In the human body, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play pivotal roles in regulating various bodily functions. These two branches of the autonomic nervous system work in harmony to maintain balance within our bodies, but what does that mean? The team at Bare Chiropractic is here to help you understand these systems, how they contribute to your health, and how chiropractic care could help.
Sympathetic Nervous System: The “Fight or Flight” Response
The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the “fight or flight” system, and for a good reason. It is activated in response to stress or perceived threats, preparing the body to react quickly and effectively. When your brain perceives danger, whether it’s a physical threat or a stressful situation, the sympathetic nervous system springs into action.
Key Functions of the Sympathetic Nervous System:
- Increased Heart Rate: The sympathetic system stimulates the heart to beat faster, pumping more blood to the muscles and vital organs, preparing the body for action.
- Dilated Pupils: To enhance visual perception, your pupils dilate, allowing more light to enter the eyes.
- Shut Down Digestion: Digestion is slowed down during the “fight or flight” response to redirect energy to more immediate needs.
- Release of Stress Hormones: The adrenal glands release adrenaline, which increases alertness and energy.
While the sympathetic nervous system is essential for survival and responding to emergencies, chronic activation can have detrimental effects on overall health. Prolonged stress and constant “fight or flight” mode can lead to issues like anxiety, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: The “Rest and Digest” Response
On the flip side, we have the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This system promotes relaxation and restoration, countering the effects of the sympathetic system. It helps the body return to a state of equilibrium once the perceived threat or stressor has passed.
Key Functions of the Parasympathetic Nervous System:
- Slowed Heart Rate: The parasympathetic system slows down the heart rate, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Constricted Pupils: Pupils constrict to reduce the amount of incoming light, aiding in relaxation.
- Enhanced Digestion: Digestive processes are optimized, allowing the body to efficiently absorb nutrients from food.
- Stress Hormone Reduction: The release of stress hormones is reduced, helping the body return to a state of balance.
Supporting Nervous System Harmony
Maintaining a healthy balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is crucial for overall well-being. Chronic stress or imbalances can negatively impact various aspects of your health. This is where Bare Chiropractic can help. Whether you’re dealing with stress-related issues, chronic pain, or seeking to enhance your overall wellness, our team at Bare Chiropractic is here to support you.
We understand the importance of a well-functioning nervous system in maintaining your overall health. Our team, led by Dr. Thomas Keogh, can perform gentle and non-invasive adjustments to ensure that your spine and nervous system are in proper alignment. Contact us today to schedule your first consultation and begin feeling like your best self.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686395/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31249398/
