The aOS runs our bodies literally like clockwork. It’s a level of functioning that is automatic and does not need our input in order to do its work. It not only involves the nervous system (all the nerves, spinal cord and brain) but also hormones.
Like a thermometer reads the temperature outside, our aOS requires accurate information so that the brain can adjust the body’s response. For example, if it gets cold outside, we start to shiver (as a way to get more blood moving) and if it gets too hot outside, we start to sweat (in order to cool off). If for some reason the aOS was to misinterpret the information and react as if it’s cold outside when it’s not, the body will be reacting in an inappropriate way, which ultimately is not good for our survival.
What would happen if we started to sweat when it was cold outside? Or what would be the result if we started to shiver when it was hot? Yet this is the kind of malfunction that can happen with Neuro-Adaptive Syndrome: The aOS does not react appropriately to the environment and the result is more dysfunction. Over time this dysfunction snowballs into dysregulation and disease.
The aOS doesn’t just have effects on our physiology and physical health. It also has effects on our hormones and emotional/mental health. This is why we see not only see physical improvements as the aOS heals. We find improvements in peoples’ experiences of their relationships and inner transformation.
Have you ever become upset with your husband/wife/partner only to find out later that it was a misunderstanding of something they said or did? Have you ever heard your negative self-talk/self-criticism? Have you ever held yourself back from a heart’s desire? As soon as you have a thought, you create neurochemicals that then travel through the body creating a cascade of effects. Adrenaline, cortisol and vasopressin are a few of the compounds that the body secretes during a stressful reaction. These have direct effects on blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar just to name a few. Is it any wonder that cardiovascular disease and diabetes are so prevalent?
If the aOS is experiencing Neuro-Adaptive Syndrome (NAS), we experience life through a protected/defended state. This can be in part what our personalities become based on. This is where being angry, fearful, unmotivated or depressed can become a habit. Then the habit of being angry or depressed or unmotivated becomes part of our personality. And we become known to others as “an angry person” or a “sad individual”.
Earlier I mentioned that the aOS runs our bodies without the need for our input. However, we have the ability to inject ourselves into the conversation. As the aOS is working, we can take conscious control of our breathing. If we wanted to, we could slow down our heart rate just by breathing differently. We can affect the aOS through conscious movement. Slow movement such as in tai chi, chi gong, or yoga helps to shift the aOS from survival tension and hyper vigilance to calmness and a more relaxed state. How we focus mentally is also a way to shift the aOS. When we can consciously take charge of our thoughts, and where we place our focus, we can shift the neurological brain activity from protection/defense to open curiosity/compassion.
NeuroSpinal Optimization uses these same strategies to help heal NAS thus restoring your body’s capacity to recover, heal and thrive. During sessions, patients learn to shift their breath, movement and focus. When we are able to heal from NAS, rather than living through a protected/defended/conditioned state, we are able to live life more authentically, with less inner conflict and stress. This helps us to create a healthy body, mind and emotions and a more fulfilling life.