Dawit Healing

The two aspects of our autonomic nervous system are the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. Generally speaking, the parasympathetic nervous system has a more yin nature to it and the sympathetic nervous system has a more yang nature to it. The parasympathetic system has qualities which are more relaxing, resting and rejuvinating for the body. The sympathetic nervous system has qualities which are more activating, stimulating and stressful on the body. When in danger our body elicits a “fight or flight” response meaning you will either fight for your life or run for you life. This produces stress hormone to prepare your body for action. Unfortunately, many people are under constant stress even though they are not in grave danger. Over the course of time, this is quite damaging to the body. Healing occurs when the body can stay in parasympathetic mode. Meditation, Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, Yi Quan, Tong Ren Therapy, Acupuncture, Massage and Reflexology are all ways to promote the function of the parasympathetic nervous system. This is why when you do any of the exercises and/or therapies mentioned above you will experience an increase of saliva, increase of tear glands, slower heart beat and and increase in digestive abilities amongst other things. The body is relaxing and rejuvinating in this state. Take a look below at the difference between the paraysmpathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

Parasympathetic                                              Sympathetic

Yin                                                                      Yang

Relaxing                                                             Fight or Flight

Contracts pupils                                                Dilates upils

Lacrimation                                                       No lacrimation

Produces saliva                                                 Does not produce saliva

Decreases heart rate                                        Increases heart rate

Dilates blood vessels                                        Constricts blood vessels

Sends energy to organs/glands                      Sends energy to muscles

Erection                                                              Ejaculation

Stimulates digestion                                         Inhibits digestion

Promotes bowel movement                             Astringes intestines

Constricts bronchii                                            Dilates bronchii

Breathing out                                                     Breathing in

Constricts bladder                                             Relaxes bladder

Open/relaxed posture                                      Closed/tense posture

Related posts:

1. Breathing

Filed under: Articles on September 1st, 2007