When the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is activated, it slows our heart and breathing rates, lowers blood pressure, and promotes digestion. Our body enters a state of relaxation, and this relaxation breeds recovery. The more time we spend in a PSNS state, the healthier we are.
At Functional Pathways, our Pathways to Chi pain management program is based on the evidence that we can shift our nervous system. Research from leading institutions such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the Mayo Clinic demonstrates the clinical benefits of activating the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease anxiety, enhance our immunity, and promote healing and health.
Try a few of these ideas to calm your mind and make a parasympathetic shift! Let’s us know your results!
- Spend time in nature
- Get a massage
- Practice meditation and visual imagery
- Deep abdominal breathing from the diaphragm
- Repetitive prayer or use of mantras
- Focus on a word that is soothing such as calm or peace
- Play with animals or children
- Practice yoga, tai chi, and water-based movement