Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic

The sympathetic system and the parasympathetic system act as the foundation of your nervous system. Think of it like a car: The sympathetic system is your body’s “gas pedal” and triggers your fight-or-flight response. It speeds up your heart rate, quickens your breathing, and diverts blood away from your gut and brain. It is meant to act as a momentary reaction, so if it’s triggered for too long, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, burnout, and other long-term health problems. 

On the other hand, the parasympathetic system is your body’s “brake pedal” and allows you to rest and digest. It slows your heart rate, steadies your breathing, and restores normal blood flow to all of your organs. It helps your body to heal properly, feel relaxed, and regain energy. 

A healthy system maintains balance between the two systems – the sympathetic system should be short-term, and the parasympathetic system should help recovery. Balance between the two allows you to avoid burnout and manage your stress effectively. Getting regular chiropractic adjustments can help to aid this balance.