We all know that digestion is critical for optimal health. But we may not realize that optimal digestion really begins with the brain and the autonomic nervous system with the vagus nerve triggering the parasympathetic “rest and digest” state. The essential oil Parasympathetic for Digestion can help trigger this.
Parasympathetic for Digestion
The brain sends signals to the nerves that control the gastrointestinal tract. The parasympathetic event of digestion is triggered by the cranial nerve #10 of the brain stem called the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is one of two extremely long cranial nerves that extends from the brain to the abdomen. It is the vagus nerve that triggers all the parasympathetic responses, including digestion. The brain needs to be in a relaxed (parasympathetic) state to effectively trigger the digestive cascade, which includes the stomach releasing HLC, the pancreas releasing digestive enzymes, the gall bladder releasing bile, the small intestine absorbing and assimilating nutrients and the large intestine excreting waste.
When we are in stress (sympathetic state) or just being busy, the heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, respiration quickens, and blood flow is routed away from the midsection. The digestive system essentially shuts down.
There are several ways to trigger a parasympathetic state during meals, including mindful breathing, sitting in an upright position at the table and consciously eating in a slow, relaxed way. Unfortunately for many of us, the stresses of life — physiological, emotional, work, family, relationships, or environmental – make it challenging to fully relax.
Essential plant oils are uniquely suited to help people relax before meals for many reasons. We know that the brain needs nutrients, circulation and stimulation. The latter element, stimulation, is the hardest to provide through nutritional therapy. This is where Essential Oils, with their unique abilities to reach the inner brain through nasal pathways and stimulate the nerve endings in the skin which connect to the parasympathetic nervous system, fill a critical void.
How To Trigger the Parasympathetic State
To stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system for optimal digestion, apply Vibrant Blue Oils Parasympathetic® blend behind the earlobe on the mastoid bone to help you drop into the optimal rest and digest parasympathetic state.
To learn more about the benefits of our Parasympathetic® oil, read this blog post HERE.
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