Is your nervous system feeling Rajasic, Tamasic, or Sattvic?
According to Yoga philosophy, there are three distinct qualities of energy that exist in our bodies, in nature, and in the universe around us. “Guna” is a sanskrit word that is translated as “quality or attribute”. Yoga and Ayurveda use the Gunas to describe and qualify the states of our consciousness, energy, and well being. The Gunas are not fixed or permanent, rather they change and move according to what we experience and how we are feeling.
THE GUNAS
Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva are the three Gunas. We have each of them within us, but the proportion of each varies in response to our thoughts, internal sensations, and external stimuli.
*Tamas is thought of slow and stuck energy. Too much tamasic energy can bring about feelings of shame, being shut-down, depressed, or apathetic.
*Rajas is the energy of activity, engagement, passion, and excitement. When out of balance, rajasic energy can lead to anger, anxiety, restlessness, and fear.
*Sattva is the energy of harmony, connection, and peace. A sattvic state can also feel joyful, blissful, and comforting.
THE VAGUS NERVE
How does this relate to our nervous system?
As our autonomic nervous system is constantly receiving and interpreting stimuli, it is responding accordingly. The Vagus Nerve is critical to our overall health, especially the health of our nervous system. The PolyVagal Theory teaches us that our nervous system is made up of different response states, each with the purpose of keeping us safe.
*The Dorsal Vagal State: This is your shut-down mode. In this state, your vagus nerve immobilizes you, creating the freeze response, or even sometimes the faint response! Being here can feel hopeless, unending, and disconnecting.
*The Sympathetic State: This is your fight/flight response. Here, your vagus nerve over-mobilizes you, placing you on hyper-alert mode scoping out all the possible threats and sources of danger. Overtime, long periods of sympathetic activation can lead to stress, tightness in our muscles, exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping.
*The Ventral Vagal State: Ahhhh, finally- the state of connection and safety. In this state, your vagus nerve is at a healthy tone, and your nervous system is regulated. Communication, connection, and decision-making is much easier here.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM MEETS THE GUNAS
If it isn’t already obvious, your Nervous System closely reflects the Gunas.
When you’re feeling shut-down, stuck, or those heavy negative emotions, Yoga would describe your emotional state as Tamasic, and the PolyVagal Theory would suggest that you are in the Dorsal-Vagal mode.
When your nervous system is responding to perceived danger by activating your Sympathetic nervous system, you are in the Rajasic state.
And finally, when you are in that comfortable Ventral-Vagal state of love and connection, your energy is Sattvic in nature!
USING YOGA TO BALANCE YOUR GUNAS AND YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
It’s important to build a practice that allows you to understand when you are feeling dysregulated. By identifying and labeling these fluctuations in our energy and stress levels, we can mindfully choose our practices that will bring us back to a calm, balanced, centered, and regulated state.
If you had a day full of rajasic, or fight/flight energy, you may find that a fast-paced workout or yoga class isn’t as regulating as a slower practice may be. Similarly, if you have been feeling shut-down, gently guiding yourself towards bigger, faster, and more activating movements and breath can help shed that tamasic energy.
For support in building that self-awareness, and knowing how to use the Gunas to balance your nervous-system, I specialize in nervous-system focused yoga! Send me a message to develop a balanced and effective plan just for you!
Wishing you well,
Jess
References
1. The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation by Deb A. Dana
2. https://www.stephenporges.com/
3.Applied Polyvagal theory in Yoga: Nourish your Nervous System, Dr. Arielle Schwartz, Embody Lab Training,The Embody Lab
