Rest and Digest

written by Kate Lamprich

In my experience as a colon hydrotherapist, I have seen people seek the assistance of colonics for many reasons. Constipation is, of course, the major complaint of most of my clients. There are three main causes of the constipation: 1. Water and food intake. 2. Activity. 3. Stress.

Today, we will talk about the STRESS part of the equation. In future blogs, I will address the other two.

Physiological Stress Response

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the part of the nervous system that controls the unconscious functions of the body. The ANS at any given time is functioning under Sympathetic Nervous System response or Parasympathetic Nervous System response.

Sympathetic Nervous System response occurs when the body experiences stress. This response is designed for protection. If we are in danger, the ANS puts us into Sympathetic Nervous System response, also referred to as fight or flight. This response is great, as long as you are actually in danger and need to run or defend yourself. However, the body cannot tell the difference between stress that is a potential harm to the body and stress that is in the mind, so it prepares either way.

Fight or Flight and the Digestive System

Imagine you are running from a lion or tiger or bear, oh my. . . what happens if you have to stop to poop? Probably nothing good. Which means that it is a good thing, that your digestive system is turned off by your autonomic nervous system when you are in sympathetic nervous system response.

Stress in the Mind

When your mind is filled with stress; bills to pay, traffic to drive in, deadlines at work, children to take care of, places to be, things to do, people to see. . . your body responds to stress the same as if you are running from (or fighting) a bear. Among many other things going on in the body, the digestive system is turned off.

How to Tell your Mind and Body that there is NO BEAR

Breath is one of the best ways to flip the switch on the ANS, because breath is a function of the autonomic nervous system that we can consciously control. Slowing and deepening the breath, adding a sigh as if you are feeling relieved from having found yourself safe from the bear that you were just running from.

I am safe.