All About The Nervous System

The nervous system intricately connects every part of our body, orchestrating functions from breathing and digestion to movement and emotional responses.

It comprises:

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves extending throughout the body.

Within the PNS lies the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which operates involuntarily to regulate internal organs. The ANS has two main branches:

1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Activates the "fight-or-flight" response during perceived threats.

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Promotes "rest-digest-heal" activities, fostering relaxation and recovery.

Chronic activation of the SNS, often due to prolonged stress, can disrupt bodily functions and health.

🚨 Signs of Sympathetic Overdrive

Experiencing the following may indicate an overactive sympathetic response:

• Digestive Issues: Acid reflux, constipation, poor digestion, low stomach acid.

• Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, chronic tension, headaches, compromised immunity.

• Sleep & Energy: Insomnia, sleep troubles, adrenal fatigue.

• Cardiovascular Concerns: Heart palpitations, hypotension/hypertension.

• Other Indicators: Frequent urination, low libido, low blood sugar.

Note: Optimal healing occurs in a parasympathetic state, supporting digestion, detoxification, and cellular regeneration.

🌟 Enhancing Parasympathetic Activation & Vagal Tone

The vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic system, connects the brain to various organs, playing a pivotal role in:

• Brain: Producing neurotransmitters like serotonin.

• Stomach: Stimulating peristalsis and hydrochloric acid production.

• Pancreas: Regulating enzyme secretion.

• Liver: Supporting detoxification and blood sugar balance.

• Heart: Maintaining healthy heart rate and blood pressure.

• Bladder: Controlling retention.

• Reproductive Organs: Enhancing fertility and libido.

Ideally, we should be in a vagal (parasympathetic) state 80% of the time. However, modern stressors often hinder this balance.

Strategies to Boost Vagal Tone:

1. 💤 Rest & Sleep

   • Prioritize consistent, quality sleep. Aim to rise and rest with the sun. Poor sleep = poor nervous system health.

   • Create a sleep sanctuary. Remove electronics, lower light exposure after sunset, and block blue light using glasses or apps.

   • Use grounding sheets or EMF protection to reduce stimulation and help your body recharge more deeply.

   
   

2. 🕯 Rituals to Calm the Nervous System

   • Deep breathing (e.g., 4-7-8 or box breath) calms the vagus nerve.

   • Meditation, even just 10–20 minutes a day, shifts the brain and body into relaxation mode.

   • Earthing/Grounding – connect your bare skin to natural surfaces like grass, dirt or the ocean.

   • Journaling, creativity, and emotional processing help release stored stress and trauma.

   • Gentle movement like yin yoga, walking, tai chi or qi gong helps to move stuck energy and soothe the body.

   • Bodywork such as acupuncture, massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, or abdominal massage activates the parasympathetic system.

   
   

3. 🌸 Natural Nervous System Support Tools

   • Essential Oils: Try blends like Parasympathetic®, Peace & Calming, or Stress Away on acupoints or diffused in your space.

   • Gargling or humming stimulate the vagus nerve (yes, singing counts!).

   • Splash your face with cold water to activate the relaxation response naturally.

   • Laughter and joy naturally bring the body into parasympathetic healing mode.

   
   

4. 🧘 Nourishment & Lifestyle

   • Eat in a calm state. Avoid multitasking or eating on the go. Sit, breathe, chew well.

   • Choose whole, seasonal foods to reduce inflammation and nourish the body deeply.

   • Avoid inflammatory and stimulating substances (caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, sugar).

   • Soak in magnesium-rich Epsom salt baths to deeply relax muscles and calm the mind.

   • Be mindful of blue light at night and ensure plenty of natural sunlight exposure during the day to regulate circadian rhythms.

   
   

5. 💊 Supplement & Herb Allies

   These support a healthy parasympathetic response and soothe an overactive system:

   • Ashwagandha – balances stress hormones and calms the body

   • Reishi – adaptogenic, grounding, spiritual herb for nervous system and immune function

   • Astragalus – strengthens Qi, supports immunity and stress resilience

   • Lion’s Mane – enhances cognitive function and neural repair

   • Medicinal Mushroom Blends – whole-body support including brain, immunity, and gut

   • Magnesium (especially bisglycinate) – nature’s nervous system relaxant

   • Omega-3s (Cod Liver Oil) – deeply supportive of brain and nerve tissue

   • B Complex – fuels your nervous system and helps create neurotransmitters

   • CBD Oil – regulates both the nervous and endocannabinoid systems to promote calm

   
   

6. 💚 Use code MBSC for discounts on these products

   
   

7. ☀️ Light & Rhythm

   • Get sunlight on your skin first thing in the morning — 15–30 mins if possible.

   • Minimise artificial light at night to support melatonin production and sleep quality.

   • Match your routine with nature — rise with the sun, slow down at dusk, eat with the seasons.

By choosing calm, conscious nourishment and lifestyle rhythms, you rewire your nervous system — gently, gradually, and powerfully.

Let your body remember what it feels like to feel safe.

Always consult your health care provider before starting any new supplements or herbs