Can we gain the ability to strengthen the health and resilience of our nervous system, much in the same way as we can strengthen our muscles and bones?
In essence, yes, says yoga therapist and physical therapist Marlysa Sullivan in this free download. Just like our muscles tend to lose strength over time, our nervous system becomes less resilient. When this happens, we become trapped in the constant ‘fight or flight’ mode of the stress response, unable to switch into the ‘rest and digest’ mode of the parasympathic functioning.
With the frenetic pace of modernday living, it’s easy to get trapped in a constant hyperactive mode, where we gradually lose the ability to let go and relax. Even if we look at the types of yoga that are most popular, says Marlysa, like Power Yoga, Bikram and Ashtanga, these are types of yoga that meet us at the hyperactive mode of functioning and from there help us to gradually unwind.
However, just as we can learn to work with our muscles to keep them healthy and strong, we can learn to work with the nervous system to make it more balanced and resilient, says Marlysa.
The key to learning how to do this is understanding the vagus nerve and the many important roles it plays in regulating parasympathetic functioning. While other cranial nerves govern multiple aspects of bodily functions, the vagus nerve predominantly governs just one aspect: parasympathetic functioning. That’s why learning about the functions of the vagus nerve and how to work with it offers such a powerful path to improving balanace and well=being.
Marlysa also shares insights into polyvagal theory and talks about how and why yoga, breath work and meditation provide powerful tools for working with the vagus nerve and restoring greater balance to the nervous system.
Also check out Marlysa’s course on YogaUOnline: Your Well-being Power Switch – The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Health and Healing
