Want to test your nervous system via your breath?
Put your finger under your nose like I am in the photo. Breathe out somewhat forcefully 3 times.
Our autonomic nervous system is the main controller of our health (meaning our skin health, too). Its state determines whether the body heals and regenerates, or breaks down and becomes susceptible to illness. Its state determines whether our mind is calm and resilient, or stressed and frazzled.
The Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system has two branches:
1. Sympathetic Nervous System = Fight or Flight response. Our instinctual, involuntary response to danger and stressful situations. This is the body’s survival mode.
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System = Rest and Digest. Our meditative, calm and relaxed state. The only time our body is able to heal, regenerate, and effectively digest food.
~Skin issues are caused by an imbalance in the nervous system.
~Degenerative and chronic diseases are caused by an imbalance here.
~Digestive issues and hormonal imbalances are caused by an imbalance here.
All of these issues are caused partly from the body being in fight or flight mode WAY too often, and not enough health practitioners talk about the power of breathwork when it comes to your nervous system and the body’s ability to heal.
Test Your Nervous System
What part of your nervous system are you currently in?
Let’s find out!
We switch back and forth throughout the day, depending on our current situation, time of day and current activities, so test a few times a day.
Is the stronger air coming from your right nostril or your left?
Left Nostril = Parasympathetic System (rest and digest, calm and relaxed)
Right Nostril = Sympathetic System (fight or flight, survival mode)
This test is about 90% effective and can tell us a lot about our nervous system state.
What do we do if we’re in fight or flight too much? Well, intentional breathwork can override the nervous system and majorly impact and ignite self healing. The more we understand it and practice it, the healthier and more resilient we can be.
