Our Nervous System is comprised of two sections, the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS is the Brain and spinal column. The PNS consists of all the nerves coming from our extremities, taking information from the outside world. The PNS is divided in two again, into the Somatic (all of our voluntary movement such as responses at a muscular level and to \what our senses


perceive) and the Autonomic (all our internal automatic processes in the organs and glands, like breathing and heartbeat, which happen unconsciously). The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a central point for all instincts, memories, and subconscious behavior. The ANS divides again into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems, which function like Yin – Yang, the Sympathetic facilitating all stress responses, and the Parasympathetic facilitating the body’s ability to recover, recuperate, and regenerate.


helps in the calming and relaxation process. By allowing ourselves to be in harmony with these rhythms, we are flowing “with the current” rather that expending of our vital energy in fighting it.


During the daily activities of living, we often override these rhythms and are left feeling depleted, unsatisfied, even depressed, and most of all, out-of-touch with our bodies. When we understand that our body’s nervous system is designed to have balance between external and internal focuses, between moving and resting, between waking and sleeping, we can give the necessary time


and attention to Parasympathetic each of


these areas. Within our nervous system, we have the Sympathetic and


systems.


The Sympathetic is responsible for “fight or flight” responses, which early in our evolution helped us to survive during life threatening problems. This system still in when we are


kicks under stress,


releasing adrenaline and giving the needed energy to the muscles in order to “fight” or to run. The system is designed to then allow for a resting period, which is when the Parasympathetic system takes over, allowing for the rest and recovery phase, which takes place mainly during sleep. However, modern


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life creates an overabundance of stress situations, which are not necessarily life threatening (traffic, deadlines, financial issues), and preventing the rest and recovery phase to properly take over. We find that we are lacking sleep, have poor digestion, aches and pains, and often more serious health problems due to the lack of recuperation from stress. (See insert – The Nervous System)


With the use of essential oils in aromatherapy, this balance at the level be


restored.


of the nervous system can Essential


oils Other such


as Lavender, Sandalwood, Neroli, Lemon Balm, and Rose all have a calming or tonic effect on the nervous system.


essences


such as the Orange, Grapefruit, and Mint can have a stimulating effect, helping to balance out when the system is slow. Since the essential oils are able to penetrate into the body at a cellular level, the beneficial effects of the oils leave their imprint, creating a long-lasting result when the cells regenerate. Therefore the benefits of aromatherapy are most noticeable sustained


long-term, effect on the


creating area


a in


need, be it in the mind, the body, or the emotions.


The practice of aromatherapy can 11


be a life-long journey, one that never stops offering a deeper level of understanding of Nature and our connection to it. The use of essential oils


in their many applications


offers a chance to create a greater relationship to one’s own psyche, and a conscious awareness of the connection between mind and body, leading us back to radiant health.


Bonnie Baker Associated Editor


Bonnie Baker is an anthropologist who has been working in the Spa Industry for nearly 20 years, first as a massage therapist and esthetician, then Spa Director, has


worked


trainer and consultant. She in


award-winning Spas


around the world and for some of the leading Spa companies such as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Four Seasons Hotels. Currently she operates the


company, SATTEVA Spa & Wellness Concepts,


Mexican-based and


training, including teaching Scientific Aromatherapy Agriculture.


conducts and


www.satteva.com Biodynamic Spa


Consulting freelance


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