The autonomic nervous system or ANS is a part of the peripheral nervous system that controls all of the involuntary functions of the body, often inside of a person’s subconscious awareness. This includes things like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. ANS is always working and making sure to keep us alive. ANS is divided into three parts: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), and the enteric nervous system (ENS). Each part has different functions that work together to keep the body running smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss what each part of the autonomic nervous system does, and how it affects the body and the mindset!
Introduction
ANS is a network of nerves that innervate and control the internal organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs and digestive system. The ANS is responsible for regulating automatic activities, such as blood pressure and heart rate, which occur without conscious thought. The ANS can be further divided into two divisions: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. Both divisions work together to maintain a state of homeostasis within the body. The sympathetic system is responsible for preparing the body for 'fight or flight' in response to stress, while the parasympathetic system works to conserve energy and promote rest and relaxation. Although they have different functions, both divisions are necessary for maintaining a healthy balance within the body. Either way, ANS is always working behind the scenes to keep us functioning properly.
What triggers the autonomic nervous system?
ANS is constantly active and looking for triggers to maintain a balance between the body's need for rest and its need for energy. However, there are certain situations that can trigger the autonomic nervous system to become more active. For example, when a person is in danger, ANS kicks into gear to help the person escape or defend themselves. Other triggers can include strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, and emotional stress. Typically when a person experiences chronic stress such as major mood disorders or mania, the sympathetic nervous system can be activated without triggering any normal action.
You can also intentionally trigger your ANS by affecting the physiology of your body through deep breathing, meditation, positive thoughts, and brainwave entrainment.
By understanding what triggers the autonomic nervous system, we can better understand how to keep our bodies healthy and balanced.
What happens in the autonomic nervous system?
During a response to incoming body signals from the body or external environment, the autonomic nervous system stimulates the process of the body — usually through its sympathetic division — and sometimes inhibits them — usually through a parasympathetic division. The anatomy of the nervous system is such that the two divisions work in tandem, with one often compensating for the other.
The sympathetic nervous system
For example, when you see a hungry bear while out on a hike, your body's SNS is going to automatically send signals to release adrenaline. This will cause your heart rate to increase, your pupils to dilate and your blood vessels to constrict so that you can have the energy you need to either fight the bear or run away from it. The most important part of these involuntary functions is the decreased blood flow to the brain which makes you react instead of respond. This is good if you are facing a real threat that allows you to focus all of your energy on the task at hand. But if your sympathetic system was activated by stress from work, the "fight or flight" response isn't going to be as helpful. In addition, your body would have created unnecessary chemicals that over time break the balance of your nervous system and would make your body believe that it is constantly under attack. In this state, the brain is constantly generating stress hormones which lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.
After the threat has passed, your body's parasympathetic system will take over and work to return your heart rate and blood pressure to normal levels. It does this by sending signals to the opposite effect of the sympathetic system. This "rest and digest" response is what allows your body to conserve energy and promotes growth and repair.
The parasympathetic nervous system
In contrast, when you are eating a meal, walking by the beach, or meditating your body's parasympathetic system is more active. This division of the ANS signals the digestive system to start breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. It also slows the heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain which allows you to relax and think more clearly. In this state, the brain is constantly generating feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin which lead to increased feelings of happiness and well-being.
Our work with Amen Clinics has allowed us to see the effects that stress and negative thoughts have on the brain. Through brain SPECT imaging, we can see how the activation of the sympathetic nervous system creates patterns of decreased blood flow and activity in the frontal lobes. This answered a question I had since I was 12 years old: "I studied hard and memorized all the material, Why did I fail the test?" Well, my lack of confidence led me to become anxious, which activated my body's SNS and disabled my frontal lobes, where logic and reasoning are located.
This is why it's so important to find ways to calm yourself down, promote relaxation and make this a habit so you build brain reserve to buffer against the negative effects of stress that we experience every day.
The enteric nervous system
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a network of nerves that controls the gastrointestinal tract. It is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary processes such as digestion and heart rate. The ENS consists of two thin layers of nerve cells, or neurons, that line the gastrointestinal tract. These neurons are connected to each other and to the central nervous system via nerve pathways. The ENS is responsible for controlling all aspects of digestion, from swallowing and moving food through the digestive tract to producing enzymes and absorbing nutrients. It also regulates blood flow, muscle contractions in the GI tract, and is responsible for the "gut feeling" or "butterflies in the stomach" that we experience when we are anxious or excited. The ENS is sometimes referred to as the "second brain" because it is so similar to the brain in its structure and function.
To maintain homeostasis or a state of balance, the ANS needs to be able to adapt its response to the ever-changing environment and demands of the body. This ability to change and adapt is what allows us to live in a wide variety of environments, from hot deserts to cold mountains. But we need to be aware of how our environment and lifestyle choices are affecting our nervous system. When the ANS is constantly in a state of "fight or flight," it can lead to chronic stress, which has been linked to a variety of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
We need to teach our body to stay calm and relaxed in stressful situations so the parasympathetic nervous system takes over and sends signals to the body that everything is okay. There are a number of ways to do this, such as yoga, meditation, brainwave entrainment, and deep breathing exercises. It's important to find what works for you and make it a part of your daily routine so your body will remember this positive state of mind and being.
How is the mindset affected by ANS?
There is a strong correlation between your mind and body. Not only what you think determines how you feel, but also how you feel determines what you think. This is especially true when your body is out of balance due to the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. When you are in a state of stress, your body is releasing stress hormones which lead to anxiety and negative thoughts. This creates a feedback loop that can be hard to break out of without some help. A simple cold can even lead to a decrease in serotonin, which is one of the main chemicals responsible for happiness. And what happens when we are unhappy? negative thoughts creep in and our positive mindset goes out through the window.
That's why it's so important to find ways to calm your body and mind down. When you are relaxed, your body is able to function the way it should and your mind is clear enough to see things for what they really are. This allows you to make better decisions, be more productive, and overall just feel better.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help break this cycle and promote relaxation. Exercise, proper nutrition, and meditation are all great ways to help calm the body and mind. If you find yourself struggling to manage stress, anxiety, or depression, it may be time to seek professional help.
The brain is the mind in action, and when we allow our consciousness to control our body through the brain we are also controlling our autonomic nervous system. However, this is true only when we understand the connection between the mind, brain, and body. Because when properly understood and applied with persistency, you will stop perceiving life through your five senses and activate less your sympathetic nervous system.
Autonomic Nervous System Examples
Most of the functions of our body are controlled by the ANS. This includes functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, sweat glands, metabolism, salivation, perspiration, blood circulation, change of sized pupils, secretion of hormones, urination, temperature regulation, and sexual arousal. It also controls reflex actions such as swallowing, coughing, and vomiting.
Where is the ANS in the brain?
ANS is a peripheral nervous system that includes all of the nerves that come from or connect to the brain and spinal cord. It is in charge of sending and receiving messages from the central nervous system to all of the organs in our body. It connects to the brain through the cranial and spinal nerves and is controlled by the hypothalamus which is located in the lower center of the brain.
What is the main controller of the autonomic nervous system?
The hypothalamus is a small but important part of the brain that serves as the control center for ANS. It is located just below the thalamus and is responsible for sending signals to the Autonomic Nervous System. For example, when you are cold, the hypothalamus will send a signal to the ANS to make your blood vessels contract so that you can conserve heat. When you are hungry, the hypothalamus will send a signal to the ANS to stimulate your appetite. In addition to its role in regulating the Autonomic Nervous System, the hypothalamus also plays a role in emotion and behavior. It is thought to be involved in things like aggression, stress, and pleasure. The exact mechanisms by which the hypothalamus controls these functions are not fully understood, but it is clear that this small structure plays a big role in our overall health and well-being.
What happens if the autonomic nervous system is damaged?
Autonomic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur when the ANS system is damaged. The autonomic nervous system regulates many of the body's automatic functions, such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and sweat glands. When autonomic neuropathy occurs, these functions can become impaired. Autonomic neuropathy can be caused by a number of conditions, including diabetes, certain types of cancer, and Parkinson's disease.
For example, it can lead to problems with blood pressure and heart rate regulation. This can be dangerous because it can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure). If the parasympathetic nervous system is damaged, it can cause problems with digestion, urination, and sexual function. If the sympathetic nervous system is damaged, it can cause problems with sweating, pupils, and blood pressure regulation. Damage to the autonomic nervous system can also cause problems with temperature regulation and heat intolerance. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death.
How do you know if your autonomic nervous system is damaged?
Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy can include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, constipation, diarrhea, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction. Autonomic neuropathy is often treated with medication to help control the symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying condition causing the Autonomic neuropathy.
Your spinal cord carries the peripheral nervous system through 33 stacked vertebrae. Back pain is one more sign that might be linked to autonomic neuropathy, which may be caused by vertebrae subluxation or misalignment. This can lead to instability in the spine and pain which could restrict body movement and flexibility. If you have chronic back pain you could benefit from chiropractic care.
How do you get tested for autonomic dysfunction?
There are several ways to test for Autonomic Dysfunction. The most common home test is the tilt table test. This test involves lying on a table that is slowly tilted until you are nearly vertical. If your blood pressure or heart rate changes during the tilt table test, it could be a sign of Autonomic Dysfunction. Other tests used to diagnose Autonomic Dysfunction include heart rate variability testing and autonomic reflex screening.
To diagnose AD, doctors will often use a variety of tests to assess different aspects of the Autonomic Nervous System. For example, they may use tests to measure heart rate and blood pressure responses to changes in position or breathing. They may also use specialized tests to measure how well the nerves and muscles are working together. In some cases, doctors may also use imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans to look for problems in the nervous system. If you think you may have Autonomic Dysfunction, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do you treat autonomic dysfunction?
Treatment for autonomic dysfunction depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the condition is caused by diabetes, treatment will focus on managing blood sugar levels. If the condition is caused by an injury to the nervous system, treatment may involve physical therapy or surgery. In some cases, autonomic dysfunction can be treated with medications that help to regulate blood pressure or heart rate.
In my case, I had a subluxation in my lower spinal cord that was compressing the nerves between L4 and L5 vertebrae. This caused sciatica and a lot of pain in my left leg. I was having difficulty walking and felt weak due to tightness in my lower extremities, balance problems, and pain. That was affecting my mindset because the first thought that would come to my mind was of pain and negativity. This is when I knew I had to do something about it. I found a great chiropractor who was able to adjust my spine and relieve the pressure on the nerves. After six months of treatment, my autonomic dysfunction symptoms went away and I have been feeling great ever since! I also added Trace Minerals Supplement to my treatment because magnesium, chloride, and potassium help repair and maintain the nervous system.
Can autonomic dysfunction be cured?
There is no clear-cut answer to whether autonomic dysfunction can be cured. It depends on the situation and the person. While some doctors might say that there is no cure for Autonomic Nervous System disorders, chiropractors might say that there is a cure. Chiropractors believe that when the body is in balance it can heal itself. From personal experience, I can say that my autonomic dysfunction was cured through chiropractic care, time, persistence, and mineral supplementation. I had also set my mindset to fix my back no matter what, I was willing to spend the time, resources, and money to make it happen. Otherwise, I would not be here writing dozens of articles per month and running after my kids.
Here is where success in life depends mostly on your mindset and your desire to achieve your goals and be happy.
Conclusion
While the autonomic nervous system is responsible for many important functions, it can be difficult to understand. In this article, we have provided an overview of the autonomic nervous system and its function. We have also discussed some of the potential causes of autonomic dysfunction and how it can be treated. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, it is important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people are able to live normal, healthy lives.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with some basic information about ANS. Stay tuned for more articles on all things related to mind, brain, and body.
If you have any questions or would like to share your own experience, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Parasympathetic neurons?
Parasympathetic neurons are a type of nerve cell that is responsible for the involuntary actions of the body, such as digestion and urination. They are part of the nervous system, which controls all the functions of the body. Parasympathetic neurons are found in the brain and the spinal cord. They are also found in the abdomen, pelvis, and bladder. The main function of these neurons is to keep the body in a state of rest and relaxation. When the body is at rest, these neurons are active. When the body is under stress, these neurons are inactive.
What are Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons?
Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons are a type of nerve cell that is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the body's organs. These cells are located in the central nervous system and play an important role in regulating various functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons are part of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling unconscious body processes. These cells typically have long axons that allow them to reach different parts of the body. When these cells are stimulated, they release a chemical called acetylcholine, which helps to activate other nerves and muscles.
What is the sympathetic ganglia?
The sympathetic ganglia is a collection of nerve cells located near the spine. The primary function of the sympathetic ganglia is to regulate the body's fight-or-flight response. When the body is under stress, the sympathetic ganglia are activated, causing the heart rate to increase and the blood vessels to constrict. This allows more oxygen-rich blood to reach the muscles, preparing the body for action. The sympathetic ganglia are also responsible for regulating other instinctive responses, such as pupil dilation and increased perspiration. For most people, the fight-or-flight response is a brief and natural reaction to stress. However, in some cases, the sympathetic ganglia can become overactive, leading to conditions like hypertension and anxiety.
Acronyms - What does ANS and SNS stand for?
ANS stands for "Autonomic Nervous System", SNS stands for "Sympathetic Nervous System", PSNS stands for "Parasympathetic Nervous System", and ENS stands for "Enteric nervous system". SNS is responsible for preparing the body for action, while the PSNS is responsible for rest and recovery. In times of stress, the SNS is activated and helps to promote a "fight-or-flight" response. This response increases heart rate and blood pressure, while also increasing respiration and blood flow to the muscles. In contrast, when the body is at rest, the PSNS is active and helps to promote a state of relaxation. This can be seen in decreased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as slowed respiration and reduced blood flow to the muscles. Both the SNS and PSNS play important roles in maintaining homeostasis within the body.
