Your body's unconscious processes
The Nervous System
As you are reading this, your body is breathing and digesting your last meal. Your body is constantly functioning, with your nervous system working hard to keep things in check. This process is constantly happening in the background without your conscious control. Kundalini Yoga offers a way for you to actively impact your nervous system and take control of your physical and mental well-being. This article explores the impact that Kundalini Yoga can have on your nervous system, giving you the tools you need to feel your best.
Overview of the nervous system
The nervous system is the primary control and processing centre, responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It communicates with all the systems, activating muscles, organs, and glands to ensure that everything is working in harmony. The nervous system serves as the body’s electrical wiring system. Its main function is to process and transfer information by means of nerve cells firing action potentials (electrical and chemical signals) that can travel at speeds of up to almost 100 meter per second. The nerves in the human body, which stretch up to 72 kilometres, are organised into different levels of structure.
The human body has two parts to the nervous systems: the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS is composed of the nerves and ganglia found outside the brain and spinal cord and acts as a messenger between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
The CNS is made up of two parts: the brain and spinal cord. The brain has around 100 billion neurons with up to 100 thousand dendrites, creating over 100 trillion connections that are continuously changing. In comparison, the number of synapses in the human brain exceeds the number of galaxies in the observable universe and even exceeds the number of stars in our Milky Way galaxy (how cool, right!?). The spinal cord, which is approximately 40cm long, runs through the vertebral canal. It starts at the L1 or L2 vertebrae and extends to the cauda equina, including lumbar and sacral spinal nerves. The CNS system is responsible for receiving, process and responding to sensory information. Any nerves and ganglia in the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord falls under the category of the peripheral nervous system.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that exists outside the brain and spinal cord. It comprises nerves and ganglia that exit the spine through the side holes between the vertebrae and from the base of the brain. The PNS acts as a communication relay between your muscles, organs, glands, and the central nervous system. Under the peripheral nervous system, there are two systems: the somatic and autonomic systems. The somatic PNS deals with conscious aspects of the human body, such as muscle movements, while the autonomic PNS deals with bodily functions we don’t have direct control over, such as body temperature, glands, and organ functions.
The Autonomic Nervous System
This is the involuntary system that controls bodily functions we can’t consciously control. However, through Kundalini Yoga practices, we can directly influence these parts of the nervous system. Our breathing and movements have a direct effect on these functions that we once thought were out of our control. The autonomic nervous system has three parts, each playing a role in our involuntary bodily processes.
Enteric
(Gut brain)
The gastrointestinal system is governed by systems of neurons, known as the 'second brain' or 'gut brain.' This system has around 100 million neurons and controls peristalsis, the contraction of the GI tract, and the production of enzymes for digestion. The enteric nervous system contains more than 90% of the body's serotonin and 50% of the body's dopamine. Improving your gut health is essential for better mental health. This will help with better neuronal functioning and neurotransmitter regulation. New and exciting research is currently being done to understand the significance of the enteric nervous system.
Sympathetic
(Fight or flight)
The sympathetic nervous system, also known as the 'fight or flight' system, is a crucial function of the human body. It triggers physiological responses that help us deal with danger and has kept humans safe for thousands of years. However, in modern society, we tend to activate this system unnecessarily, even in situations where there is no immediate danger. This can lead to constant alertness and a 'slow drip' or 'orange alert' response, where our bodies are marinated with chemicals without returning to a neutral state. While often blamed for illnesses that arise, the sympathetic nervous system is actually a super hero function that helps us deal with dangerous situations. It is important to be mindful of when we activate this system and strive to return to a neutral state when there is no real danger present.
Parasympathetic
(Rest & digest)
The parasympathetic nervous system is sometimes referred to as the 'rest and digest' system. Its activation is basically the relaxation response. When this system is activated, the physiological changes that take place include things like reproduction, digestion, growth and repair, fighting disease and learning. This system has the opposite role of the sympathetic nervous system and cannot be activated at the same time. The fight-or-flight system signals to the body to be alert, while this rest-and-digest system signals to the body to relax. We want to have a balance between these two systems to have homeostasis in the physical body. Through Kundalini Yoga practices, the parasympathetic nervous system can be activated.
Tips to activate your parasympathetic nervous system...
Muscle relaxation exercises
Letting go of your muscles consciously can activate your parasympathetic nervous system and signals to your body to rest and relax.
Extending your exhales
Breathing slowly and deeply activates the vagus nerve, which is a significant parasympathetic nerve. Long exhalations also slow down your heartbeat, leading to relaxation.
Silence or repetitive sounds
Repetitive sounds and a lack of emotional and mental arousal can elicit the relaxation response in your body.
Perceived physical safety
It is important to surround yourself with people who make you feel safe and secure. Also, maintain your home as a comfortable and safe space for you to relax and unwind. This is vital for allowing your body to properly rest and digest.
How does Kundalini Yoga directly influence your nervous system?
Conscious Breath-work
Conscious breathwork can regulate your nervous system, reduce amygdala activation (fight-or-flight system), increase prefrontal cortex activation (helps you focus), release endorphins, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Intentional Movements
Body-oriented healing methods like somatic experiencing and somatic emotionology are researched to demonstrate a correlation between the mind and physical body. Positive effects on somatic and affective symptoms, and measurements of overall well-being can result from specific physical movements.
Healing mantra and sounds
Sound vibrations can affect the body and mind based on the frequency, mouth movements and changes in brain chemicals. The science of the Naad involves 84 meridian points located at the roof of the mouth, and each point sends signals to the hypothalamus and pituitary glands when stimulated. These glands control hunger, heart rate, regulate organs and digestion, as well as blood pressure. Specific patterns in the mantra can stimulate the hypothalamus to alter the brain’s chemical composition in specific ways.
Mudra (hand gestures)
Each finger has an acupressure point that corresponds to a different meridian in the body. These points can activate a variety of physiological responses. Gyan mudra, for example, can improve concentration, regulate sleep hormones, and reduce anger. Prithvi mudra, on the other hand, can promote digestion, increase blood circulation, and improve vitality.
Less sensory input
We usually practice with the eyes closed, unless the kriya specifies otherwise. This promotes less stimulating environment, giving you the time to go inward, experience the movements in your body and let go of everything is happening in your life. It is fully a time for yourself.
Promotes Mindfulness
Kundalini Yoga practice integrates all elements simultaneously to help you stay focused and calm your racing thoughts. You will have opportunities to pause between exercises and notice the physical and mental changes caused by the kriya. These moments of pause enable you to release your worries, let go of stress, and relax completely in the present moment.
Themed Kundalini Kriyas
In our Kundalini yoga classes, we practice unique kriyas (sequences), each with a specific goal in mind that impacts various bodily systems, emotions, and organs. For instance, the kriya may target stress, insomnia, hypertension, depression, addiction, anger, hormone imbalances, and trauma with techniques that affect the unconscious and involuntary nervous systems. Additionally, the kriya may be tailored to specific organs such as the liver or kidneys for releasing fear and anger, or the heart center to foster feelings of love and forgiveness. With movements, breathwork, sound, and other practices, you can actively transform elements of your body and life that seemed previously out of reach.