How to holistically heal...a dysregulated nervous system
When you are feeling dysregulated, consider this…
Experience this Newsletter in all its online glory. Go here
In this edition…
HEALING: When you are feeling dysregulated, consider this…
REVERENCE: Feeling into a regulated nervous system
EXPLORING: How to regulate your nervous system - a holistic approach
HEALING: When you are feeling dysregulated, consider this…
In last week's newsletter, we explored the freeze response to stress. Now, let's dive deep into the regulated nervous system.
The ventral vagal pathway within the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance - a regulated nervous system, which is essential for health and healing. This state allows us to rest, recover, and replenish ourselves. When the ventral vagal pathway is activated, we experience the world as welcoming, safe, comfortable, and secure. We feel alive, well, and filled with possibility, making this our preferred state.
The ventral vagal complex, also known as the "social engagement" or "rest and digest" response plays a crucial role in our ability to self-regulate and feel safe, allowing us to socialise, emotionally connect, communicate effectively, feel compassion and empathy, and remain calm.
How a regulated nervous system shows up in the mind & body:
A state of equilibrium
Conservation of energy as it slows the heart rate
Increase in digestion & intestinal motility
An increase in saliva and digestive enzymes (this is why it's best to eat in a relaxed, non-stressed state or after meditation)
Increase immune response
Increase circulation to non-vital organs such as the skin
Increase in oxytocin (love & connection hormone)
Regulated heart rate
Regulated blood pressure
A healthy heart
Full breath
Quality sleep
Conditions associated with a regulated nervous system:
Resist infection and build immunity
Digest, absorb and move our bowels
Relate and connect
Recognise when we are supported
Feel joy and compassion
Playful and creative
Present and able to sit in stillness & silence (without our minds chattering away)
Feel grounded
Well-resourced and resourceful
Act from our instincts and intuition
Common cues of safety and regulation:
1. Internal examples
Positive self talk
Belonging stories
Pleasure
2. Environmental examples
Clean air, food & water
Home security
Meaningful work
Equal rights
Equal pay
3. Relational examples
Acceptance
Emotional validation
Genuine care
REVERENCE: Feeling into a regulated nervous system
When we know how our nervous system responds, we are able to work with it. By sensing what is happening within us, we can then name and identify those experiences. I encourage you to set aside some time and explore this state.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to How To Holistically Heal By Anthia Koullouros to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.