Understand Your Nervous System: The "Fight or Flight" vs "Rest and Digest" Modes for Better Health
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for voluntary functions, such as controlling the heart rate, digestion, urination, blood pressure, and sweating. It is part of the autonomic nervous system. The SNS is the “fight or flight” mechanism that helps vertebrates to respond to stressful or dangerous situations.
What is the Purpose of SNS?
When facing danger or a stressful situation, SNS is activated to ensure control over the “fight or flight" response. This mode is responsible for the following body changes when facing danger or stress.
These changes help in circumstances where fast action or thought is required. The SNS helps in improving eyesight, strength, endurance, and reflexes. The system communicates through neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System
The PSNS, or the “rest and digest”, helps relax the body after danger or a stressful situation. It is part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for controlling relaxation. PSNS regulates functions such as metabolism, resting heart rate, and breathing rate.
The Role of PSNS in Response to Stress
During relaxation, the PSNS is responsible for the following body changes.
The "Fight or Flight" Versus the "Rest and Digest" Side of the Nervous System
The contrasts between these two sides of the nervous system include the following.
The two modes of the autonomic nervous system play opposite but complementary roles to maintain body balance.
You may consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth city, NC to learn more on the battle between the "fight or flight" and the "rest and digest" side of the nervous system.
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