The Deeper Benefits of Your Acu-Nap

Written By Jaime Kerrigan

As you know, there’s a special kind of restorative calm that acupuncture provides.  When you are resting on the table during your treatment, you naturally fall into that liminal almost-asleep state which we acupuncturists affectionately refer to as the “acu-nap.” And lately there’s been a lot of attention around its powerful benefits to the body and mind.  You may have even heard it described as NSDR.

What is NSDR?

NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) is a term coined by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman based on his research on peak human performance.  He found that excellence in activity is greatly improved with proper rest, but this goes beyond just sleep. Regular periods of relaxed-but-not-asleep rest is shown to have a positive effect on the regulation of the autonomic nervous system.  

Your nervous system has two branches — the sympathetic (yang) and the parasympathetic (yin).  Ideally the sympathetic nervous system should be activated to respond to a stimulus and then return to the parasympathetic state. Many people remain in the elevated state almost exclusively.

Sympathetic Nervous System State

“Fight or Flight”

Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Prepares for strenuous or stressful activity

Action/Emergency Mode

Parasympathetic Nervous System State

“Rest and Digest”

Allows for repair of damaged tissues
Allows for restoration of energy

Increases blood flow to internal organs, including the reproductive organs

Activates digestion

You can imagine how a sympathetic-dominant nervous system can play a part in many health conditions, from high blood pressure to digestive issues to infertility.

While NSDR can be accessed through practices like meditation and guided visualization, here’s what’s so cool— your body goes into this state naturally when you are resting on the table with acupuncture needles! So, not only are you getting the benefit of the targeted acupuncture treatment itself, during each and every treatment you are also reaping the benefits of NSDR.

The Benefits of Non-Sleep Deep Rest

  • Decreases cortisol and replenishes dopamine

  • Improves focus and memory

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Increases attention span

  • Allows for better and deeper sleep

  • Improves mood and energy

And with consistency, your nervous system becomes less activated and naturally more in balance.

How great is that?

Jaime Kerrigan
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