In today’s fast-paced world, our bodies are often in a constant state of “fight or flight”, driven by an overactive Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). The SNS is responsible for triggering stress responses—accelerating our heart rate, increasing blood pressure, and preparing us to respond to immediate threats. While this is crucial for short-term survival, chronic activation of the SNS can hinder our body’s ability to heal and recover.
When the SNS is perpetually engaged, it floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can impair immune function, disrupt digestion, and limit the body’s ability to repair itself. This can lead to a variety of health issues, from chronic inflammation to fatigue, digestive problems, and even weakened immune responses.
To promote healing, it’s crucial to activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), which triggers the “rest and digest” response. This state allows the body to relax, repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve immune function.
Massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic services along with practices like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help shift the nervous system from the SNS to the PNS, providing a natural, effective way to enhance recovery. By reducing sympathetic activation, we allow our bodies the time and space needed to heal, ultimately improving both physical and emotional well-being.
Written by Jeannine Yuen
