A healthy nervous system regulation is the ability to effectively navigate our emotional response to stressors. Someone with healthy regulation, when presented with changes in life, can adapt with minimal to no overwhelm or reactivity (e.g., anger outbursts, irritation, worry).
A weaker nervous system regulation often pushes us into a fight (resist) or flight (avoid) mode - churning up a myriad of emotions.
Many people don't know that Ayurveda can help strengthen our nervous system to allow for a more fluid and healthier response to stressors. Ayurveda does this by offering:
nutrition guidelines
lifestyle routines and
other holistic practices
Together, these practices support health of our tissues, aid in elimination of toxins and increase reserves of energy and resilience. We grow to be healthier, stronger and more balanced in the face of life's inevitable ups and downs.
Let's understand how.
Digestion is the focal point from which we absorb nutrients. Similarly, elimination (pooping and peeing) is one of the primary ways in which we rid our body of unwanted waste and toxins. Basic biology stuff :)
With optimal digestion and elimination, our body functions as a well oiled unit and isn't fighting inflammation or disease. That allows our body to focus on building high performing healthy tissues, while still running on ample reserve of energy to handle wear and tear.
In Ayurveda, this reserve of energy is called Ojas and it is our sheath in the face of stress and changes in life.
In a low Ojas state, even the smallest changes in life can seem like big disruptions and make us more emotionally reactive. When presented with challenges, our nervous system easily goes into fight or flight overdrive and exhibits reactivity in the form of overwhelm, depression and denial, fear, worry, irritation, or anger.
Healthier Ojas on the other hand offers a protective buffer and energy reserve to process and release emotions effectively, thus freeing the nervous system from fight or flight overdrive. In that state, we're able to better respond and adapt to the challenges, thus exhibiting a healthier nervous system regulation.
So how do we build a healthy Ojas?
Well, to some extent that answer depends on you as an individual because Ayurveda respects each individual's unique emotional and physical makeup. That unique constitution determines the way our body and mind respond to different nutrition, lifestyle and holistic therapies. Practices that are in alignment with our unique constitution build Ojas, allowing better nervous system regulation. Basically, there's no one size fits all. What works for you, might not work for your neighbor.
While the best treatment plans are custom to the individual, there are some generic wellness practices inspired by Ayurveda that can be applied to most scenarios. These practices can enable better nervous system regulation in one of two ways:
Calming and soothing an overactive nervous system that is anxious, stressed and reactive
OR
Stimulating an underactive nervous system that feels dull, lethargic, lazy and purposeless
To soothe an overactive nervous system:
Eat cooked grounding foods such as beets, potatoes, carrots and squash.
Perform counted belly breaths. Breathe in for 5, hold for 4, exhale for 7.
Use calming essential oils such as Lavender and Chamomile. You can use a diffuser to slowly permeate your living space. If you are new to using essential oils, I advise reading guidelines on safe usage.
Listen to calming sounds such as Mantra Meditation
To stimulate a lethargic nervous system:
Perform the skull shining breath – advised to perform with an instructor (video here for reference).
Perform a mantra meditation out loud – you can choose to chant along to a video.
Use stimulating essential oils such as Peppermint and Eucalyptus.
If you want to go beyond the generic offerings to learn practices for nervous system regulation that are right for your individual makeup, lean into Ayurvedic coaching. Working with an Ayurvedic coach will allow you to deep dive into your individual makeup to design a wellness plan that is custom to you.
If you are interested in Ayurvedic coaching, email me at hello@deeplysimple.info to schedule a free discovery session. In coaching, we will work together to design wellness practices that are suited to your unique emotional and physical makeup.
Note: The ideas and concepts expressed in this post are not meant to replace medical or mental health advise. If you are struggling with physical or mental health challenges, consult with your relevant medical team.
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