10/10/2024
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is a crucial part of our autonomic nervous system, responsible for bringing the body back to a state of calm and balance after periods of stress or exertion.
It’s often called the ‘rest and digest’ system because it slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and encourages digestion.
When the PNS is activated, it helps to counteract the effects of stress, allowing our muscles to relax, breathing to deepen, and tension to ease.
Touch has a powerful way of signaling safety and relaxation to the body, gently encouraging it to shift out of fight or flight mode.
A gentle, intentional touch can activate the PNS, guiding the body back to a sense of calm and comfort.
This is why practices that involve mindful touch, like massage, can be so effective for calming the mind and allowing the body to reset.