Regulating the Nervous System to Transform Your Health

In essence, true healing involves not only addressing physical symptoms but also nurturing the nervous system to promote overall well-being and resilience. Addressing the nervous system is crucial for achieving true healing because it serves as the body's communication network, influencing every aspect of our health and well-being.

Regulating the Nervous System to Transform Your Health

The body cannot heal fully when in a state of stress. I am a huge proponent of taking care of the physical body through living an active, holistic lifestyle as well as the use of functional medicine to address underlying causes of illness.  However, It's important to understand that stress and the mindset must absolutely be addressed in conjunction with the physical body. No amount of clean eating, supplements, exercise, detox or other protocol is going to heal you if you don’t address a dysregulated nervous system. 

One common finding of a dysregulated nervous system is elevated cortisol levels and adrenal fatigue, which we can test for. Most all of us will experience some level of adrenal fatigue at some point in our lives. The adrenal glands are responsible for production of several hormones, including cortisol (the stress hormone) that help regulate important bodily functions including blood sugar, metabolism, blood pressure, inflammation, fluid retention and memory. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels have been associated with disruption of the gut barrier and microbiome, Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, diarrhea, asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, headaches, cancer, neurological disease, slow wound healing, anxiety and depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and more.

Human beings evolved to live in environments vastly different from the modern world we live in today. We work more, sleep less, eat processed food, and live sedentary lifestyles. Our social structures have led to more isolation, loneliness and depression while the advancement of technology, smartphones and social media have led to constant connectivity and information overload. We live in artificial environments, lacking sunlight and are exposed to a slew of toxins and pollutants on a daily basis. Up to 90% of all primary care visits are for stress related complaints. 

It is the meaning we attach to our experiences that makes them stressful or stress free. Through mindset work, we are capable of changing our thoughts, beliefs and in turn our emotions. Often emotional and spiritual blockages prevent us from healing on a deeper level. We must go deep within ourselves and address any repressed emotions and childhood traumas to release ourselves of these blockages. I highly recommend working with a therapist, coach, energetic healer, body worker, shaman, or someone who facilitates the release of emotional issues that keep your nervous system stuck in a state of dysregulation. There’s also a lot you can do on your own including breathwork, meditation, journaling, play, laughter and more. Each and every one of us holds the power to heal within us.