Life can get stressful. For those of us living in Minnesota, the past couple of months have been particularly rough. Our communities have been terrorized and many people don’t feel safe. My clients have been coming in fearful, anxiety-ridden,
heartbroken, angry, distraught, fatigued and unable to sleep. Sustaining these strong emotions day-in and day-out, depletes our energy reserves and causes nervous systems dysregulation.
What is nervous system dysregulation?
The autonomic nervous system is in charge of all of the automatic functions of our body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep, digestion, and
hormonal regulation. It is located in the brain stem and spinal cord.
The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The
sympathetic portion is referred to as the “fight or flight” system, but I like to simply think about it as the more active, quick-response portion of the autonomic system. The parasympathetic portion can be thought of as the “rest and digest” system. It is normal for us to fluctuate between sympathetic and parasympathetic states throughout the day as necessary.
In our busy, fast-paced world, we spend a lot of time stimulating our sympathetic nervous system: working hard, taking in constant news from around the world, managing multiple social media accounts, doom scrolling, excessive screen time, etc. We tend to never shut off, which takes us out of the much-needed parasympathetic state, where we can rest and recover our energy. This is where nervous system dysregulation begins; we no longer naturally fluctuate between the
sympathetic and parasympathetic states. During times when extreme stress is unavoidable, the symptoms of dysregulation become more acute.
Symptoms of nervous system dysregulation
Fatigue
Muscle tension
Headaches
Disrupted sleep cycles
Digestive upset - IBS, nausea, reflux
Brain fog and trouble
concentrating
Hormonal fluctuations
Anxiety and depression
Mood swings
Overwhelm
As a practitioner, it is important for me to be able to determine whether a client’s symptoms are due to dysregulation or to another underlying cause. For example, if someone came to me with acid reflux symptoms, I would typically consider what kind of digestive support they might need, e.g. digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid support, bitters, something to calm the inflammation in the stomach. However, if they’re
constantly in sympathetic mode, it would be more effective to help them calm their nervous system and feel safe in their body.
How to regulate your nervous system
Do for yourself
Get enough rest and sleep, set yourself a bedtime and stick to it
Exercise daily or when you are able to
Eat a healthy diet, rich in protein, vegetables and fruits
Avoid stimulants,
sugar, and processed food
Moderate screen time
Get acupuncture, bodywork, and/or energy work
Do for others
Connect with
others
Care for others
Take part in community
Just be
Meditate
Spend time in nature
Be positive
Know your purpose
I’m wishing you well during this difficult time. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. We’re
here, if you and your nervous system need any extra support.
Price increase coming April 1, 2026
It has been two years since our last price increase. We will be increasing prices April 1, 2026. We will continue to
offer packages (purchase 10 at a 10% savings). This is a great time to buy a package at the current price. As always, we appreciate your continued business and support.
Marie's Body of Knowledge
What is a vortex and what draws people to it?
I had the privilege of visiting Machu Picchu Peru in February. Machu Picchu is considered to be one of the top ten energy vortexes in the world, along with Mount Shasta, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Stonehenge, places I have also visited, many years
ago. Energy vortexes are areas where the earth’s natural electromagnetic fields are especially strong, swirling, and concentrated. In scientific thought, they are where geomagnetic lines intersect. In the spiritual realm, their powerful energy interacts with human consciousness, providing a portal to higher consciousness that resonates with human chakras, enhances meditation and prayer, and promotes healing, transformation, and inner balance.
Vortexes are usually found in unique geographical locations and are not considered random. They generally overlap with sacred sites, ancient monuments, and/or breathtaking natural landscapes. People make pilgrimages to these sites to experience the physical and emotional benefits of the vortex, such as decreasing stress, increasing vitality, and releasing emotions. They are also
seeking the benefits of creating space for spiritual growth and awakening through deepening meditation, accessing intuition, and feeling connected to something greater than themselves.
I have been working with energy in my physical therapy practice since 2003. When I went to Mount Shasta, The Great Pyramid of Giza, and Stonehenge, I hadn’t
learned to appreciate the space and energy yet. Once I learned to feel and move energy and immerse myself in the space and moment, I had profound experiences during my visit to another vortex, Sedona. I take many of my myofascial classes in Sedona, and the bodywork we do in class is amplified physically and spiritually by class participants due to the vortexes and red rocks. When I return home from Sedona my inner tapestry is peaceful and I feel deeply connected to Pachamama (Mother
Earth).
I had a similar experience at Machu Picchu, which is nestled down between three high peaks, creating a natural energy triangle believed to emit a rejuvenating subterranean energy field with a strong connection with Pachamama. This connection is believed to enhance the activation of the latent Kundalini energy from the base of the
spine to the crown of the head. I left Machu Picchu feeling gratitude, peace, and a renewed connection to Pachamama.
Machu Picchu is also rich in healing crystals, primarily serpentine. This crystal is believed to be connected to the heart chakra and fosters love, compassion, and emotional balance. It is also believed to create connection and grounding to Pachamama as well as aid with healing and boosting
the immune system. I bought a piece of Serpentine and brought it home with me!
We are all made up energy and what goes on in and around us affects our energy balance. It is good to pause, reflect, and realign with the energy that flows in and around us. Sacred spaces and vortexes help to remind us that healing, clarity, and transformation are not found in the outside world alone but in connecting to the quiet and
sacred spaces of our own mind, body, soul, and heart. Take time. Connect. Quiet down. Enjoy the sacred spaces within you.
Did you know?
We've been writing newsletters since 2010 and have amassed quite a collection of topics. All of our newsletters are accessible on the blog tab of redcloverclinic.com, and can be searched by category. Happy reading!
Are you feeling better since working with us? Are you in less pain or discomfort? If so, please spread the word to anyone you think would benefit
from our work. We love referrals!
You may have noticed that we work four-day weeks. We alternate Thursdays and Saturdays off. Please call first if you want to stop by and pick up your supplements to be sure we're in the office.
Over the next two
months, the clinic will be closed during normal business hours on:
