Regulating ourselves in Dys-regulated Times

What is being dys-regulated exactly? I don't even know if that is a real word... 

Basically, I believe it is when our Parasympathetic and Sympathetic system get out of whack. 
Yes, whack. 

When our nervous system is un-interrupted and healthy, we can naturally regulate ourselves. Animals do it too. They often will freeze or run when under attack, and literally shake to "shake it off".

There are many ways that we can regulate ourselves, it means that we are not living in our limbic system. 
What is the limbic system? It is comprised of several parts of our brain, it has to do with emotions like fear, pride, and emotions that dictate our survival.
Anything that makes us lose our breath, fear for our lives, security, status and more, can trigger our limbic system to turn on, even into overdrive. It is meant to protect us. The cliche example is if you see a bear and you need to run. But, living like that constantly, leads to ill healthy and other problems. An example of this is also PTSD, Post-traumatic stress disorder, where our nervous system stays stuck with a charge. There are many good ways to help us get over PTSD, BUT we can also learn ways not to get it at all. By dealing with Trauma, in the present. 
How do you like to balance or regulate yourself? We all have our favorite ways. You may not even realize you do it!
I found at the beginning of this how much working with people would help me regulate myself, I would have to, to be in the space to work and the human connection is healing both ways. So, it was a hard transition to not be in that space with my clients. 
Another way I find helps is movement, doing familiar things, practices, like yoga for me, maybe it's reading a book you've read before, hugging a close one, walking in nature.. things that make us feel safe and give us a sense of autonomy. When we feel helpless or like we don't have a choice, it can even be damaging to our nervous systems. I have used my other vices too, like food, but the idea is to try and maintain a homeostasis. Sometimes that means, being sad, grieving life as it was, and that it may not be the same for awhile or ever.  And actually, literally grieving for those who have died, are suffering or will suffer. It's about noticing what is happening, ask yourself how you feel, could be mental, emotional or physical. Do you feel jittery? Do you feel hyper, tired, overwhelmed, calm? Notice your body ? Do you feel defensive? Can you listen and let opinions wash over you? These are all clues to which part of your nervous system is more active. 

Acupuncture, helps lower stress, by helping your body regulate itself, that is why it is so powerful. Our bodies do know, but can forget,and get stuck in patterns. I have seen amazing results with PTSD with Acupuncture, not as a replacement for good therapy, but powerful in the healing process, and getting the QI, energy, flowing. 
Please share your favorite way to regulate yourself as well.. 
Warmly, 
Stefanie Rothert
#acupunctureforstress #healyourself #acupunctureforwellbeing