The two main characteristics of autonomic nervous system imbalance, and how practicing Qigong can help regain self-regulation.
Office workers often experience high levels of stress, with over 90% showing symptoms of mild autonomic nervous system imbalance. If you’ve been dealing with chronic muscle tension, stiff shoulders and neck, lower back pain, unexplained anxiety, panic attacks, frequent tinnitus, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, as well as ongoing issues like constipation, diarrhea, or irregular menstruation, and no clear cause can be found after seeing various specialists, you might be suffering from autonomic nervous system dysfunction!
When no clear cause can be found, dysfunction is something everyone experiences.
There was once a celebrity who revealed that they suffered from autonomic nervous system imbalance, with symptoms including numbness on one side of the body, high blood pressure, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, making them feel as though life was unbearable every day, unsure of what was happening to their body.
Miss Chen, an office worker, has struggled with autonomic nervous system imbalance and panic disorder for years. She said that during each episode, her heart races to the point where she feels like she can't breathe, her hands and feet go numb, and she lives in constant fear with no one understanding. She admitted that waking up in the morning and realizing the anxiety had subsided felt like a relief.
Symptoms of autonomic nervous system imbalance vary and can recur, often shifting around the body. For example, one day you might have constipation, the next day diarrhea; one period you might have tinnitus and dizziness, only for it to turn into chest tightness and palpitations after a few days; or maybe insomnia improves for a while, but then frequent headaches start.
Those who have never experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction may find it hard to understand. Even though the body feels extremely uncomfortable, medical tests often can't identify any issues, leading to misunderstandings that the person is just overly sensitive or trying to draw attention to their symptoms. This leaves those suffering from autonomic nervous system imbalance with no way to express their frustrations.
Chronic stress disrupts balance, leading to dysregulation.
The autonomic nervous system is spread throughout our body and controls various organs, including blood pressure, blood vessels, digestion, metabolism, and endocrine function. When the body faces stress, the sympathetic nervous system activates, increasing heart rate, elevating blood pressure, and accelerating circulation and metabolism to help us cope with external pressures.
However, if a person remains in a state of chronic stress for a long time and cannot find a way to release it, the sensitive autonomic nervous system becomes dysregulated. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems fail to adjust properly, leading to a range of symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, stiff shoulders and neck, palpitations, frequent urination, constipation, diarrhea, irritability, poor sleep at night, and lack of energy during the day.
Qi management expert Master Bai Yin points out that modern people, under constant stress, often damage the balance of their autonomic nervous system. As a result, they are unable to relax at night, and the parasympathetic system fails to regulate properly, causing various physical discomforts such as high blood pressure, heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and liver or kidney dysfunction. All of these are related to autonomic nervous system imbalance.
When the flow of qi and blood is blocked, both the body and mind suffer. This can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, dizziness, migraines, and episodes of panic or depression.
In Western medicine, autonomic nervous system dysfunction is closely related to mental and emotional health. It is typically classified under psychosomatic disorders, with treatment often involving sedatives or medications aimed at relaxing emotions to alleviate symptoms.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, stress and emotions are closely linked to the liver. The liver governs the smooth flow of qi (energy), and when its function of "dispersing" is impaired, it can lead to stagnation of qi and blood stasis.
TCM practitioner Chen Yanbo notes that, based on his clinical experience, most people with autonomic nervous system imbalance show signs of liver qi stagnation. This stagnation can affect other organs, leading to a variety of symptoms such as insomnia, dizziness, migraines, or psychological conditions like panic and depression.
Even when resting, it's hard to relax, and emotions are difficult to release.
According to Master Bai Yin's years of teaching experience, she has found that people with autonomic nervous system dysfunction typically exhibit two main characteristics: first, they do not know how to release negative emotions; and second, they find it very difficult to relax.
The autonomic nervous system is not under conscious control by the brain, but it is easily influenced by emotions and stress. The invisible pressures we face primarily affect our emotions, causing feelings of irritability, anxiety, and tension. When negative emotions accumulate over time without being released, this buildup of negative energy not only disrupts mental well-being but also interferes with physiological functions.
Some people say, "Relaxation isn't easy. I just stop thinking, sit and watch TV, read a book, or zone out—that's relaxation." Master Bai Yin explains that this is simply resting, not true relaxation. Many people may seem stress-free while at home with nothing to do, yet still end up with autonomic nervous system problems. The key is not merely zoning out or being idle, but how we regulate our mood and how we release tension in our muscles.
Practicing Qigong helps the brain relax and the mind calm.
Master Bai Yin emphasizes that autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not a disease, but a state of imbalance in the body. It can be quickly improved and regulated through practicing Qigong.
"Studies in Europe and the U.S. show that out of every 100 people, 30 have experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, over 80% of them don’t even realize they have a problem until it triggers other health issues, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. At that point, they start seeking treatment. But the concept in Qigong is 'treating the disease before it forms,' meaning you begin to regulate the body while it's still just a symptom, before it becomes a full-blown illness. This can help prevent many chronic and serious diseases."
Master Bai Yin gives the example of EnerQi Dayan Technique, which is a method that focuses on soothing the liver. By stretching the body, coordinating the breath and intention, and relaxing tight muscles and tense emotions, this practice significantly helps in regulating one's mood.
Additionally, practicing Qigong allows the brain to relax and calm down, which is essential for mental stability. Master Bai Yin highly recommends VitalQi to combat stress and regulate the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and brain function.
It is highly effective in balancing serotonin, activating brain cells, improving muscle elasticity, and brightening the eyes. Just 10 minutes of morning practice helps awaken cellular vitality and prepares the body for the day ahead.
In the evening, practicing VitalQi’s Night Techniques before sleep helps stabilize breathing and heart rate, promotes deep sleep, relieves fatigue, reduces anxiety, and clears negative emotions, preparing you for the next day's challenges. YoungQi Rejuvenation Technique is especially beneficial for adjusting the spine. It is a gradual process, focusing on each vertebra, and is very effective for regulating the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and brain function.
