‘Fight or Flight’ vs. ‘Rest and Digest’
At Fundamental Health, osteopathy is all about treating the whole person, not just symptoms. One key body system we work with is the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which plays a crucial role in regulating many of your body’s automatic functions.
What Is the Autonomic Nervous System?
The ANS controls things you don’t have to consciously think about, like:
Heart rate
Breathing
Digestion
Blood pressure
It has two main branches:
Sympathetic Nervous System
Known as the “fight or flight” response, it helps you deal with stress or emergencies. Think rapid heartbeat, tense muscles, and heightened alertness.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
This is the “rest and digest” mode. It allows your body to relax, heal, and focus on essential functions like digestion and recovery.
Stress and Its Physical Effects
In today’s fast-paced world, many people spend too much time in fight or flight mode. Over time, this can lead to:
Chronic muscle tension and pain
Shallow or rapid breathing
Poor digestion and gut discomfort
Fatigue or poor sleep
Osteopathic treatment uses gentle, hands-on techniques that can help calm the nervous system, reduce tension, and guide the body back into a restful, healing state.
Why Does My Stomach Gurgle During Treatment?
You might have noticed your stomach making noises during an osteopathy treatment, even if you’re not hungry. This is actually a good sign; your body is focusing on digestion, something that works best when we’re in a relaxed state.
How to Support a Balanced Nervous System
A healthy autonomic nervous system is vital for overall wellbeing. Here are a few ways to support it:
Practice daily stress management (e.g. meditation, breathing exercises, gentle movement)
Engage in regular physical activity
Prioritise and support consistent quality sleep
Eat a nourishing well-balanced diet
A Holistic Approach at Fundamental Health
We believe in team-based, holistic care. That’s why we offer a range of services under one roof, including:
Osteopathy
Psychology
Naturopathy
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
Physiotherapy
Massage
Clinical Pilates
Our practitioners work collaboratively to help address your individual needs and goals.
Get in Touch
Want to learn more or book an appointment?
Email us at: info@fundamentalhealth.com.au
Call us on: (02) 9169 6361
Book online
References
Abenavoli, A. et al. (2020). Cranial osteopathic treatment and stress-related effects on autonomic nervous system measured by salivary markers: a pilot study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(4), 215–221.
Stępnik, J., Kędra, A., & Czaprowski, D. (2025). Impact of Osteopathic Techniques on Autonomic Regulation: A Study of Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Adults. Medical Science Monitor, 31, e946903. Read study