The ANS is located in the medulla oblongata (brain stem). It controls all parts of the body of which we have no voluntary control. The ANS determines what is or isn’t stress to our inner self.
The ANS is divided into two antagonistic parts, these being the Parasympathetic System and the Sympathetic System. About 5% of the population are Balanced!
The Sympathetic System responds to strong emotions such as anger or excitement. It acts very much the opposite to that of the Parasympathetic System, in that it stimulates the heart, causes the bronchi to react, contracts the arteries raising blood pressure, inhibits the digestive system, mobilizes glucose and stimulates the secretion of sweat thus preparing the person for physical action. When the Sympathetic System is dominant or stronger, the person generally has a digestive system that is readily disturbed, restful sleep maybe a problem and headaches, in particular migraines may crop up fairly frequently.
The Parasympathetic System slows the pulse, lowering blood pressure, decreases the secretion of sweat and prepares the person for feeding, digestion and rest. When the Parasympathetic System is dominant, the person is generally having a good digestion, very rarely has headaches, doesn’t usually have a problem sleeping and is not easily disturbed for any period of time. The bowel tends to be sluggish and constipation is normal.
Do any either of these systems describe you? The Essential Oils are categorized as such. It is best when using a blend over a long period of time to use oils that are opposite to what your ANS is and not are. For example, if you have a Sympathetic ANS, then it would be best to use oils that are Parasympathetic.