REGULATING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM AT PURE SWEAT
An awakening is happening in awareness of the mind–body connection: People are talking about nervous system regulation.
What is the Nervous System
The nervous system is a complex network responsible for coordinating bodily functions through electrical and chemical signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Your autonomic nervous system is a part of your overall nervous system that controls the automatic functions of your body that you need to survive. These are processes you don’t think about and that your brain manages while you’re awake or asleep.
Your autonomic nervous system breaks down into three divisions, each with its own job, to maintain balance:
Sympathetic nervous system: Activates body processes that help you in times of need, especially times of stress or danger. This system is responsible for your body’s “fight-or-flight” response.
Parasympathetic nervous system: Responsible for the “rest-and-digest” body processes.
Enteric nervous system: Manages how your body digests food
When the nervous system is dysregulated, it can affect how the body reacts to stress, how the mind processes information, and how the body functions overall. Symptoms include fatigue, digestive issues, poor sleep, weakened immune health, and brain fog.
Here are ways our infrared saunas, floats, and contrast therapy with cold plunging at Pure Sweat can support you - with some bonus tips.
Infrared Sauna for Your Nervous System
Infrared therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in nervous system recovery and fostering a sense of calm.
Notably, infrared sauna reduces inflammation, which if chronic, can damage nerve tissue and cognitive function.
Infrared sauna is also an ideal setting for mindfulness practices. While in sauna, use breathwork and sound frequencies to enhance nervous system regulation.
Contrast Therapy for Your Nervous System
As infrared sauna activates the parasympathetic nervous system, cold plunging engages the sympathetic nervous system. This stimulation of both branches of the autonomic nervous system trains the body to balance the system as a whole.
The combination of hot and cold also helps the body adapt to temperature changes, potentially improving stress response and overall nervous system resilience.
Floating for Your Nervous System
Floating is designed to minimize sensory stimulation, such as light and touch, allowing the mind to quiet and the nervous system to relax.
The feeling of weightlessness reduces the need for the nervous system to constantly respond to gravity, promoting a shift towards the parasympathetic nervous system and reducing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
The reduced sensory input can also induce a theta state, a brainwave pattern associated with deep relaxation, creativity, and healing. In addition, magnesium-rich water allows for complete muscle relaxation, which further contributes to nervous system relaxation and pain relief.
Sleep and Your Nervous System
Sleep is the very first place to start to regulate the nervous system. The stress–sleep cycle is a vicious one psychologically and physiologically. You have trouble falling asleep because you feel stressed. Your stress becomes more unmanageable because you can’t sleep.
The quality of your sleep is directly influenced by your autonomic nervous system.
Forest/Nature Bathing + Grounding
Our Earth provides. Forest bathing, also known as nature bathing, is a practice of being calm and quiet among trees and being present with our natural surroundings. Forest bathing helps calm the nervous system by reducing stress and shifting attention to the present moment, activating the parasympathetic system.
Walking barefoot on grass, also known as grounding, can positively impact the nervous system. When we touch the Earth, our bodies absorb electrons that can neutralize free radicals, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
Sound Frequencies/Therapy
Sound frequency can influence the nervous system by synchronizing brainwave activity.
The brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and rewire in response to external stimuli. By entraining the brainwaves to specific frequencies, sound healing can help shift our brainwave patterns from states of stress and anxiety to states of relaxation and tranquility.
When joining us at Pure Sweat, enjoy sound therapy while in sauna, contrast therapy, or float for extra enhancement.
When you feel good, life is good!