The body’s natural rhythm can be recognized in our breath, the heartbeat, when contracting and relaxing muscles, in eating, digesting, and letting go of what is no longer needed.
Among other aspects, these processes are possible thanks to the cooperation between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.
The former promotes activity, the latter promotes rest and digestion, alternating regularly.
Both systems are needed for a healthy life, and the balance between them is important.
Not only does it benefit our physical health, it is also needed at all levels of human existence and functioning, including growth, maturation, and learning.
We feel it is worth having some understanding about this balance, because healing is not possible without, no matter what kind of remedy or treatment we think of.
During the phases of rest and digest, the Parasympathetic System works as a doctor, supporting recovery from exertion and stress, repairing cells, and maintaining our long-term health.
It calms all bodily processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing; it also stimulates digestion and boosts the immune system. It reduces inflammation and is taking care of all energy-conserving functions that are essential for healing.
Without the support and care of the Sympathetic Nervous System, this doctor cannot do its job.
It is the Sympathetic System that mostly activates the body and mind.
It increases pulse and breathing rates and raises blood pressure. It makes us alert and supports us in the doing mode. In short, this system enables us to avoid dangerous situations, to fight or run when needed.
Besides the suggestions to activate the systems, we also made a page about Grounding with tips how to recharge your self in our outer and inner world.
Some are the same or close to the suggestions we shared here.
How to Activate the Parasympathetic System to support your body to relax and let go:
Be in Nature
walk bare foot, put your hands on moss or in flowing water,
touch or embrace trees, listen to the sounds around you, to the sounds of your own body
Be with
children, animals and play together
Deep breathing
deep, slow and low diaphragmatic, abdominal breathing
focussing on the outbreath
Drawing Mandalas
and all kinds of creative and relaxing activity
Listen to your Masters Voice
Relaxation techniques you can do yourself
meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, mindfulness, body-readings
Self-care and Welness
Massage, Sauna, listening to music
Voicing
singing, mantra singing, humming
How to Activate the Sympathetic System to energize the body in healthy ways
Expose the body to the cold
like swimming in the sea, a river or taking a whole or partly ice-bath
Intense breathing
like controlled hyperventilation or some Sufi breathing techniques
focussing on the breathing in
Intense Exercising
like running, dancing, climbing, martials arts, fitness
Learning
new skills, a new language, a new hobby
Positive Stimuli
like speaking for an audience, competitive activities, team sports
doing tasks you don’t like
Travelling and Experiencing
meet new challenging situations