What is the Science behind Nervous System Regulation?
The nervous system plays a crucial role in our body's response to stress and maintaining overall health, but what happens when it becomes dysregulated? In this blog post, we will explore the different parts of the nervous system and how they work together to keep us healthy and safe. We will also discuss dysregulated nervous system functions and their adverse effects on our physical and mental health. Finally, we will examine the emerging technique of breathwork as a promising method for regulating the nervous system and managing stress. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of nervous system regulation.
Nervous System Regulation
The nervous system is made up of different parts, including the brain, which helps us control our body's response to different situations. The amygdala and prefrontal cortex are parts of the brain that help us deal with emotions, like when we get scared or angry. The HPA axis is another part of the nervous system that helps us deal with stress. When we experience stress, our body releases a hormone called cortisol that helps us cope with stress by preparing our body for a response. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling our body's functions like heart rate and breathing, and it helps us prepare for a response to stress. All of these parts of the nervous system work together to keep us healthy and safe.
Regulated Nervous System Functions
When we experience stress, the body's first response is the HPA axis, which releases a hormone called cortisol to help us cope with stress. This hormone increases blood sugar levels and suppresses nonessential functions like digestion and immune response. Once the stress is resolved, the HPA axis ensures that cortisol levels return to normal, leading to a prompt and efficient response to stress without causing any long-term damage to the body.
Stress also triggers the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate and calm the body's stress response. The vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, slows down the heart rate, decreases blood pressure, and promotes relaxation. When the nervous system is regulated, it can promptly return to a state of calm after the stress has passed, thanks to the effective regulation of the HPA axis and the vagus nerve.
Dysregulated Nervous System Functions
A dysregulated nervous system disrupts the HPA axis, leading to prolonged cortisol release and a stronger stress response. If cortisol exposure persists, chronic stress and burnout can occur, damaging physical and mental health.
Additionally, a dysregulated nervous system is linked to decreased vagal tone and reduced stress response regulation. Chronic stress can further decrease vagal tone, creating a vicious cycle of dysregulation that poses serious consequences for physical and mental health.
Both disrupted systems can cause adverse effects on the body and mind, such as high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and anxiety.
Breathwork as a Nervous System Regulator
Breathing patterns have a significant impact on emotions, and have been extensively studied. Breathwork has been examined to determine its effects on mood, anxiety, and arousal.
Intentionally controlling your breath with specific patterns can improve your mood more effectively than simply paying attention to your breath. For instance, cyclic sighing, which is a specific type of breathwork, is associated with lower levels of stress and better mood. It has also been found to be more effective than mindfulness meditation in increasing positive feelings and directly affects the part of our nervous system that regulates bodily functions. This can help explain why breathing can affect our mood and sleep.
Conclusion
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating our body's response to stress and maintaining our overall health. When the nervous system is dysregulated, adverse effects can occur, leading to chronic stress and burnout. Breathwork has emerged as a promising technique for regulating the nervous system, with specific patterns of intentional breathing shown to have positive effects on mood and stress levels. By understanding the science behind nervous system regulation and incorporating techniques like breathwork into our daily routines, we can better manage stress and maintain our physical and mental well-being.
Additional Resources
If you're interested in learning more about breathwork, check out Flow Breathwork Facilitator Training. In this training, you'll learn about the history of breathwork, different styles of breathwork, and how to incorporate breathwork into your healing practice.
