The autonomic nervous system is a very old and evolutionarily preserved component of our nervous system.
It is comprised of two large divisions:
- the SYMPATHETIC nervous system;
- the PARASYMPATHETIC nervous system.
The sympathetic system is characterised by a high metabolic activity and is stimulated by physical activity, breathing and nutrition – i.e. every time we play sports, work out and focus on work or some tasks requiring intense mental activity. Under normal conditions, it is active at daytime.
The parasympathetic system has a low metabolic activity rate and is stimulated by sleep, digestion (only partially) and in situations requiring immediate responses to preserve vital functions (e.g. fainting). Under normal conditions, it is active at night.
These two systems regulate most of our physiological processes and their state of balance and harmony with the natural body rhythm is associated with good health.
In this complex network, the function of breathing is to restore the lost balance and control the activation/deactivation of the autonomic nervous system.
The biofeedback (i.e. the monitoring of the respiratory function during a breathing exercise carried out with the use of the PPG stress flow) is scientifically proven to modulate the autonomic nervous system through the breathing rhythm.
The nutrition consultation of the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic
The nutritional assessment includes the measurement of two key parameters that reveal the actual state of health of the patient. After investigating the patient’s lifestyle, including his or her habits and preferences in terms nutrition and physical activity, we focus on two main aspects: the autonomic nervous system and the body composition.
The autonomic nervous system has been preserved throughout evolution and is made up of two subsystems. One is active and dominant during daytime and it is essential to perform any kind of mental or physical task – it is the sympathetic system.
The other one, called parasympathetic system, is dominant during sleep and it is key for recuperation and compensation.
The balance between these two divisions is crucial for the patient’s health.
Whenever this balance is off for longer periods of time, the conditions for a deterioration of the state of health may arise.
The second aspect our examination is focused on is body composition , which indicates the starting condition and the factors to be taken into consideration for the patient’s diet during his or her stay.
These two measurements are very important and their cross-analysis provides a detailed overview of the patient’s condition, which is the starting point for a comprehensive programme for the improvement of his or her well-being.
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