Safety First: The Foundation of Healing
The Nervous System and Healing
On a cellular level, our body can either be in a state of fight/flight/freeze (sympathetic nervous system activated) or in growth and healing mode (parasympathetic nervous system activated). It can’t be in both states at once. That means if our body is stuck in chronic fight/flight/freeze, jumping right into body work or exercise might lead to no improvement or even worsen symptoms.
That doesn’t mean body work and exercise aren’t beneficial—they absolutely help reduce stress, improve mobility, balance, strength, and more. But before adding any other stressors, we first need to establish safety in the nervous system.
Stress as a Necessary Force for Change
Yes, stress is necessary for change—but in the right amount. Just like muscles grow stronger with the right level of challenge, our nervous system adapts when exposed to manageable stress. The key is finding balance, ensuring that stress acts as a catalyst for growth rather than a trigger for shutdown. But if we think of the bucket analogy—a little bit of stress can facilitate adaptation, while too much overflows the bucket and sends danger signals. Those signals create resistance and tightening, making change difficult.
Think about stretching a muscle. Forcing a deep stretch on a tense, guarded muscle makes the body perceive a threat, triggering a reflexive tightening for protection. But if we first create a feeling of safety—maybe through a deep breath or squeeze hugs—then apply a mild stretch, the body allows for a real change in flexibility. The same principle applies to any form of healing, movement, and even our reactions to daily stressors like kids whining or a partner leaving dishes in the sink. Safety first, then a little stress to promote adaptation.
Recognizing the Signs of Survival Mode
We can train ourselves to recognize when our mind and body are shifting into a restricted, stressed state and use that as a signal to pause. It’s absolutely okay—sometimes even necessary—to push ourselves to tackle hard things. But the goal is to avoid triggering that stress response repeatedly throughout the day. When that happens, our brains learn to default to that state more easily, even when it’s not really needed.
Some indicators our body is in survival mode include:
Shallow breathing
Clammy palms or feet
Feeling our heart beating
Reduced peripheral vision
Being in "go-mode"
Checking in with our bodies throughout the day and simply noticing sensations can offer valuable insight into the state of our nervous system.
Creating Receptivity for Change
When we’re stuck in survival mode, it’s like trying to pour water into a cup that’s upside down—no matter how much you pour, it won’t go in. Survival mode blocks our ability to stay open, learn, and adapt, making change much harder to take hold.
The key is learning to notice when our body is slipping into that stress state and using it as a cue to pause, breathe, and reset. This simple habit helps teach our brain that it doesn’t need to stay in survival mode all the time.
Safety First in My Practice
When I begin my work with patients, establishing safety—even before my hands make contact—is my number one priority. The point at which my energy aligns with yours is where true healing begins. We work together in a partner dance, meeting for a brief moment in time, inviting your body into its self-healing state (parasympathetic) using chiropractic adjustments, somatic therapies, and movement.
If this type of care resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out for a free consult to explore whether we’re a good fit.