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Writer's pictureStephen Ryan

Breathwork: How to Control Your Nervous System, Reduce Stress, Improve Sleep, and Boost Health.



This blog discusses the differences between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, and the importance of breathwork in stimulating or discouraging the two systems:


The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. When the SNS is activated, it causes the body to go into a state of high alert. This can be helpful in a dangerous situation, but it can also lead to stress and anxiety if it is activated too often.

The SNS is activated by the release of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause the heart rate to increase, the blood pressure to rise, and the pupils to dilate. They also suppress the immune system and digestion.


The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for the "rest and digest" response. When the PNS is activated, it causes the body to relax and return to a state of homeostasis.

The PNS is activated by the release of the hormone acetylcholine. Acetylcholine causes the heart rate to slow down, the blood pressure to fall, and the pupils to constrict. It also stimulates the immune system and digestion.


The Importance of Breathwork

Breathwork is a powerful tool that can be used to stimulate or discourage the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When you breathe deeply and slowly, you are sending signals to the brain to relax and slow down. This activates the PNS and discourages the SNS.

On the other hand, when you breathe quickly and shallowly, you are sending signals to the brain to be on alert. This activates the SNS and discourages the PNS.

It is important to learn the correct breathwork techniques from a certified breathwork instructor. There are many different breathwork techniques, and each one has its own specific benefits. A certified breathwork instructor can help you choose the right techniques for your needs and teach you how to do them safely and effectively.


The Importance of Having Control Over the Nervous System

In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with stress. This can lead to a state of chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can have negative health consequences.


By learning how to control our breath, we can learn how to control our nervous system. This can help us to reduce stress, improve our sleep, and boost our overall health.

If you are interested in learning more about breathwork and how it can help you to control your nervous system, I encourage you to find a certified breathwork instructor. They can help you to choose the right techniques for your needs and teach you how to do them safely and effectively.


Here are some of the benefits of being able to control your nervous system through correct breathing techniques:

  • Reduced stress: When you are able to activate the PNS, you can reduce stress and anxiety.

  • Improved sleep: When you are able to relax the body and mind, you can improve your sleep.

  • Boosted immunity: When you are able to reduce stress and inflammation, you can boost your immunity.

  • Increased energy: When you are able to relax the body and mind, you can increase your energy levels.

  • Improved focus and concentration: When you are able to relax the body and mind, you can improve your focus and concentration.

If you are interested in learning more about how to control your nervous system through breathwork, I encourage you to check out the following resources:

  • The Buteyko Method: The Buteyko Method is a breathing technique that can help you to reduce stress and improve your health.

  • Oxygen Advantage: The Oxygen Advantage is a breathing technique that can help you to improve your athletic performance and boost your energy levels.

  • Pranayama: Pranayama is a yogic breathing technique that can help you to relax the body and mind.

I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the importance of breathwork. If you have any questions, please feel free to email breathawarecoach@gmail.com.

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