Written by Nina Livii
The skin establishes contact to our environment through our nervous system. In this blog, I will discuss the role of the nervous system & vagus nerve and it's fundamental role in skin health, followed by my favorite nervous system regulation tools and modalities to help heal and bring the body back into balance for healthy skin and overall wellness.
The Nervous System & The Vagus Nerve
Before we understand how the skin is effected by the nervous system, it's important to know a little bit about the nervous system itself. The nervous system is a very complex system made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. This system controls what we think, how we feel, and what our body does.
The vagus nerve (extending from its origin in the brainstem through the neck and thorax down to the abdomen) primarily helps regulate the autonomic nervous system.
The Autonomic Nervous system regulates the activity of the visceral organs (heart, lungs, gallbladder, stomach, etc), therefore it's task is to maintain homeostasis in a wide range of internal organ functions such as heart rate, respiratory rate, reflex actions and more. (This means that the vagus nerve has a huge job to do, as it literally effects the way ALL of your organs function).
The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' state vs the 'rest or digest' state which impacts our physical health, mental health and behaviors.
Fight or Flight vs Rest & Digest
According to the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges PhD, the vagus nerve consists of 3 primary neural circuits which produce 3 different states.
The Ventral Branch of the vagus nerve (positive states of relaxation, social engagement/ feeling safe with other people, learning, play, rest & digest) which is part of the 'Parasympathetic system'.
The Spinal Sympathetic Chain (fight or flight, sense of danger) also known as the 'sympathetic system'
The Dorsal Vagal Branch (shutdown mode, a state of collapse) which is when the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant.
There are 2 other hybrid states, but to keep it as simple as possible, these 3 main functions regulate our bodily functions and our emotional states which drive our behaviors to maintain homeostasis. When our nervous system is regulated, these states are activated as needed. When we face real danger for example, it is a normal response to enter 'fight or flight mode' to ensure our survival. Our ancestors needed this state to be activated frequently in order to survive, as humanity would be doomed without it. However, unless we are currently facing danger on a daily basis, the optimal state for us to live in now that we have evolved is a Ventral state of 'social engagement' via the 'parasympathetic system' aka 'rest & digest'.
Nervous System Imbalance
If stress and/or trauma has filled our lives, our nervous system can easily get 'stuck' in sympathetic dominant 'fight or flight' mode making us become overly anxious, stressed and reactive to everything -- eventually this can cause us to get stuck in 'shutdown (parasympathetic system dominance) and become depressed, apathetic and lethargic, sometimes even going back and fourth between the two extremes. Excess of either of these states has severe effects on the body (as it negatively impacts the vagus nerve which plays a huge roll in regulating how our brain & body functions) and can cause a wide range of symptoms and disorders such as chronic high blood pressure, insomnia, muscle pain, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, irritability, depression, anxiety, escapism, addiction and more.
How does this affect the skin?
When we are living in sympathetic dominance, cortisol is continuously released into the blood stream in large quantities. Although it is natural to have a certain amount of cortisol (for example, to wake up in the morning), having continuous amounts of it wrecks havoc on our body causing inflammation, and since our skin is a detox organ and a medium between our nervous system and environment, signs of inflammation eventually show up in the skin as premature signs of aging and inflammatory conditions (like Rosacea, Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Melasma, etc). Dermatologists have even reocognized the connection between a stressed nervous system and Psoriasis. "Dr. Granstein noted that experimental data supports the idea that stress can cause the skin’s nerve endings to release increased levels of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, which, in turn, cause skin inflammation." Read the full article discussing Dr. Grainstein's research here.
Inflammation also slows everything down leading to stagnation and weakens the immune system which effects the gut, impacting the gut-skin axis (the connection between the skin & gut which is mediated by the immune system).
Your issues get stuck in your tissues.
Your connective tissue connects your bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments and provides communication between them as it receives and sends signals throughout your body through the nervous system. A dysregulated nervous system creates tension in the facial tissues and muscles which affect the way the surrounding skin looks and this can even change your facial structure. Unconsious habits created out of stress (jaw clenching being one of the most common examples) weakens the surrounding skin, causing skin sagging and premature wrinkles. A dysregulated nervous system literally ages the skin faster. Inflammation and tension in the face is a major indicator that the body is living in chronic 'fight or flight' mode and locating adhesions in the tissue as well as the art of 'face mapping' can actually pinpoint specific emotions that have been stored in the body.
Regulating the Nervous System & Releasing Tension in the Face
In order to restore homeostasis to the body (and skin) after sympathetic dominance, we need to get back to a 'Ventral' parasympathetic state of social engagement, which is done through activating the vagus nerve and doing things that put us in a balanced 'Rest & Digest' parasympathetic state.
Thankfully there are many ways to activate the vagus nerve, reset the skin and relax the nervous system both professionally and at home ourselves. Professionally, receiving intra-oral buccal massage (coming to my treatment room soon) and facial sculpting massage releases tension that hides deep within your facial muscles and connective tissue, rebalancing your natural facial structure. Facial therapists that release tension in the connective tissue help to reset the nervous system which impacts the health of the whole entire body in a positive way.
Receiving a holistic facial can simultaneously address your topical skin concerns while stimulating the ventral circuit of the parasympathetic system, especially if the esthetician has knowledge of the vagus nerve as there are specific acupressure and reflexology points around the face, neck and head that activate your vagus nerve, release tension and blockages, and put you in a parasympathetic state. Receiving a nourishing facial that utilizes the power of facial massage is a sensory experience where another person is using the power of touch to heal, while bringing awareness to the body. Bringing awareness to the body while in a relaxed state also helps you breathe deeper and slower, activating the positive Ventral circuit of the parasympathetic system, leaving you in a 'rest & digest' state.
Additionally, there are 5 cranial nerves that must function together for proper vagus nerve function (CN, V, VII, IX, X, XI), and some of these nerves (specifically V & VII) innervate muscles that are located around the face and neck. Performing massage around the face and neck area while targeting certain muscles and stimulating certain acupressure points improves the function of these cranial nerves, while also lifting the face, improving circulation to the skin, and putting life into the muscles of expression necessary for social engagement.
Body massage utilizing craniosacral therapy or myofascial release is a powerful way to activate the vagus nerve and restore balance when tension has become chronic in specific parts of the body.
When looking to release tension in your face and improve the effects it's had on your skin, look for a trained holistic esthetician. When looking to release tension in a specific part of the body, look for a massage therapist trained in craniosacral therapy and/or myofascial release. A good acupuncturist can also be very helpful, as they are trained to release blockages caused by discord in the nervous system.
Ways we can Support the Nervous System Ourselves
Table of Contents for Do-it-Yourself Nervous System Regulation Tools & Modalities
Self-Massage
Self massage is a simple and powerful tool in healing the nervous system and slowing the flow of cortisol, so we can feel relaxed both physically and mentally while improving the health of both body and skin. Your hands are a FREE tool that you can use to help your nervous system enter a balanced parasympathetic state. Your palms contain a high concentration of negative ions which partner with the blood's positive ions to create a soothing & grounding effect, and in the 'subtle body', hands are an extension of the heart. The key is to put intention into your hands (think about what your intention is before you start) and focus on the movement and sensation while massaging a cleansing oil, or nourishing oil or moisturizer into your skin (consult with your skincare specialist on which product is best for you).
7 Steps for a Vagus Nerve & Skin Nourishing Massage
Apply a Nourishing Oil. After cleansing your face, apply a facial oil or balm suited to your skin type all over your face, neck, and decolotte. (One of my favorite oils for ALL skin types is Mountain Rose Herb Rosehip Oil or Live Botanical First Light Brightening Oil Serum). Apply enough oil for a smooth glide to avoid friction, but not too much to where your hands are slipping everywhere.
Breathe Deeply. Inhale through your nose, and hold for a few seconds, and exhale. One of my other favorite breathing techniques is Alternate Nostril Breathing
Open up the neck. There are pressure points in the neck that stimulate the vagus nerve to evoke a parasympathetic response. Start by gently pinching the back of the neck with your fingers and then stroke it with a gua sha stone in upwards or downwards motions. Then move to your clavicle and using your hands or a stone, apply light pressure in an upward movement along the left side of your neck, repeating on the right.
Move to your Ears. There are also vagus nerve stimulating pressure points in certain parts of the ear. With two fingers, gently rub the top of the ear, base and cartilage at the ear canal. As a bonus, there is an 'reset' acupressure point which I like to use located right in front of your earlobe (specifically in the area that connects your ear to your face), and you can stimulate that by pressing down or rubbing in circles with your finger, a pencap or a reflexology tool.
Massage the face. Stimulate blood flow back into the skin, and use the power of touch to provoke a rest & digest response. There is no specific order for massaging your face in this universal protocol, just make sure that you are rubbing your face in upwards motions. Allow your intuition to guide you on what areas of the face need more attention. You may want to use this time to stimulate some acupressure points (see the point 'Yin Tang' below).
Rub your feet. Ending with your feet is a great way to ground yourself into your body. Use your thumbs to massage the soles of your feet, moving to your ankles to jumpstart the parasympathic system. As a bonus, use the grounding acupuncture point 'Kidney-1' (aka Bubbling Spring) to get yourself out of your head and bring revitalizing and restorative energy which is located on the sole of the foot, in a slight depression created when the foot is pointed downward, about 1/3 of the distance between the tips of the toes and the heel. (For a picture, see HERE.)
Shift your gaze. Put your hands on your chest with your fingers intertwined and take a deep breath. Move your interlocked hands behind your neck, supporting the base of your head, and keeping your head straight, look to the right with just your eyes. Hold this position until you feel the need to yawn, swallow, or sigh as these are signs of vagus nerve stimulation. Then, repeat on the left side.
You can take just a few extra minutes to do this during your daily skincare regimen. Using tools like a Facial Gua Sha stone or The Lymphatic Brush (a little bit more gentle than a gua sha stone) can also be used at home. These tools help release tension & feel soothing to the nervous system, and additionally they help clear stagnation and fluid build up for overall homeostasis. It is best to look towards a specialist trained in professional facial gua sha and/or lymphatic drainage for tips on how to do a more simplified facial gua sha/lymphatic massage routine at home. (This is something that I work on with my in-office and virtual clients).
Facial reflexology works by stimulating reflex points and zones on the face that correlate to energy channels and/or organ systems in your body to stimulate the brain. It's a gentle and effective way to put your nervous system into a deep state of relaxation, aka 'rest & digest' mode, and additionally many of the points have positive impacts on the skin as well. Due to the proximity of the facial reflex points to the brain and central nervous system, the effects can occur quite quickly. I will often send my in-office and virtual clients off with 1 simple reflexology protocol tailored to their needs, and some protocols specifically target the nervous system. These protocols are very simple and quick, but work best when repeated on a daily basis. In the system Dien Chan, certain points link to specific cranial nerves. This is a very complex system, and it's too much to cover here, as it should be studied thouroughly before being used, or done by a professional. This is something I will occasionally incorporate in my facial services.
The graphic below shows an example of an acupressure point called 'Yin Tang' in TCM that works to relax the nervous system, and additionally stimulating this point brings fresh blood and oxygen to the skin's surface, giving it a vibrancy. You can use your finger to stimulate the point, a pen cap, a cocktail drink mixer, or an actual 'reflexology detector tool'. Use a firm, but comfortable amount of pressure and work the point for about 15 back and fourth sweeping movements or circular movements. Let your intuition guide you if you need more or less time with it. In facial reflexology (which differs from acupuncture/acupressure points), this point is in the 'liver' zone, where stress and emotions such as anger tend to get stored. We will often see premature 'frown lines' or 'furrow lines' here which can indicate a need to work through these emotions and/or support liver health.
Self-massage, whether you use a tool or your hands, or both, is a great way to address your nervous system and skin concerns at the same time.
EFT Tapping
EFT is an abbreviation for 'Emotional Freedom Technique", and it's one of my favorite clinically proven ways to balance the nervous system and ease stress. EFT is the practice of tapping certain pressure points on your body with your fingertips, utilizing features of psychotherapy with acupressure. This tapping works by connecting your somatic bodily sensations with your emotions and unconscious (mind, body connection). The benefits may include decrease in stress hormones, epigenetic changes in stress genes, a more regulated nervous system and the ability to work through trauma and emotions and anxiety sensations.
A tapping session generally goes like this:
Step 1: Identify the emotion or feeling that you are experiencing or recall the traumatic event (it's generally recommended to work through severe trauma under the guide of a trauma specialist)
Step 2: Rate the intensity of what you are feeling
Step 3: Create a statement (starting with "even though", followed by the emotion or issue you are experiencing and a phrase of acceptance) An example may look like this: "Even though I am experiencing anxiety, I accept myself and what it's trying to tell me". The statement can be said out loud or in your head (some experts suggest that saying it out loud is more powerful, but I'm personally one of those 'I'd feel more comfortable doing this in my head' types of people, and that's fine too.)
Step 4: Follow a tapping script (see chart below) while repeating your statement
Step 5: Re-evaluate the intensity of the feeling.
If you don't feel at least 80% relief, you may need to repeat the steps to lower the intensity of what you're experiencing further. It may feel silly doing this at first, but I promise it works if you stick with it! The more you repeat this practice as needed, the more new neural pathways are created in your brain. Studies have been done proving the positive effects of EFT Tapping in veterans, PTSD patients and even nurses.
See my favorite guide book for EFT Tapping HERE.
Do-it-Yourself Vagus Nerve Exercises
Stanley Rosenburg's book 'Accessing the Vagus Nerve' is my favorite resource for an easy-to-read summary of Stephen Porges's Polyvagal Theory and it includes simple and quick vagus nerve exercises to do yourself in the back of the book. As I explained above, the vagus nerve plays a key and direct role in autonomic nervous system regulation. Stanley Rosenburg's "basic exercise" is the easiest and quickest effective vagus nerve exercise I have found - it takes less than 5 minute to do (although the more you do it, the better it works), and it's FREE to do. The basic exercise helps to increase mobility, reposition the neck, and increases blood flow to the brain stem where the cranial nerves originate, and it's as simple as putting your hands behind your neck and doing specific eye movements. Of course, I don't believe that one 5 minute exercise will completely heal all of your nervous system imbalances (as some "wellness influencers" might suggest) but it is a great little tool to utilize with other practices to activate the vagus nerve and help with the mind-body connection as it puts some of the power back into your own hands. Other simple small acts to activate the vagus nerve include humming, gargling water, laughter and deep breathing.
Utilizing Nature, Forest Bathing & Grounding
Don't underestimate the power of nature. Spending time in nature and grounding has an almost immediate physiological effect on your Parasympathetic system. The art of "forest bathing" is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in sights, sounds and smells of the forest. It has been proven that forest bathing helps reduce stress, lift the mood and boost the immune system, and even a small amount in nature can have this impact. Our 5 senses play an important role in the healing effects of forest bathing, and out of all 5 senses, 'smell' is the most primal. When we breathe in nature's natural aromatherapy, we breathe in plant chemicals known as 'phytoncides' (Evergreens such as pine trees, cedars, spruces and conifers release some of the most phytoncides). These 'phytoncides' contain 'terpenes' which is what you actually smell (it's also what makes oils and hydrosols aromatic, which is why I love using them in facial treatments). Terpenes suppress sympathetic nervous activity & increase parasympathetic activity. We have a biological need to connect with nature and this need is fundamental to our health and nervous system.
Using high quality fresh herbal skin care (especially companies that utilize the 'whole herb' like Live Botanical - the primary line I use in facial treatments) contain terpenes which can have an extremely positive effect on both your skin and nervous system during your skincare routine - you're literally bathing your skin in powerful plant nutrients while suppressing sympathetic activity at the same time!
Grounding (or earthing), is the practice of topping up on free electrons from the earth. Grounding can be as simple as walking barefoot on earth, however when I'm unable to go outside, I love to use my grounding and pain relieving InfraMat. The grounding energy of the mat resonates beautifully with the essence of nature, and it is one of the best and most worthy investments that I have made.
The one that I use in my treatment room for my clients is infused with Amythest, Tourmaline and Jade, which provides negative ions to the body, providing a very grounding and stabilizing effect. Additionally it has PEMF, Photon Lights, and Far Infrared rays which supports your mitochondria, speeds up healing, provides pain relief and more. (See the one I have in my treatment room HERE). I have a mini version of this mat for myself - When I'm working I'll often pull it out, put it down on the floor, and place my feet on top. I find that I feel more focused and regulated after this. (See the mini version HERE).
You can find all of the grounding HealthyLine InfraMats here: https://healthyline.com/?wpam_id=4060
(Use the Code LiviiAlchemy10 at checkout for 10% off & Free Shipping)
Herbs & Nutrients
A great way to support the nervous system on a physical level is by making sure that you're getting enough nervous system supporting nutrients and taking 'nervine' and 'adaptogenic' herbs as needed.
B Vitamins are critical in nervous system health. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) especially plays a large roll in conduction in nerve signals, and it helps the body's cells change carbs into energy, which is essential to brain and nervous system health. A compromised gut is the leading cause of B vitamin deficiencies. Many foods are fortified with b vitamins, however these tend to build up in the system, opposed to getting absorbed in the right places. Certain genetic mutations can prevent you from absorbing certain forms of b vitamins correctly (actually making issues worse), so if you find out that you are deficient in any of the B vitamins, you may want to look into improving gut health and doing some genetic testing. Dirty Genes by Dr. Ben Lynch is my favorite resource for figuring out which forms of b vitamins are correct for your body. Just be mindful that some B vitamins (like biotin, b6 and b12 can potentially cause break outs, although taking the right forms may resolve this issue).
Foods that are naturally rich in B vitamins consist of: Bee Bread (superfood), high-quality meats, oysters and shellfish, foods that contain grassfed or raw milk, and sprouted grains.
Fatty Acids are essential to nervous system health as they play a critical role in both the development and function of the central nervous system. They also help prevent nervous system dymyelination (which is when the protective covering aka myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in your brain becomes damaged). I generally recommend against fish oils as majority of them are actually rancid and can cause oxidation in the body. I recommend using Rosita's Cod Liver Oil as a high quality rich source of fatty acids instead, and getting fatty acids from your diet through foods like high quality animal proteins, nuts and seeds, and cooking with fats such as ghee and tallow.
Minerals (especially Calcium and Potassium) regulate the electrical impulses generated and transmitted by the nerves. Low Potassium alone can cause feelings of anxiousness, anxiety, worry and restlessness. Magnesium acts as a gatekeeper for NMDA receptors, which are involved in healthy brain development. Mineral balance is important as too much of one mineral can deplete another. Read my blog post all about minerals HERE.
Herbs that support the nervous system include Nervines (herbs that are intended to nourish and support the central nervous system), and Adaptogens (herbs that support a healthy stress response). To name a few: Holy Basil (also known as 'Tulsi', one of my favorite herbs because it's generally gentle even for sensitive individuals), Lemon Balm (also generally gentle), Ashwagandha, Valerian, Ginkgo Biloba, and Adaptogenic Mushrooms.
Keep in mind that Herbalism in it's fullest form is actually not so straight forward. Certain plants will align with your own inner patterns. Everyone carries their own unique patterning, and plants do the same. There is nothing more healing in the realm of herbalism than to be able to use plants medicinally that align with your innermost self. To use a whole plant this way should be done under the guidance of an herbalist, but even then it is the plants which speak to something in you that are your biggest healers.
To expand on this, here is an excerpt from the book 'Evolutionary Herbalism' by Sajah Popham: "As you move through the territory of your life, certain plants will make themselves known to you. They will stand up in the forest and call your name. These plants that speak to you, that draw your senses toward them and synchronistically emerge in the pattern of your life, are those that contain the specific medicine for your sacred wound. Theres is something within them sympathetic to your nature, matching the architecture of your essential self. They are those specific medicines that mirror facets of your being back to you and support the ecological reclamation of your soul. This is because plants, too, have their own 'trauma'. They have faced challenges in their lives they had to overcome and therefore carry a specific medicine for a physcial 'wound'. This is analogous to a psychological wound as well, and if experience 'plants as people', as many herbalists do, then we understand that they also have suffered and have overcome an analogous wound of the soul." I highly recommend the book Evolutionary Herbalism if you are interested in going this route.
Healthy Rituals & Self Care
Maintaining healthy rituals and self care is never outdated as it helps regulate the nervous system and includes: meditation, yoga, dreamwork, taking flower essences, breath work, acupressure, self-massage, supplemental support, and even nourishing beauty rituals. Our nervous system loves rituals, as they are how our conscious can send messages to our unconscious (and vice versa). I've found that when something isn't addressed at the unconscious level, no amount of positive reinforcement or affirmation will work (or have lasting effects). This is how issues from the past get stuck in our nervous system, as there is a direct link between the unconscious and the nervous system.
This is where it's critical to point out that the foundation of nervous system regulation also relies heavily on inner work and trauma healing. Trauma can cause the body to remain 'stuck', even though the mind seems to move forward. Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. is an incredible resource for trauma healing (his book The Body Keeps the Score is basically a trauma bible) and I've found depth psychology (incorporating Jung's 'shadow work') to be timeless.
Knowledge is power. The ancient Egyptians believed that to name something was to have power over it. Naming the issues that get stuck in our nervous system means we have the power to change our beliefs surrounding them. There's nothing like a good book to open that door for us. Below is a list of some of my favorite books written mostly by psychologists dealing with healing trauma and depth psychology that opened my eyes in a (good) way where I can never go back. I have listed them in order starting from the easiest to read (top of the list & top of the book stack in the picture) to the most complex (end of the list and bottom of the book stack in the picture).
My Recommended Reading List on Healing Trauma:
How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
Trauma and the Unbound Body By Judith Blackstone, Phd.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson
Meeting The Shadow by Connie Zweig and Abrams
Jung's Map of the Soul by Murray Stein
Hauntings: Dispelling the Ghosts who Run Our Lives by James Hollis Phd
Dreamwork
'Dreamwork' is a practice that I utilize on a daily basis (it's part of my morning routine), as it can offer profound and life changing insight into your unconscious. Additionally, it can compliment a healthy sleep routine which is absolutely critical to healing both the nervous system and skin.
Carl Jung believed that dreams are a way for the unconscious mind to communicate with the conscious mind, in a dialogue between 'ego' (outer persona) and 'Self' (soul), leading to wholeness. Carl Jung's thoeries are often confused with the theories of Freud , and although they may parallel in some ways (Jung looked up to Freud in the very beginning of his journey before he separated himself from him), they are actually very different overall.
'Jungians' are modern analysts that have basically continued Jung's work, and they believe that dreams are always symbolic for something that needs attention. These are generally things we can feel in our nervous system, although it may be difficult to pin point exactly what they are. Jungians believe that your unconscious picks up pictures from memories and daily life and utilizes them as symbols for something important, in a way that you can eventually understand. Dreamwork is about identifying these symbols in your dreams (even the 'seemingly' irrelevant ones) and figuring out what they mean to you on a personal level.
Robert A. Johnson, Jungian and book Author, outlined a simplified way to do dreamwork correctly in his book 'Inner Work' which entails working through these steps in a dedicated dream journal:
Step 1: Recall each picture from your dream. Write down each picture/symbol from your dream as early in the day as possible. Leave blank room under each item for more writing.
Step 2: Make associations. When you have time to continue, get cozy and comfortable, as 'ritual' helps with dream recall and flow. List the first words, phrases and ideas that come to mind when you think of each picture/symbol that you wrote down (even if it seems to make no sense). Try not to think too hard (your conscious tends to rationalize things that aren't meant to be rationalized) - let it flow.
Step 3: Relate the symbols to your current life situations. Once you've recalled every symbol and wrote down your associations, write down how each symbol could possibly apply to your current life situations. In this step, some of the things you wrote down in step 1 and step 2 should start to 'click' and make sense, and you should be able to go back to your associations (the words, phrases and ideas that you wrote down in step 2) and narrow them down.
Step 4: Form a coherent story. The last step is it is to find enough connections and figure out what 'clicks' to turn your incoherent dream into a coherent story that sends a message with profound insight into something that you realize you've suppressed. When the true meaning of the dream has been found, this offers healing. It's the process of the dreamwork itself which makes it so healing, and keep in mind that some dreams can take weeks or months to fully analyze - you may have to revisit these steps several times, so patience is key! If you have a lot of dreams, that generally means that your unconsious has a lot to say. If you don't have time to analyze them all, pick the ones that bring up the most feeling, and the ones leave you feeling in 'awe'.
I highly recommend these dreamwork guide books (listed in order from most simple to complex) on how to do dreamwork properly:
Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson
Private Myths by Anthony Stevens
The Wisdom of Dreams by Jeremy Taylor
The Dream & The Underworld by James Hillman
There is also an incredible podcast dedicated to dream interpretation and Jungian theories called 'This Jungian Life'. (Check it out HERE).
Flower Essences
Flower Essences are liquid, plant preparations made from fresh flower blossoms (sometimes other natural substances) of a plant that imprint water with their energetic patterning. They address the emotional and behavioral issues that may be affecting the overall wellness of a person. They basically work to transmute unhealthy emotional patterns into healthy emotional patterns, and since they work on an energetic level, opposed to a biochemical level, there are no side effects or contraindications.
Since they work on an energetic level, do some people believe that they are just woo-woo? Yes, however, don't let that deter you as thousands and thousands of people, including myself, have experienced profound healing benefits of flower essences when used *correctly*. It's been proven in systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture that our energetic systems have a powerful effect on our health. Some of the harshest skeptics even believe that flower essences can have a powerful enough placebo effect to produce real physiological changes, however this 'placebo effect' understanding only stems from the fact that our energetic systems cannot be visibly seen.
Dr. Edward Bach discovered 38 'original' Bach flower remedies. He started out his career by studying traditional medicine, and eventually homeopathy, however it's believed that essences have actually been used for thousands of years. Since they work on a deeper level than what we can see, whether that's on an unconscious level only, or on an 'energetic' level, (or both), they have the ability to compliment other healing and therapeutic practices in a powerful way.
Flower Essences like Star of Bethlehem can be used to help you feel safe addressing trauma,
while Rock Rose can be used to support a nervous system stuck in panic 'flight' mode. White Chestnut can be used to calm the mind from overthinking, and Impatiens can be used to help you slow down and find patience in your healing. Milimus can be used to face general known fears, and Honeysuckle can help you let go of the past. Essences like Wild Rose can be used when the nervous system is stuck in 'shut down' mode aka parasympathetic dominance. Rescue Remedy is a blend of 5 essences used to calm the nervous system and ease stress, especially in difficult times or times of crisis. The Hope & Joy Kit consists of 3 bottles of flower remedies that are great for parasympathetic dominance (shutdown & collapse mode), for those who may feel hopeless, stuck and can't move forward.
It's important to note that flower essences aren't meant to be used as a 'quick fix' to eliminate symptoms; rather they are to be used to help you transform unhealthy emotional patterns into healthy emotional patterns yourself. They help you do the work. This is what makes them holistic. For best results with flower essences, I recommend seeing a bach practitioner or someone who has studied them thoroughly for a consult as they can help you choose which remedies are right for you (I do consults myself).
Stay tuned for a blog post all about flower essences.
The bottom line is that when you support your nervous system, you support your overall wellness and skin as a dysregulated nervous system will continue to compromise your health over time - but be patient with yourself, because no one's nervous system is in perfect harmony 24/7! Our nervous system does an incredible job at letting us know when something doesn't feel right. It only becomes problematic after we've already taken action and still remain 'stuck' with these feelings.
Below is a Shop List that I put together of some of the most helpful tools that I mentioned in helping yourself to heal your nervous system (some companies I am affiliated with and some I am not - all products I recommend come from companies that I trust and use myself). It's important to keep in mind that many of the things that I mentioned which can't be bought from a shop (like grounding, nutrition, exercises, therapeutic work etc) are absolutely fundamental. Buying tools will only help support and boost the benefits of a strong foundation.