Neural Hardware

Sympathetic Nervous System

The "fight or flight" branch of the autonomic nervous system — mobilizes the body for action and threat response.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the "fight or flight" branch of the autonomic nervous system. It mobilizes the body for action — increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow, and releasing stress hormones.

Key Effects

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Redirected blood flow to muscles
  • Cortisol and adrenaline release
  • Suppressed digestion
  • Heightened alertness

In ONDA Life

Chronic sympathetic activation (stress) keeps the body in deficit mode. Level 1 practices help restore balance by activating the parasympathetic system, allowing the sympathetic branch to return to baseline when not needed.

Scientific Basis

Built on: Polyvagal Theory (Porges); Psychoneuroimmunology (Ader & Cohen); neuroplasticity research.