Nervous System Resources
Somatic and Herbal resources to support your body & nervous system.
Herbal Support:
See suggested dosage and use below.
Nervines & Adaptogens
Recommended Nervous System herbs: Milky Oat Tops (in tincture form), Tulsi, Passionflower, Nettles, Oatstraw, Lavender, Lemon Balm (helpful for belly distress)
Recommended adaptogens: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Reishi, Licorice, Tulsi,
General Nourishing Support:
Nourishing herbs like Nettles, Oatstraw, & Burdock can support a base line of deep nutrition to all parts & systems of the body. Nourishing herbal infusions allow easy nutrient absorption. EVERYONE is depleted at this time and could use extra nourishment.
Reliable Source (US): www.wildterra.la
On Amazon: HerbPharm brand of tinctures, Traditional Medicinals brand of tea.
Nervous System Up-regulation
An often overlooked category of nervous system work is conscious up-regulation. “Settling” or “soothing” the nervous system is not always the right move, and increasingly as we move through stressful times individually and collectively it is actually very empowering to the nervous system to consciously work with states of activation rather than against, and to train the body along the spectrum of activation and settling.
Herbs for supporting up-regulation: Schisandra is a great support for stabilizing a baseline as well as offering the body some conscious up-regulation. Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) can also offer this while also supporting adaptogenic functions.
Movement Practice: Cardio, high intensity movement. High intensity intervals and bursts of movement with alternating rest, to support the body and nervous system in sliding easily along the spectrum of activation and settling.
Somatic Practice
CORTICES: a practice within the BodyTalk system that offers instant regulation to the brain/body system- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1w3R5FcU6U&list=PLxFSkxLB7bEGeHUVQEshGYHL5WndAiKia
SWITCHING: a practice within the BodyTalk system that offers a reset to the brain/body stress threshold when we are pushed past our limits- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=traG_SnkLP8&t=29s
CHEMISTRY & HYDRATION: Additional BodyTalk techniques for stress, illness, and general regulation-
Hydration: SHIFT Bodytalk by Shannon: hydration technique
Body Chemistry: Bodytalk by Shannon: Body chemistry technique
Additional Supports
MAGNESIUM: I have found adding a highly absorbable form of Magnesium (Glycinate) into my daily routine made a tremendous impact in taking the edge of stress off. Our bodies burn through magnesium at higher rates when we are under chronic stress. Some herbalists and naturopaths now believe that we may need as much as 2-3X the RDA due to the current landscape of stress. SOURCE: Jigsaw Magnesium.
Hydration: hydration + electrolytes is the foundation for our immune system and our nervous system to work properly. When under intense stress or duress, aim for 2-3 quarts per day. If you don't have access to electrolytes, a pinch of pink/mediterranean salt will do the trick.
Soothing Playlists:
Grief Tending
The Work that Reconnects by Joanna Macy. Additional resources at www.workthatreconnects.org
The Radiance Sutras translation by Lorin Roche
Herbs that support the heart & gently move grief: Linden, Mugwort, Lemon Balm (drink as tea or infusion).
Breathwork: Michael Kass offers a gentle breathwork every Sunday evening on Insight Timer.
