An Osteopathic Approach to Supporting the Nervous System
Our body is in a constant state of change, but throughout this change it is always seeking homeostasis.
The sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest) make up our autonomic nervous system. The ANS is responsible for involuntary functions such as - blood flow, heart rate, pupil dilation/constriction, bowel motility, respiratory rate etc. It also has an impact on how we perceive pain.
When we’re in a stressful state, we are predominantly in our SNS. This is signalling to our body that we’re under threat. The body acts accordingly and creates responses to help us survive that threat. This is a great survival response. We need it. We just don’t need to be in it ALL. THE. TIME.
When we find ourselves stuck in this cycle of SNS up-regulation, the simple act of just resting can become an almost impossible task. Let alone trying to have adequate - if not optimal - functioning of our bodily processes such as digestion and appropriate pain perception.
And that’s where I come in. Cranial osteopathy can be a very useful tool in helping your body achieve and maintain a state of balance.
This is a treatment to allow your whole system to feel safe to function as needed and to help you feel more calm & connected within yourself, even after you’ve left your appointment.
Dr. Chloe O’Brien is available to help with your nervous system regulation.
