![]() ![]() ![]() Broadly speaking, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) branch uses adrenaline to thrust our system into action while the parasympathetic system (PNS) activates chemicals to assist with digestion, sleep, and healing. In order to assess our nervous system’s health, Van Der Kolk utilized heart rate variability (HRV) to evaluate the balance between the two branches of our autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic. Van der Kolk sought to better understand the physiology of PTSD and an over-active limbic system. To help cope with the uncomfortable physical sensations, we may find ways to numb ourselves: drugs, alcohol, work, exercise, over or under-eating. In fact, many with mysterious physical illnesses may seek out treatment from physicians for issues that stem from a mostly psychological event. Van Der Kolk asserts, if we are chronically scared or afraid our bodies will respond with chronic pain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Often, this waking state of extreme caution is unconscious to the day-to-day self, but our bodies are aware. A real trauma has taught those of us with PTSD that the world is a dangerous place. ![]()
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