19/05/2026
MASSAGE = RELAXation:
Through therapeutic touch, the nervous system is encouraged to shift into a calmer Parasympathetic state...
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)controls the involuntary functions of the nervous system in the body; the organs & systems. It responds without conscious control; as it falls below the level of awareness, the mind does not govern the responses arising from the environment, whether this be mental or physical threat.
Organs & systems of the body regulated by the ANS are:
Body temperature
Digestion
Blood pressure
Skeletal muscle tone
Heart rate
Bowel and bladder tone
Immune system
There are two branches or divisions to this system: the Parasympathetic & the Sympathetic Nervous System. These two systems work in opposition to each other. Each system is beneficial to the body in its own way, however it is not ideal for the body to be affected by one system all of the time.
The proper balance of these systems preserves equilibrium in the body & is key to managing stress. Understanding the systems & how they effect the body can help to do this.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) - is the ‘self-healing function’, this system is responsible for the self-maintenance & repair function of the body. It is where the body is able to ‘rest & digest’ - to switch ‘OFF’ - RELAX & restore. As a consequence organ function is improved, as is sleep & a general sense of wellbeing.
When this branch or division of the Nervous System is activated through relaxation:
Stress & Anxiety is reduced
Digestion & Immune function increases
Quality of sleep improves
There is greater mental clarity & emotional regulation i.e. more tolerance for stress
Cell repair is active, leading to enhanced recovery
Circulation improves - more blood flows to organs; leading to better health & wellbeing
Sense of overall calm & balance is created
The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) - is the flight/flight function, the ‘ON’ button, the ‘action part’ of the body we require in order to move & get things done. This part of the nervous system is controlled by structures inside the limbic brain; the hypothalamus & amygdala, which translates our emotional state into physiological or bodily action (like increasing heart rate or dilating pupils) getting the body ready to run or act to a threat in our “environment”. This physiological reaction leads to a cascade of physical effects - this is what we call ‘Stress’
These physical effects of Stress include:
Elevated heart rate - palpitations, fatigue, dizziness & lightheadedness, anxiety and headaches
Thoracic breathing - pain, tension & chest tightness
Increase in blood pressure - gradually damaging arteries & restricting blood flow throughout the body; significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks & strokes, & irreversible damage to vital organs such as the kidneys & eyes.
Stomach stops digesting food & peristalsis in the intestine stops - IBS, reflux, constipation & diarrhoea
Liver dumps fat into the muscles & stops producing bile - insulin resistance, malnutrition, systemic toxicity & organ damage.
Adrenal glands start circulating adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol & cortisone into the body - brain fog (clear thinking becomes difficult due to stress), immune suppression, a dis-regulated metabolism, anxiety & insomnia
Fertility decreases in both men & women
When we are always ‘ON’ the body remains in the Sympathetic Nervous System; over time this takes an enormous toll on our health.
RELAX:
By activating the Parasympathetic NS and bringing the body back into balance, we can start to reverse the effects of the SNS; bringing the body back into a state of rest & repair… and ultimately reducing the effects & reactions to stress.
