The Autonomic Nervous System
Your Body’s Most Powerful Mechanism for Healing
The science is unequivocal.
A flexible, resilient, regulated autonomic nervous system is the basis for being in a physical state of health, growth and restoration; they’re synonymous. It just so happens that doing what’s necessary to heal your body will also transform and improve other areas of your life, too.
Most healthcare settings and treatment plans largely ignore or fail to meaningfully address these Origins of illness and healing pathways.
We’re changing that.
Chronic illness and nervous system dysregulation are inextricably linked.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dysregulated Autonomic Nervous System
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Chronic illness
Insomnia, restless sleep, nightmares
Easily startled
Nervous habits
Shaking, trembling
Shallow breathing
Racing heartbeat, changes in blood pressure
Muscle tension
Fatigue, energy slumps, exhaustion
Cognitive impairments, brain fog, difficulty concentrating
Edginess and agitation
Neck and back pain, fibromyalgia
Digestive dysfunction and reduced digestive capacity, including: motility issues (constipation and/or diarrhea) increased gas, bloating, cramps, pain (sharp or burning), reflux, impaired absorption, inflammation, IBS, SIBO, food intolerances/allergies.
Perception disorders (tinnitus, hyperacusis, photosensitivity, anosmia (smelling things that aren’t there), paresthesias, hypersensitivity, blurred vision, etc.)
Hormone dysfunction (increased pre-menstrual symptoms, fluid retention, dizziness, hot flushes, night sweats, blood sugar imbalance, weight gain).
Grinding teeth, clenching jaw
Migraines
Increased autoimmune conditions (hives, Psoriasis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Celiac Disease, etc.)
Chronic inflammation
Decreased immunity and/or immune hyper-reactivity
Exercise intolerance
Dysautonomia (incl. POTS)
Chronic pain
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Often feeling “stressed”
Anger, irritability, easily frustrated
Guilt, shame, self-blame (or frequently shaming and blaming others)
Feeling sad or hopeless
Attention difficulties, trouble focusing or following through on tasks
Anxiety and fear or panic
Feeling disconnected, spacey, or numb
Feeling guarded and being closed off from others, relationship problems
Feeling insecure
Feeling immobilized or frozen
Aggression, rages (road rage, tantrums, etc.)
Sensations of horror, fear, terror, or just chronically ill-at-ease
Emotional reactivity (often disproportionate to the situation)
Mood swings
Highly sensitive and easily hurt
Fears around self worth, worthiness
Feeling isolated and lonely
Harshly critical and judgmental towards self and others
Inability to be still, quiet and at ease
Repetitive thoughts (often worried, resentful, intolerant, negative)
Easily overstimulated in certain environments
Easily overwhelmed
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Disrupted attachment, such as pushing away and pulling towards behaviors in relationships
Withdrawing from others
Being overly clingy or needy with others
Sexual Overactivity/Underactivity
Irritability in relationships
Poor boundaries and limit setting
Excessive numbing behaviors such as excessive shopping, gambling, drinking, TV, social media
Difficulty forming lasting, healthy relationships
Habits and patterns that are either chaotic (procrastination, disorganization, lateness) or overly rigid (perfectionism, “germ-a-phobe,” needing to have everything “just so”
Mental roadblocks, fears, and resistance that seem to paralyze you from doing what you want to do
Excessive caregiving and people-pleasing (often to the exclusion of your own needs and preferences)
Unable to speak up and express your feelings or opinions
Overly opinionated and controlling
Feeling insecure, unworthy, unlovable
Grandiosity
If you recognize yourself…
If you recognize yourself in any of the physical, mental/emotional/psychological and/or social symptoms on this list, we invite you to pause and consider what life might be like if your system were in a state of ease, comfort and safety?
Beyond improved physical health and resilience — can you imagine a life with more peace and tranquility? More energy and ability to focus? How might you benefit from having more loving, secure attachments and connections? Do you wish you were more confident, present, patient and compassionate? What would life be like as someone who is vibrantly healthy, empowered, motivated and capable?