Autonomic Nervous System

This is the portion of the nervous system that regulates most of the body’s involuntary functions, including the mean heart rate, the movements of the gastrointestinal tract and the secretions of many glands. Consisting of two branches (the sympathetic and parasympathetic), the autonomic nervous system regulates over 90% of the body’s functions. The heart, brain, immune, hormonal, respiratory and digestive systems are all connected to this network of nerves.

The Parasympathetic pathway is a branch of the nervous system that slows or relaxes bodily functions. This part of the nervous system has the same function as the brakes in a car. Many known diseases and disorders are associated with diminished parasympathetic function.

The Sympathetic pathway is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that speeds up the bodily functions, preparing us for mobilization and action. The fight/flight response to stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and causes the contraction of blood vessels, a rise in heart rate and many other bodily responses. This part of the nervous system has the same function as the accelerator pedal in a car.

In the case of stress, if we are going about our daily lives at break neck speed only to be continually stopping because we have forgot something, then just as using the accelerator and brakes in a car excessively, we will eventually wear our body down making us susceptible to all kinds of ailments, from colds to cancer.