system because it conserves energy. It includes the endocrine glands, parts of the
hypothalamus and the thalamus, and reaches into the right cerebral hemisphere.
Thus the non-dominant, holistic mind is connected with the quiescent system and
involves the hypothalamus and hippocampus. After the activity of sympathetic
stimulation the parasympathetic system reverses the changes when the danger is
over and returns the body functions to normal.
The main nerves of the parasympathetic system are the tenth cranial nerves,
the vagus nerves. They originate in the medulla oblongata with separate branches
going to the heart and respiratory system, and there are branches throughout
the abdomen after passing through the oesophageal opening of the diaphragm.
Other preganglionic parasympathetic neurons also extend from the brain as well
as from the sacral end of the spinal cord. The ganglia of this system are located
near the structures to be innervated or actually in the walls of the organ, therefore
the postganglionic fibers are much shorter than those of the sympathetic system.
This is one of the reasons why sympathetic effects are usually more diffuse than
parasympathetic effects. The sacral parasympathetic fibers supply the rectum,
bladder and reproductive organs; and nerves from the two lowest ganglia enter the
kundalini gland. Cranial fibers run with the vagus nerve supplying enervation to
the heart, stomach and small intestines. True parasympathetic nerves are all motor.
Sensory nerves within the parasympathetic system are general visceral sensory
nerves that simply run with the parasympathetic fibers and are not strictly part of
the system. There is not parasympathetic supply to the limbs or gonads.
acetylcholine (ach) is the neurotransmitter at all the pre- and many of the
postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic system. However, some of the
postganglionic neurons release nitric oxide (NO) as their neurotransmitter. In the
parasympathetic nervous system, the postganglionic neurons’ ACh is received by
muscarinic ACh receptors. Acetylcholine (ACh) opens cation channels for Na+
and Ca+ to flow into and K+ to flow out of a cell. ACh is an example of a direct
messenger. Parasympathetic stimulation causes the heartbeat to slow, lowers blood
pressure constricts pupils and changes the lens for near vision, increases blood flow
to the skin and viscera, stimulates glands to secrete saliva and mucus, stimulates gut
peristalsis. Contracts the bladder and uterus, causes erection of penis and clitoris,
Plexus are complex webs of nerves and ganglia that affect the internal organs,
particularly by controlling arterial blood flow, hence oxygen and nutrient supply.
The location of the plexus are associated with the chakra system. The cervical
plexus contains nerves mainly connected to the skin and muscles of the head and
neck, but it also contains the phrenic nerve which runs to the diaphragm. The
cardiac plexus directly affects the heart and lungs. The solar plexus is the largest in
the body. It is involved in the flight or flight activation of the redirection of blood
from the digestive organs to the brain and muscles. The solar plexus stimulates the
production of adrenaline and activates the kidneys. The pelvic plexus has lumbar
and sacral spinal connections and is concerned with elimination and sexuality.
Kundalini can be felt as bliss, tingle and heat moving through these plexus at
various times.