Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Systems
When we breathe to our belly or practice other techniques of relaxation, we stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of our nervous system that is responsible for resting, digesting, and relaxing. Similarly, breathing to the chest will stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for ‘fight-or-flight’ mode.
The parasympathetic nervous system, or ‘rest-and-digest,’ is characterized by a lowered heart rate, deeper breathing, and tranquility of mind. It is the state of being most conducive to meditation, producing art, expansive contemplation, and sleep. This part of our nervous system is naturally triggered after a satisfying meal, during love-making, and by doing breathing exercises such as pranayama.
The sympathetic nervous system, or ‘fight-or-flight,’ is characterized by an increased heart rate, extreme bodily and sensory awareness, and agitation or reactivity. It is necessary for the life-or-death situations such as hunting, rescuing someone from danger, or fending off wild animals. The sympathetic nervous system is crucial for dealing with life stress in general. It can be triggered by extreme physical exertion, emotional upheaval, and oft-ignored environmental stresses such as noise pollution, light pollution, and modern lifestyle.
The reality is that we need both aspects of the nervous system and that the two complement one another. Our bodies were designed to have both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems for good reasons. When we are healthy, each will be active at the appropriate time and in proper balance.
In modern society, the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) tends to be the one that gets over-stimulated. This is why practicing yoga or meditation, reading spiritual books, and taking time out of our busy lives to reflect is so crucial to maintaining equilibrium.
The parasympathetic nervous system, or ‘rest-and-digest,’ is characterized by a lowered heart rate, deeper breathing, and tranquility of mind. It is the state of being most conducive to meditation, producing art, expansive contemplation, and sleep. This part of our nervous system is naturally triggered after a satisfying meal, during love-making, and by doing breathing exercises such as pranayama.
The sympathetic nervous system, or ‘fight-or-flight,’ is characterized by an increased heart rate, extreme bodily and sensory awareness, and agitation or reactivity. It is necessary for the life-or-death situations such as hunting, rescuing someone from danger, or fending off wild animals. The sympathetic nervous system is crucial for dealing with life stress in general. It can be triggered by extreme physical exertion, emotional upheaval, and oft-ignored environmental stresses such as noise pollution, light pollution, and modern lifestyle.
The reality is that we need both aspects of the nervous system and that the two complement one another. Our bodies were designed to have both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems for good reasons. When we are healthy, each will be active at the appropriate time and in proper balance.
In modern society, the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) tends to be the one that gets over-stimulated. This is why practicing yoga or meditation, reading spiritual books, and taking time out of our busy lives to reflect is so crucial to maintaining equilibrium.