Rest and digest
The parasympathetic nervous system is one of the divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions. The autonomic nervous system has two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
The parasympathetic nervous system generally works to promote a "rest and digest" response in the body. It is responsible for conserving energy and promoting activities that occur when the body is at rest. Some of the functions regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system include:
The slowing down of the heart rate at rest, helping the body relax. It promotes digestion and nutrient absorption by increasing blood flow to the digestive organs and increasing the activity of digestive glands. It stimulates and increases salivation, aiding in the digestive process. It enhances the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating the movement of food through the digestive system.
The parasympathetic system constricts the pupils of the eyes in different light conditions. Additionally, the pupils will dilate if a person is frightened or excited due to the natural adrenalin response of the body. The bronchi in the lungs constrict, which reduces airflow but can be helpful in a restful state.
Internal balancing
The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems work together to maintain the body's internal balance, ensuring appropriate responses to different situations. While the sympathetic system is often associated with the "fight or flight" response, the parasympathetic system helps bring the body back to a state of rest and recovery. Balancing the activity of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is crucial for overall health and well-being. Chronic stress and an overactive sympathetic nervous system can have negative effects on health, so activities that promote parasympathetic activation, such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation exercises, are often recommended for stress management. This is where Metta-Hypnotherapy can help.
In simplistic terms, the sympathetic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system respond in conjunction with ones fear and anxiety. To restore balance, the parasympathetic nervous system responds by turning off the stress reaction, allowing the individual to return to peacefulness again.
