CranioSacral Therapy and the Stress Response

Our nervous system is an amazing specimen. It controls everything that we are…every thought, action, sensation, and reaction. Everything! The autonomic nervous system is one of the important divisions of our nervous system, which is constantly working to control our involuntary internal environment. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is further divided into the Sympathetic (SNS) and Parasympathetic (PNS) nervous systems. The Sympathetic nervous system controls vital responses that are related to Fight or Flight situations. It simply amps up most reactions within our body during emergency, exercise and fright. It is activated during any situation of stress. Our heart rate, breathing, and senses are all heightened and digestion is halted during this phase. This is all good when in metered doses. However, in today’s lives, our sympathetic reaction is on 24/7. This is very unhealthy. This can lead to various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, heartburn, and feeling generally overwhelmed. The Parasympathetic Nervous System reverses these reactions. During its activation, heart rate, respiration, special senses and digestion all resume proper function. It is activated during rest and harmony, when there is no threat of stress. These two divisions alternate in their activation, much like a ‘teeter-totter’. If there is SNS activation, PNS is off, and vice versa. Ultimately, it is ideal to have more PNS activation for our general health and well-being.
Limiting the stress in our lives can promote more PNS activation. Some great ways to limit this stress is to receive bodywork, massage, acupuncture, or energy work. CranioSacral therapy is a sublime choice! It works with the nervous system where the PNS is located. Clients seek CranioSacral therapy for several reasons, but all note a deep sense of relaxation after a session. It is a great therapy to turn down the dial on the stress response. When there is less sympathetic activity, that is when healing begins! If you would like to learn more about CranioSacral therapy, I would love to talk with you. Better yet, schedule a session to experience it yourself!