PARASYMPATHETIC

NERVOUS SYSTEM

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is your body’s calm-down and recovery system.

It helps you slow down, feel safe, and return to balance after stress or action.

The parasympathetic system is part of your autonomic nervous system — the behind-the-scenes controller of your vital functions.

When it’s activated, your body shifts into a healing and restoring mode:

This is often called the "rest and digest" state — it’s where deep healing happens.

PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM BASICS

Here’s a mini glossary for brain-related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) - The system that helps you relax, digest, and recover

Rest and Digest - The calming state your body enters after stress or activity

Vagal Tone - How strong and responsive your vagus nerve is (affects PNS strength)

Homeostasis - A state of internal balance where systems work smoothly together

Relaxation Response - The body’s natural shift into healing mode — opposite of stress response

Neuroregulation - The ability of your nervous system to shift between stress and calm states

Parasympathetic Activation - Triggering the rest-and-digest mode (via breath, safety, connection, etc.)

WHAT THE PNS WORKS WITH

The parasympathetic system coordinates with many parts of your body to bring you into a relaxed state:

Vagus Nerve: The main nerve of the parasympathetic system — key to calming and connecting
Heart + Lungs: Slows heart rate and deepens breathing for relaxation
Digestive Organs: Restarts digestion, absorption, and elimination
Immune System: Shifts into repair and inflammation regulation
Glands: Supports salivation, tear production, and hormone balance
Reproductive System: Helps with fertility, libido, and sexual response

It’s like a gentle brake pedal — the body knows it’s time to heal, restore, and feel safe.