Nervous System, Gut, and Pain
How does our nervous system really affect our gut and why does it have a link to chronic pain?
Well, the nervous system has a central role in regulating our gut health and any chronic pain we experience. There is a direct communication pathway between the brain and the gut. The nervous system also strongly influences inflammation, pain perception, and immune responses.
When these pathways are disrupted, we can be faced with conditions such as:
- Muscular, joint, or nerve pain
- IBS/D
- Autoimmune conditions
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Mental health
- Fatigue
- and more
We know that the gut is often called the “second brain” due to its neural network of messengers and signals. When something affects the gut’s signals and chemicals, we find ourselves with:
- Heightened pain sensitivity
- Increased systemic inflammation
- Uncontrolled immune responses
- Changes in neurotransmitter production
What is disrupting my nervous system and gut pathways?
When the body has experienced trauma of some type – whether it be physical, emotional, environmental, or a buildup of micro-traumas, the system changes to adapt to the new body state. Certain infections can also cause chronic inflammation or immune responses, affecting both the nervous system and gut. Poor nutrition such as processed foods, artificial sweeteners and more can cause gut sensitivity, which leads to inflammation and disrupted signals from the gut.
How does acupuncture help with regulating our nervous system, gut health, and pain?
Acupuncture has a direct effect on the hormones, chemical mediators, and pathways that have to do with inflammation, pain, and the immune response. By inserting an acupuncture needle, we are able to affect levels of certain hormones and chemicals, which then have a cascade of effects on their relevant pathways. By training your systems to shift in a different direction, acupuncture may help you to get out of these vicious cycles of pain and inflammation.
All in all, the nervous system and gut are deeply interconnected. They influence pain, inflammation, and overall health. Trauma, infections, poor nutrition, or other stressors can create imbalances that lead to chronic conditions. Acupuncture is a natural approach to help restore balance in your body by regulating hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune responses. Let’s break the cycle of your pain and inflammation so you can feel better as a whole!
– Michelle
