Is chronic stress causing your symptoms?

Life can get stressful. For those of us living in Minnesota, the past couple of months have been particularly rough. Our communities have been terrorized and many people don’t feel safe. My clients have been coming in fearful, anxiety-ridden, heartbroken, angry, distraught, fatigued and unable to sleep. Sustaining these strong emotions day-in and day-out, depletes our energy reserves and causes nervous systems dysregulation.

What is nervous system dysregulation?

The autonomic nervous system is in charge of all of the automatic functions of our body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep, digestion, and hormonal regulation. It is located in the brain stem and spinal cord.

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic portion is referred to as the “fight or flight” system, but I like to simply think about it as the more active, quick-response portion of the autonomic system. The parasympathetic portion can be thought of as the “rest and digest” system. It is normal for us to fluctuate between sympathetic and parasympathetic states throughout the day as necessary.

In our busy, fast-paced world, we spend a lot of time stimulating our sympathetic nervous system: working hard, taking in constant news from around the world, managing multiple social media accounts, doom scrolling, excessive screen time, etc. We tend to never shut off, which takes us out of the much-needed parasympathetic state, where we can rest and recover our energy. This is where nervous system dysregulation begins; we no longer naturally fluctuate between the sympathetic and parasympathetic states. During times when extreme stress is unavoidable, the symptoms of dysregulation become more acute.

Symptoms of nervous system dysregulation

• Fatigue

• Muscle tension

• Headaches

• Disrupted sleep cycles

• Digestive upset - IBS, nausea, reflux

• Brain fog and trouble concentrating

• Hormonal fluctuations

• Anxiety and depression

• Mood swings

• Overwhelm

As a practitioner, it is important for me to be able to determine whether a client’s symptoms are due to dysregulation or to another underlying cause. For example, if someone came to me with acid reflux symptoms, I would typically consider what kind of digestive support they might need, e.g. digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid support, bitters, something to calm the inflammation in the stomach. However, if they’re constantly in sympathetic mode, it would be more effective to help them calm their nervous system and feel safe in their body.

How to regulate your nervous system

Do for yourself

• Get enough rest and sleep, set yourself a bedtime and stick to it

• Exercise daily or when you are able to

• Eat a healthy diet, rich in protein, vegetables and fruits

• Avoid stimulants, sugar, and processed food

• Moderate screen time

• Get acupuncture, bodywork, and/or energy work

Do for others

• Connect with others

• Care for others

• Take part in community

Just be

• Meditate

• Spend time in nature

• Be positive

• Know your purpose

I’m wishing you well during this difficult time. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. We’re here, if you and your nervous system need any extra support.

Marie's Body of Knowledge

What is a vortex and what draws people to it?

I had the privilege of visiting Machu Picchu Peru in February. Machu Picchu is considered to be one of the top ten energy vortexes in the world, along with Mount Shasta, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Stonehenge, places I have also visited, many years ago. Energy vortexes are areas where the earth’s natural electromagnetic fields are especially strong, swirling, and concentrated. In scientific thought, they are where geomagnetic lines intersect. In the spiritual realm, their powerful energy interacts with human consciousness, providing a portal to higher consciousness that resonates with human chakras, enhances meditation and prayer, and promotes healing, transformation, and inner balance. 

Vortexes are usually found in unique geographical locations and are not considered random. They generally overlap with sacred sites, ancient monuments, and/or breathtaking natural landscapes. People make pilgrimages to these sites to experience the physical and emotional benefits of the vortex, such as decreasing stress, increasing vitality, and releasing emotions. They are also seeking the benefits of creating space for spiritual growth and awakening through deepening meditation, accessing intuition, and feeling connected to something greater than themselves. 

I have been working with energy in my physical therapy practice since 2003. When I went to Mount Shasta, The Great Pyramid of Giza, and Stonehenge, I hadn’t learned to appreciate the space and energy yet. Once I learned to feel and move energy and immerse myself in the space and moment, I had profound experiences during my visit to another vortex, Sedona. I take many of my myofascial classes in Sedona, and the bodywork we do in class is amplified physically and spiritually by class participants due to the vortexes and red rocks. When I return home from Sedona my inner tapestry is peaceful and I feel deeply connected to Pachamama (Mother Earth). 

I had a similar experience at Machu Picchu, which is nestled down between three high peaks, creating a natural energy triangle believed to emit a rejuvenating subterranean energy field with a strong connection with Pachamama. This connection is believed to enhance the activation of the latent Kundalini energy from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. I left Machu Picchu feeling gratitude, peace, and a renewed connection to Pachamama. 

Machu Picchu is also rich in healing crystals, primarily serpentine. This crystal is believed to be connected to the heart chakra and fosters love, compassion, and emotional balance. It is also believed to create connection and grounding to Pachamama as well as aid with healing and boosting the immune system. I bought a piece of Serpentine and brought it home with me!

We are all made up energy and what goes on in and around us affects our energy balance. It is good to pause, reflect, and realign with the energy that flows in and around us. Sacred spaces and vortexes help to remind us that healing, clarity, and transformation are not found in the outside world alone but in connecting to the quiet and sacred spaces of our own mind, body, soul, and heart. Take time. Connect. Quiet down. Enjoy the sacred spaces within you.