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Die Bewegung, die das Leben verändert
28-11-2023
Benefits of mindfulness for the care of the autonomic nervous system
In recent years, our pace of life has accelerated immeasurably. This is why the benefits of mindfulness in our daily lives are so important. We live in a world subjected to rushing, urgencies... We live with the famous multitasking, we normalise fast relationships through a screen and we endure a daily mental load that can be exhausting. ‘I don't have time’, when in reality life is nothing but time, is already a trending topic. In this scenario, finding moments of calm and balance becomes essential. Disconnecting in order to reconnect with our true nature. It seems simple, but it is not. Today, in the new blog post, NESA life, we propose to set aside 10 minutes a day to explore the path of self-care and serenity through meditation and mindfulness. Let's get started!
Benefits of mindfulness and meditation
In a context where more and more people feel trapped in a whirlwind of responsibilities and worries, meditation and mindfulness become the perfect allies to combat our constant mental run. These ancient practices teach us to connect with our inner selves, to find peace in the midst of chaos and to cultivate the ability to live fully in the present, thus discovering the benefits of mindfulness. In this sense, mindfulness training is a powerful exercise to take care of our autonomic nervous system because, although it may not seem so at first glance, there is a deep connection between the two.
Meditation and Mindfulness for ANS Care
The autonomic nervous system and meditation are two seemingly disparate elements that are intricately connected to our mental and emotional well-being. The ANS, as its name suggests, operates automatically and involuntarily, regulating fundamental bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion and breathing. It is responsible for keeping us in balance, so it is essential that it is in good condition to ensure our overall health.
Meditation, on the other hand, is a mindful practice that invites us to focus our attention and find calm amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. Which demonstrates the benefits of mindfulness. Do you understand the connection?
Meditation and the autonomic nervous system
Before we continue it is important to remember that the autonomic nervous system, also known as the vegetative nervous system, has two main divisions: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is activated in situations of stress or danger, preparing the body for ‘fight or flight’. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system acts as a counterbalance, promoting relaxation and recovery after stress. This is where meditation comes in.
Training the parasympathetic system and the benefits of mindfulness
When we practice meditation on a regular basis, we are consciously activating the parasympathetic nervous system. During meditation, we immerse ourselves in a state of deep relaxation, where our attention is focused on the breath, thoughts become less dominant and the body gets rid of accumulated tension. This state of relaxation activates the parasympathetic nervous system and counteracts the over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is so common in our stress-filled modern lives.
Benefits of mindfulness and its influence on the ANS
In essence, meditation acts as a switch that allows us to move from the ‘fight or flight’ response to a state of calm and balance. When we practice meditation regularly, we train our body and mind to respond in a calmer and more serene way to daily stresses. This not only reduces the amount of stress we experience, but also has a positive impact on our long-term physical and mental health.
Benefits of mindfulness in your daily life
In addition to its influence on the stress response, meditation can also have a beneficial effect on the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate and digestion, all functions that are under the control of the ANS. Scientific studies have shown that regular meditation can help reduce hypertension, improve heart health and promote more efficient digestion.
The role of mindfulness in well-being
‘You don't have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you’. This quote from former athlete, Dan Millman, reminds us of the power of meditation and mindfulness to help us take control of our thoughts and emotions. Meditation teaches us to be present in the present moment, to observe our thoughts without judgement and to reduce stress-related ANS activity.
Integrating meditation and the benefits of mindfulness into your daily routine
Mindfulness is not an isolated practice, but a lifestyle. Here's how you can incorporate it into your day-to-day life to take care of your autonomic nervous system:
- Mindful breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing, inhale and exhale deeply, feeling each inhalation and exhalation. Take time to practice deep breathing during your meditation.
- Proper posture: Maintain a comfortable but upright posture during meditation. This promotes relaxation and mindfulness. Our recommendation is to meditate in a sitting position, as this is a comfortable posture for everyone. Avoid doing the session lying on the floor, as the body will relax too much and you may lose focus on the practice.
- Body scan: Before starting the practice, do a body scan for a few minutes to identify and release tension in different parts of the body. This can help to relax the nervous system.
- Mindfulnessmeditation : Mindfulness meditation, focusing on the present moment, can help reduce stress and balance the nervous system. Pay attention to your thoughts, sensations and emotions without judgement.
- Avoid overstimulation: Try to meditate in a quiet place without distractions. Overstimulation can activate the sympathetic system.
- Regular practice: Establish a daily meditation routine to strengthen your mindfulness and reduce stress.
Remember that meditation is a skill that develops over time, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. But can we do more to take care of our ANS? The answer is a resounding YES.
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