Uncovering the Marvels of Body Signals: What are they Telling Us?

Are you ever amazed by how quickly your body responds to the world around you? It's all thanks to the fascinating world of signals that our body gives us day in and day out. The body is a complex work of art. It gives us signals to eat, drink, go to the bathroom, etc. It is important to honor these signals, for they are there for good reasons. For example, we receive signals of hunger or thirst, when the body needs fuel or liquids to function better. When we do not honor the body’s signals, we can create imbalances within the body. 

Understanding Signals

The nervous system is like our body's own personal communication network, constantly sending and receiving signals to ensure everything functions smoothly. From the moment you wake up to the second you fall asleep, your nervous system is hard at work, coordinating everything from basic reflexes to complex thoughts.

One remarkable thing about the nervous system is its speed. Have you ever touched something hot and immediately pulled your hand away? That's your nervous system at work, sending lightning-fast signals from your fingers to your brain and back again in a fraction of a second. It's a marvel of biological engineering!

In Ayurveda, some bodily signals cannot be ignored. Have you ever seen a hungry or thirsty cat? If it is hungry it eats. If it is thirsty, it finds water. If it is tired, it chills and relaxes. We humans tend to ignore our signals. These signals in Ayurveda are called adharaniya vega or nonsuppressible urges . These signals that we should NOT ignore are mūtra (urine) purīśa (defecation) retas (ejaculation) vata (flatus) cārdi (vomit) kṣavatu (sneezing) kṣut (hunger) pipāsa (thirst) vāspa (tears) nīdra (sleep) śrama nihvasa (breath during exertion) and kāsa (cough). One should also not suppress yawning. 

Embracing the Complexity

The nervous system is incredibly complex, with billions of neurons working together to keep us functioning. It's a delicate balance of electrical and chemical signals that allow us to move, think, and feel. Every time you laugh, cry, or even just take a breath, your nervous system is there, orchestrating the entire process.

    This system is so complex that if we suppress the signal from our body to pass stool, flatulence or even ignore hunger, it can cause havoc with our wellness in the long run. Downward airs or Apana vata can have a reversed movement (it is supposed to travel downwards) when the urge to urinate or defecate is suppressed. The holding of urine, instead of urinating when the body signals the need to, can cause pain and even can be an hetu for bladder-related issues. Like the suppression of urine, the suppression of defecation can also cause pain and other issues, some of which aren’t even connected obviously, such as rhinitis.

     An additional example is that constipation can arise from suppressing flatulence. The suppression of sneezing can cause stiffness in the neck. Suppression of appetite can lead to anorexia, giddiness and mental imbalance. Dehydration and exhaustion can occur when one suppresses the urge to drink.

Dry eyes and rhinitis can occur when one suppresses the urge to cry. Fatigue and lack of concentration can occur when one ignores the urge to sleep. 

     Though there are Ayurvedic suggestions to fix issues that arise from suppressing these urges, the key takeaway here is to honor your body and to listen to its signals.

Unveiling the Connection

The beauty of the nervous system lies in its connection to every part of our body. It's not just about reflexes and reactions; it also plays a crucial role in our emotions, memories, and overall well-being. Understanding how nervous system signals influence our daily lives can give us a newfound appreciation for the incredible machinery within us. The body is wise, and intuitively knows when it’s time to eat, to drink, to go to the bathroom, and it lets you know. When we listen to our body’s signals we are healthier and more balanced in all ways.

Conclusion

Next time you feel a shiver down your spine or a sudden burst of excitement, remember that it's all thanks to the intricate dance of nervous system signals within you. Our bodies are truly remarkable, and if its telling us we need to go pee, poop or release air--Ayurveda tells us to not ignore it.