The month of February brings about the emotion of LOVE bought about by the heart. This newsletter will look at both the emotion of love and the organs associated with that sensation. Our bodies are unique and complex, yet beautifully woven together. There is this constant inner play of the physical, emotional, and Spiritual.
As we look to the physical body, we need to explore the concept of the Vagus Nerve. The Vagus Nerve (VN) represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which oversees a vast array of crucial bodily functions, including control of mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate. It establishes one of the connections between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract and sends information about the state of the inner organs to the brain via afferent fibers. Therefore, it is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as vasomotor activity, and certain reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting. The parasympathetic nervous system, also know as Rest and Digest, is where we can take in love and create good digestion and heart organ function. A sense of openness, ease, and flow. The opposite of PNS is the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), or Flight and Fight. When we are in a constant SNS, Flight and Fight, state, we have a negative impact on several organs such as our heart, liver, gallbladder and can provoke emotions of anger, rage, or bitterness, to name a few. There is a sense of constriction, tension, lack of flow and ease. Again, a very complex, yet beautiful system.
One of the ways we can begin to stimulate the Vagus Nerve, is through two techniques that I am passionate about:
1) Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST). CST is performed fully clothed, or in conjunction with a general massage, and addresses the connection between the brain and gastrointestinal tract, therefore increasing the state of the parasympathetic nervous system. This is just one of the many benefits of CST.
2) Low Pressure Fitness (LPF). LPF stimulates the VN, therefore impacting the parasympathetic nervous system by first releasing myofascial restrictions associated with the breathing muscles allowing for a more expensive lateral costal breath. Lateral costal breathing decreases blood pressure, increased red blood cells, improves posture, core strength, and enhances sports performance, among so many other benefits.
From a nutritional perspective, February is the time of year to begin adding warming spices to our meals. Pungent, warm spices, such as turmeric, cumin, ginger, (just to name a few) and for some body types cayenne will help to thin the blood, increase circulation, cleanse the lymphatic system, and dry up dampness and mucus in the body. Powder ginger is typically more warming than raw. These spices will also help ignite the digestive fire which can feel less active, or sluggish, in the winter months.
Individuals who might be struggling with seasonal depression can benefit from ginger. When circulation is sluggish and depressed, the blood is difficult to circulate and does not get to your brain as quickly or efficiently as it should. This can make your mind feel sad and a little heavy. A warm cup of fresh ginger tea can stimulate circulation, get your blood flowing, and wake up your mind. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is a cardiac stimulate that has been esteemed for its heart-healthy benefits. You can also sip on warm water infused with ¼ teaspoon for the following seeds; cumin, coriander, fennel to help warm you from the inside out and ignite your digestive fire, which will ignite your mood.
Another way to stimulate the Vagus Nerve and help cultivate feelings of love, gratitude, and connection is through journaling and/or meditation. Keeping a journal of things that you are grateful for and meditating on that goodness improves brain, blood, and overall organ health.
A word a caution.....Both ginger and turmeric can impact bleeding disorder. Therefore, use with caution when taking these spices with blood thinners, or before any major surgery.
Share the LOVE with your Valentine by choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is more bitter, which helps with liver decongestion this time of year.
No matter whether you are single or married, let LOVE fill the air. We cannot give from an empty cup, so begin by filling yours up through these self-care tips!
In Health and LOVE
Lisa
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