Difference in parasympathetic and sympathetic mode

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Chelsea Lynn, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are two parts of the autonomic nervous system that regulate the body’s responses to different situations. The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response when there is danger or stress, increasing heart rate, energy, and alertness. The parasympathetic nervous system activates the rest and digest response when there is no threat, decreasing heart rate, respiration, and stress, and increasing digestion and relaxation.

Some of the main differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are:

- The sympathetic nervous system originates in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord, while the parasympathetic nervous system originates in the sacral region of the spinal cord and the medulla.
- The sympathetic nervous system releases adrenaline, while the parasympathetic nervous system does not.
- The sympathetic nervous system dilates the pupils, bronchial tubes, and blood vessels, while the parasympathetic nervous system constricts them.
- The sympathetic nervous system inhibits saliva, mucus, urine, and digestive secretion, while the parasympathetic nervous system stimulates them.
- The sympathetic nervous system increases the conversion of glycogen to glucose, while the parasympathetic nervous system does not.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together to maintain a balance between arousal and relaxation in the body. They are essential for adapting to changing environments and maintaining homeostasis.

When the body is in parasympathetic mode, it is much more likely to develop disease. You can learn how to regulate your emotions and heal the blocks that that put you in this mode through healing your attachment style.