Exploring the Nervous System; the Heart of Somatic Healing
- Jessina Mehu
- May 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25
In this blog we'll be exploring the nervous system deeper, gearing up for my upcoming somatic
healing workshop where we will flow through a kundalini yoga-based practice that helps to tone and balance the nervous system. The nervous system is referred to a lot in yoga classes, as it is the heart of somatic healing experiences, so let's dive deeper into why that is! (Don't miss the FREE recorded trauma-informed kundalini yoga class at the end of this blog to sample our classes)
Exploring the Nervous System; the Heart of Somatic Healing
The nervous system is a complex network involved in every function of the body. It's primary purpose is to receive input from the environment, both internal and external, and to send signals through the body when action is needed. It is the body's control center, enabling communication, coordination, and response to both internal and external stimuli. It plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and feelings, as well as managing the body’s response to stressful situations. It regulates the automatic processes like heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, digestion, and basically every function of the body. The part that regulates these automatic processes is called the autonomic nervous system, which is divided into two main branches:
The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Calms our body after stress and promotes rest and relaxation. The PNS signals our body to relax, loosen up, enjoy the moment, get comfortable, and breathe deeply. Our heart rate slows down, blood pressure lowers, we lose weight, our digestion improves, our cells begin to repair themselves, and our mood is happy. We can enjoy the people and things around us.
And The Sympathetic Nervous System: Which energizes our survival response. The SNS awakens. It tightens the ligaments, adrenaline flows into the bloodstream, the organs become restricted, breath rate increases, digestion is inhibited, and the ability to fall asleep is often disturbed.
The Power of Somatic Healing in Yoga
These two branches of the nervous system are the most impacted by a regular practice of yoga and meditation and are designed to work together in opposing ways to maintain homeostasis, or balance.
The parasympathetic nervous system is given a lot of emphasis in the yoga world. Many postures directly impact the systems to restore the ability to relax deeply and completely. It’s good to know too that the sympathetic system is also toned by Yoga. Difficult or irritating postures that challenge the nerves are a way of provoking and then relaxing the sympathetic nervous system. Both systems need to be toned and nurtured so that all of the nerves are conditioned. Many forms of yoga or meditation primarily focus on developing the parasympathetic response because of the amount of stress in modern life. However, a healthy nervous system can easily and efficiently switch into either an activated or relaxed state, and this is one area where gentle, trauma-informed kundalini yoga shines. It trains the nervous system to switch quickly and smoothly between these two states very efficiently.
Kundalini Yoga, characterized by its combination of breath control, physical postures, and meditation, has gained attention as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have demonstrated that it can be particularly effective in lessening PTSD symptoms and enhancing well-being among participants. This yoga practice is unique in its focus on releasing stagnant energy and emotional blockages.
There’s a lot more to be said on this topic… Stay tuned for more blogs on this style of yoga, gearing up for the release of my weekly trauma-informed kundalini yoga classes starting this July (both online and in person)!
The Role of Breathwork in Nervous System Regulation
Breathing is the only part of our autonomic nervous system that happens both automatically and we can control it. This is why by controlling our breath, we are directly communicating with the nervous system. Taking the reins so to speak. That’s why breathwork plays a foundational role in these somatic healing practices I teach. They train and strengthen the nervous system to bring it back into homeostasis. It changes the way our bodies respond to stress, including trauma triggers. Breath practices also help to clear out heavy, dense energy within us and replenish us with the vital life force energy, or prana.
The more we practice this breathwork when we are in a state of calm, the easier it is to access that tool when we are in an activated state. Not only does practicing this regularly help by toning and training the nervous system to be in a balanced state, but it’s also creating new neural pathways. You’re learning new things and that’s programming in your brain. Upgrading the computer system. As you journey down this path of healing the nervous system, you may start to notice when you’re in a space where you’re triggered, you’ll hear that little voice reminding you of that breath practice that can help, and you’ll easefully start doing it without really having to think about it. It becomes like riding a bike or driving a car.
A Path to Healing and Transformation
A strong nervous system gives us the ability to quickly adapt and respond to stimuli. Life happens at an increasingly quick pace; being able to respond quickly and effectively allows us to keep up. If the nervous system becomes overtax or overstretched, we become susceptible to overwhelmed, depression, and even illness
Unfortunately, the majority of humans in our fast-paced modern society tend to live in the sympathetic nervous system response state. Especially if we have experienced traumas, as so many of us have.
This is what so many of us are seeking today. Relief. Somewhere in us, we know this is not the way we’re supposed to live. We know that something isn’t right. We know we need this balance.
As more individuals seek alternatives to traditional therapies, the impact of somatic healing through trauma-informed yoga, meditation, and breathwork remains significant. These practices offer ways to heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression while nurturing a deeper connection with oneself.
Through movement, breath, and stillness, we can restore balance and harmony within ourselves, embracing the journey of somatic healing. By recognizing the connections between our physical sensations, emotional states, and neurological responses, we can foster a deeper sense of awareness and promote holistic well-being. Embracing practices that engage the nervous system can lead to transformative healing experiences, ultimately allowing us to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and clarity.
If you'd like to begin your journey of restoring your nervous system, please join us in one Jess's live classes, exploring the nervous system further, and you can feel for yourself why this is the heart of somatic healing!
Connect with Jess through one of the services below, or sign up for one of her classes (weekly class schedule offered online and in person)
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