In this article, we will explore 3 questions:
- How does the nervous system work?
- Is it possible to have a healthy nervous system?
- How can I improve the health of my nervous system?
Let’s begin!
Understanding the Nervous System
The nervous system is a network of wires in your body that helps your brain communicate with your body, and your body communicate with your brain.
These two parts of you communicate in different ways, so let’s break them down:
Central vs. Peripheral Nervous System
🧠 The central nervous system (CNS) is your “brain” nervous system, consisting of your brain and spinal cord. It collects information from the outside world and sends it to your body.
💪 The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the “body” nervous system, and is basically a network of nerve cells scattered across your body.
The PNS (body) nervous system carries information from your brain to your heart, from your heart to your toes, from your toes to your brain, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Now, there are 2 tones in which the brain and body communicate:
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System
🏎️ The sympathetic is our “speedy” nervous system. This is our brain telling our body to ↑↑↑ ****so that we are ready to react.
🐌 The parasympathetic is our “pause” nervous system. This is our brain telling our body to ↓↓↓ so that more resources can go towards healing.
However, these messages are not always conscious…
Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System
Our brain has 2 different communication styles:
⚡ Unconscious or “autonomic” messages, like the involuntary heart race before giving a public speech.
💭 Conscious or “somatic” messages, such as the decision to take a deep breath and slow down.
Overview: How the Nervous System Works
Our brain collects information from the outside world, and then makes “autonomic” updates to our mood and energetic state.
We can then adjust our mood and energetic state by sending conscious or “somatic” thoughts through our nervous system.
Together, the nervous system is responsible for our thoughts, feelings, and actions in each moment of the day.
So… what happens if we improve the health of our nervous system?
A Healthy Nervous System
Each component of our nervous system is something that can be nurtured. Below, we will explore how each system influences our health, and some practices for soothing each system.
🧠 Nurturing the CNS (Brain)
Having a healthy brain is like driving a supercar on a sunny day. You can see everything clearly, and every turn is made with stability, speed and precision.
To improve you brain health, consider the work of Dr. Daniel Amen. In his +250,000 brain scans, Dr. Amen found that food and sleep are two primary drivers of brain health.
💤 To improve your sleep, you can explore this video from sleep expert, Matthew Walker.
🌱 For food, you can consider an elimination diet, which involves testing different foods to explore which are most nourishing for you.
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So now we have a fast car and a sunny day. But what if there is a traffic jam?
💪 Nurturing the PNS (Body)
The PNS is a network of nerves scattered throughout the body. However, nerves can go “offline,” making it difficult for the brain to send energy to certain areas of the body.
Having a healthy PNS is like having an Amazon-level delivery system. Energy can flow to every corner of your body, in the safest and most efficient route possible.
To Amazon-ify your nervous system, consider exercise and EFT tapping. EFT tapping helps to bring nerves back online, while exercise can creates new neurons (routes) for energy to travel through.
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So now we have a supercar that can travel any route. But what if the car breaks down…
⚡ Nurturing the Autonomic (Unconscious) System
The ANS is constantly telling your body to speed up or slow down based on the information it receives from the brain. However, during prolonged periods of stress, the ANS can get stuck in “speed up” mode and forget how to slow down.
This is kind of like leaving your car engine on at all times. The car still works, but it runs out of gas more quickly, and requires more trips to the mechanic.
Breathing exercises and nature walks automatically activate the “slow down” mode of the ANS, helping us get large amounts of recharge in a short period of time.
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So now we have a fast, well-maintained car that can go anywhere we want. Is there really anything else?…
💭 Nurturing the Somatic (Conscious) System
To nurture the conscious brain is to find your most enjoyable living experience. It’s the decision to drive fast one day, cruise the next — all based on how you’re feeling.
To do this involves making our automatic actions more conscious. My heart is beating fast — why? I just reacted at that person — why? I’m not having a good day — why?
The more we can observe what is happening with our nervous system, the more we can adjust our pace, and allow energy to flow through our system, without resistance ❤️
Extra Support
Here are some additional tools that can support your nervous system health.
💧 AquaRX: Keeping Cells Online
AquaRX is a micronutrient supplement that can bring 70+ resources into our nerve cells, helping them to stay healthy, nourished and online. It’s like having nutrients for your nerves.
⚡ M-States: Nervous System Support
M-States are quantum electrolytes that support our nervous system. They help signals flow through our body cleaner and faster with less resistance, uniting all the systems in your body.
🍄 Adaptogens: The Engine Mechanic
Adaptogens can support our body’s stress response, helping the engine cool back down after periods of intensity. They are like doing a full engine reset after each drive.
Keep Exploring
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