Is your system in overdrive? You might have Sympathetic Dominance (SD)—a wound-up, “fight or flight” state caused by emotional and physiological stress. SD is an unfortunate side-effect of modern-day living. It supresses digestive, hormonal and reproductive functions, resulting in health problems. The good news? It’s treatable! With the right Chiropractic treatment plan, you can restore balance to your health.
What is Sympathetic Dominance?
“Sympathetic” is a reactionary state controlled by your automatic nervous system. When you feel overwhelmed and overworked, this adrenaline-fuelled state can become dominant, forming “Sympathetic Dominance”. Specific neurological and physiological reactions are triggered.
The Sympathetic/Parasympathetic model
The automatic nervous system controls everything that happens in your body without conscious thought. It’s balanced by two scales—the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. When the Sympathetic scale tips the balance, the Parasympathetic scale loses control of its four major functions– rest, digestion, repair and reproduction.
Help! I need a Chiropractor!
If SD sounds all too familiar, never fear! With a few simple steps, you can regain control of your nervous system. Saltuary’s qualified and experienced Chiropractor, Mark Uren, can help you restore much-needed balance to your health!
Visit our website to book a session.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a holistic, whole-body treatment that uses specific rib and spinal adjustments to release built-up tension in the body. At-home posture exercises supplement Chiropractic, helping you fit chill-out time into your day. Relaxing your mind and body is crucial for overcoming SD.
During your initial consultation at Saltuary, Mark will take you through a functional neurology review. You will be assessed for SD and Oestrogen Dominance (OD).
For follow-up treatment, Mark typically recommends a combination of Chiropractic adjustments, supplements, at-home exercises and lifestyle precautions. For example:
• Magnesium supplements to support adrenal function
• Progesterone cream to boost progesterone production
• Structured chill-out time/meditation for ongoing healing
• Avoiding foods, creams & plastics containing xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic oestrogen, creating oestrogen production)
How does SD impact my health?
When your body has SD, it’s deprived of time and energy to rest and restore itself. This can leave you with that run-down, depleted feeling, like lingering fatigue after a cold or flu. Many people feel like they are chasing symptoms with no apparent link, such as:
• Shoulder & neck tightness
• Sensitivity to light & noise
• Headaches & migraines
• Light sleep & vivid dreams
• Anxiety & depression
• Digestive upsets such as bloating, IBS, allergies, diarrhoea & constipation
• High blood pressure
• Increased blood clotting risk
• Inflammation
• Gallbladder problems
• Thyroid problems
• Hormonal imbalances
Did you know? SD can also cause Oestrogen Dominance (OD)
Ongoing SD can result in adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalances. In fact, SD can cause Oestrogen Dominance (OD), which is particularly problematic for women.
OD is the overproduction of oestrogen and underproduction of progesterone (an important hormone in the menstrual cycle and early stages of pregnancy). As oestrogen and progesterone normally exist in a balanced ratio, OD can cause numerous health complications, such as painful or irregular periods, weight gain, depression, insomnia, uterine fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS) and infertility.
Additional potential health impacts of SD:
- Sleep disturbances: SD puts the body in a constant state of arousal, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. This leads to fatigue and impaired concentration and memory.
- Weight gain: SD encourages fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. It also disrupts appetite regulation.
- Poor immunity: SD suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and illness.
- Accelerated ageing: SD increases oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to accelerated cellular ageing.
- Cardiovascular effects: SD raises blood pressure and promotes blood clotting, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction: SD inhibits digestion by reducing blood flow and secretions. This leads to issues like reflux, bloating and IBS.
- Reproductive issues: In women, SD can disrupt menstrual cycles and fertility. In men, it may decrease testosterone and libido.
- Mental health: By disrupting neurotransmitter balance, SD is linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It also impairs cognitive function.
Regaining control over your stressed-out nervous system is crucial for your overall well-being. With tailored Chiropractic treatment and lifestyle changes, you can start to unwind SD and restore balance. Contact us today to begin your journey back to health.