Modern understanding of health increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many health presentations.
The Nervous System in Health
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to health:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type health
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by health
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type health
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Health
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Health
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving health
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in health