart contractions and widens (dilates) the airways to make breathing easier. It causes the body to release stored energy. Muscular strength is increased. Sympathetic state also causes palms to sweat, pupils to dilate, and hair to stand on end. It slows body processes that are less important in emergencies, such as digestion and urination.

Generally you should be in a parasympathetic state through most of your day as it controls body process during ordinary situations. Being in a parasympathetic state conserves and restores. It slows the heart rate and decreases blood pressure. It stimulates the digestive tract to process food and eliminate wastes. Energy from the processed food is used to restore and build tissues.

When you are in sympathetic dominance (i.e. being in the sympathetic state the majority of the time) there is a negative impact on our overall health. You do not digest our food, your reproductive capabilities are lessened, heart health is affected, your immunity is decreased, your emotional health is negatively impacted and much more. Sympathetic dominance also burns through more nutrients as the stress hormones tell your body to power up for flight or flight reactions.

Sympathetic state is an important survival state for emergency situations, however it is supposed to only be activated in those emergency type situations. Unfortunately, our modern life has become more stressful and so many of us are almost permanently in a sympathetic state. It is important to switch back to parasympathetic state as much as possible and lessen or remove the stress triggers that move you to sympathetic state.

Some activities to switch you from sympathetic to parasympathetic state are:

• Correct breathing (nasal, diaphragmatic, around 5 breath cycles per minute)
• Various breathing exercises and techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, small breath holds, Buyteko breathing, Pranayama etc.
• Listening to calming music
• Grounding or earthing (standing bare feet on the earth)
• Forest bathing (being out in nature with no electronics etc.)
• Laughing
• Being with pets and loved ones with no distractions (e.g. tv, phones etc.)
• Gentle Yoga or Tai Chi
• Meditation or prayer
• Acupuncture or massage
• Affirmations or gratitude journaling
• Inhaling certain essential oils

Practicing one or more of these multiple times a day will switch you from a sympathetic to parasympathetic state and allow your body to work to its best potential. This is particularly important to do before eating and going to bed to allow your body to digest and sleep optimally.

How to Work with Me

Are you ready to take control of your well-being and upgrade your life? I offer specialised Emotional Release Therapy (ERT) sessions and an Upgrade Your Life with ERT membership to support your journey.

Online Group ERT Session Subscription

Join my supportive community and participate in regular group ERT sessions designed to help you release stuck emotions and stress, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Online 1:1 ERT Sessions

For personalised, private support, book one-on-one sessions with me. Together, we will address your specific needs and develop tailored strategies to regulate your nervous system and improve your overall well-being.

Online 12-Month Program

Commit to your growth with my comprehensive 12-month program. This program provides you with the tools, resources, and guidance you need to make lasting changes and achieve your health and wellness goals.

In-Person 1:1 ERT Sessions

If you prefer face-to-face interaction, schedule an in-person session. Experience the benefits of ERT in a safe and supportive environment, allowing you to release emotional blocks and enhance your mental and physical health.