5 Ways to Soothe the Central Nervous System
We’re glad you’re here. Take a deep breath. We don’t need to delve into all the reasons that your central nervous system and body may be well…burned out. We’d like to take a Boketto Moment to show you our favorite ways of cultivating time for ourselves and our bodies.
Maybe you want to try a new replenishing recipe, work with herbal allies, try a new form of flower essences, take a deeper or different breath, or make the every day a ritual.
1. Take a Deep Breath
Allison Walton, yoga instructor and movement artist, offers a brief reprieve for the nervous system by way of therapeutic breathing practices and techniques…
“As is in a yang-centric society, we live within times of heightened stress and therefore tend to breathe quite shallow into the chest. To achieve a more therapeutic and parasympathetic state, much emphasis should be placed on breathing full and wide into the belly wherein the ribcage expands fully to embrace each new breath.
To create a sustainable ritual for this practice, situate yourself into relative comfort by sitting or lying completely down.
Breathe naturally, observing how and where the breath runs through your body without manipulation. After a few breath cycles, lightly place one hand on your low belly and breathe deeply into your palm as though you're filling a balloon with air. In time, it should become natural and intentional, not forced.
You should be able to witness the expansion of your breath pressing against your palm upon the inhale, and a softening that results throughout every exhalation. As this cycle continues, begin to direct your attention towards the length of the exhalation.
Experiment with extending by a count or two further than your habit. You may think of your breath ratio as 4:6, meaning the inhalation is approximately a four-count breath, and the exhalation is approximately a six-count breath. This lengthened exhale prompts and supports the body from a sympathetic state (fight or flight) towards a parasympathetic state (rest and digest).
I also find it quite soothing to place something of weight, such as a restorative body pillow, on the abdomen while practicing this breath pattern, or by lying on the belly so as to have a grounding surface to breathe into.”
2. Try a New Replenishing Recipe
We love the Replenish blend from Kotuko Elixirs. This blend is a deeply nourishing formula, which tonifys Yin, and is great for those of us that are currently experiencing “burn out.”
Our founder Jelena blends one tablespoon of Coconut Butter, one tablespoon of Black Sesame Paste, and one teaspoon of the Replenish Blend to start her morning.
After mixing the ingredients together, blend, and enjoy.
This recipe is a favorite because it has Albizia (Mimosa Flower), which is referred to as the herb of happiness. It also contains Ormus, which is highly mineralized for overall support.
3. Work With Herbs to Soothe the Central Nervous System
Herbal allies can be perfect friends when we’re feeling overwhelmed. We love HRBLS from Herbalist and Holistic Health Practitioner Rachelle Robinett.
They’re pocket-sized, plant-based, and potent - think of HRBLS as snack remedies. Each chew is infused with a special blend of herbal extracts to equal a dose of goodness that you can eat as needed. They contain Lavender, Fresh Tarragon, Ashwagandha, Oat Seeds, and Skullcap.
4. Consult Your Integrative Medicine Doctor
Our resident Naturopath & Physician, Dr. Alexandra Cope says that flower essences and additional herbal support may be the perfect individualized medicine for soothing the central nervous system.
Her Five Element Trauma Treatment works with the rhythms of your personal constitution and the vibrational essences of flowers to treat what ails you.
The special thing about flower essences is that they work on an intuitive body level. Treating trauma in this way can be especially powerful. Her work focuses on the HPA Axis and addresses both the body and soul.
As a doctor she offers support to those looking to address fertility and hormones paired with trauma training.
Dr. Alexandra Cope customizes herbal blends with flower essences and specializes in Womxn’s Hormone Health.
5. Craft a New Ritual
Routines are soothing. What can you do to lean into moving a bit slower? How can you act against urgency in your life?
Maybe incorporating ten minutes of stretching into your morning or evening can help. Maybe making your tea can be viewed through the lens of ritual.
Maybe you want to set some new intentions on the new moon and check-in and release on the full moon.
How can honoring your cycles and rhythm of being help you soothe and slow down?