Sympathetic Vs Parasympathetic Nervous System Explained

There exists within us an intricate neural network that not only keeps our basic functions running but also determines how safe we feel in the world and how we connect with others.

The Autonomic Nervous System 

The mammalian nervous system is a complex network that controls almost everything that goes on in our body. We can broadly split it into 2 main systems:

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. This is the command centre of the body, where all the decisions are made. Everything outside the spinal cord is the peripheral nervous system. This system relays information from all the various body systems and organs back to the brain via the spinal cord.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is one of these networks, albeit a vitally important one. Through the lens of polyvagal theory, we now understand that the ANS operates through three distinct neural pathways:

1. The Ventral Vagal System (Social Engagement) 

This is our newest and most evolved pathway. When active, it helps us:

  • Feel safe and connected
  • Engage socially with others
  • Regulate our facial expressions and voice tone
  • Maintain healthy heart rate and breathing patterns
  • Support digestion and recovery

2. The Sympathetic System (Mobilisation) 

This is our “go” system that:

  • Activates our fight-or-flight response
  • Increases heart rate and breathing
  • Dilates pupils
  • Redirects blood flow to muscles
  • Slows digestion

3. The Dorsal Vagal System (Immobilisation) 

Our most primitive pathway that:

  • Triggers shutdown responses when overwhelmed
  • Dramatically slows bodily functions
  • Can lead to feelings of disconnection
  • Acts as a last-resort protective mechanism

Maintaining Homeostasis 

Homeostasis is a self-regulatory process that allows organisms, including the human body, to remain stable whilst at the same time adjusting to external changes.

Probably the most common example of this, and one we’re most familiar with, is our ability to maintain a consistent body temperature even in temperature extremes.

To explain:

As we know, our body temperature fluctuates within what is considered a normal range for our species based on our gender, age, health, and so on. This is our ‘normothermia’ range. However, it doesn’t go much below or above this range (or it shouldn’t if we’re healthy!).

When the autonomic nervous system senses there is a danger that it might, we start sweating (too hot) or shivering (too cold). These automatic reactions cool us down or heat us up, and keep our temperature stable. They are triggered by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems respectively.

There are many different automatic systems in place to maintain our internal physiology within a normal life permitting range.  Heart rate, breathing rate, core temperature, hormone balance are just a few and these are all responding to our interpretation of whether the world is safe or not, challenging or easy, exhilarating or calm.  How well our autonomic nervous system responds and adapts moment to moment it key to our health.

The Balance Between Systems 

The key to wellbeing isn’t about staying permanently in one state – it’s about developing flexibility between states while maintaining our anchor in the ventral vagal state of safety. When we’re well-regulated, we can:

  • Respond appropriately to daily challenges
  • Return to calm after stress
  • Maintain healthy connections with others
  • Support our physical and emotional health

We likely wouldn’t be here as a species if we were forever in slow mode; predators would have made short work of us a long time ago. 

However, it’s also not healthy to be perpetually in go mode either. The hormones released by the sympathetic nervous system directly contribute to stress and anxiety with all the health problems associated with those.

Hands on chiropractic care can play a vital role in supporting this delicate balance between all three neural pathways. Working with the body to release tension can signal safely to the nervous system and brain, influencing our autonomic nervous system 

Chiropractic adjustments influence the tone of our bodies’ connective tissue, supporting optimal nervous system function by creating a sense of ease and safety, promoting better regulation between these three states.

Remember: Your nervous system is always working to protect you. By understanding its language and supporting its natural function through chiropractic care, we want to help you maintain a healthy, balanced life.

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Clare Cullen
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Our practice is next to the central car park in the Ewell village if you travel by car. And just a 10-minute wander from both train stations in Ewell.

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