Overstimulated Mind, Stressed Body | The Nervous System and Modern Imbalance
We live in a culture of constant movement - endless thought, speech, and digital stimulation. We stay up late, skip meals, multitask, and call it productivity. Yet the body keeps score. The more we push, the further away we move from the circadian rhythm, which is vital to our well-being.
In Ayurveda, this type of dysregulation reflects an imbalance of Vata dosha - the principle of air and ether that governs movement, communication, and proper flow in the body. In modern terms, it mirrors dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system: an overactivated stress response, disrupted vagal tone, and impaired digestive and hormonal rhythms. When movement in the mind becomes excessive, the movement in the body becomes disturbed.
Vata governs all movement in the body: every nerve impulse, breath, and cycle of circulation. Its subtypes - Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana, and Apana Vata - coordinate brain function, nerve transmission, digestion, and elimination. Among them, Prana Vata (centered in the head and chest) regulates the mind, sensory perception, and breath. Vyana Vata governs circulation and neural communication. Apana Vata, seated in the colon, regulates elimination and reproductive stability. When these forces are balanced, communication across the nervous system remains steady and coherent. However, when disturbed by overstimulation, irregular routines, or emotional stress, this communication can become erratic, manifesting as anxiety, insomnia, shallow breathing, or irregular digestion.
Ayurvedic texts describe this as Vata prakopa, or aggravation of movement. Charaka Samhita notes that when Vata becomes excessive, “the body trembles, the mind grows restless, and the organs of action lose coordination” (Sutrasthana 12).
Contemporary research mirrors this understanding. Chronic stress triggers overactivation of the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) and the sympathetic nervous system, reducing vagal tone - the body’s natural calming mechanism. Studies confirm that reduced vagal activity and increased sympathetic dominance are linked to irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, and anxiety disorders (Mayer EA et al., Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 2015). Another review found that chronic stress disrupts the gut microbiome, slows motility, and impairs absorption (Sundin J et al., Current Gastroenterology Reports, 2018). In Ayurveda’s language, excessive movement (chala guna) and dryness (ruksha guna) of Vata directly correspond to the physiological signs of sympathetic dominance and parasympathetic depletion - different vocabulary - same biology.
As Vata’s movement becomes erratic, its downward flow (known as Apana Vata) weakens. This disruption primarily affects the colon, which, being hollow and naturally mobile, becomes the first site of problems. What should be a normal process of elimination can turn into irregularity, gas, bloating, or constipation. From a clinical perspective, this pattern indicates disrupted gut-brain signaling. The colon, rich in enteric neurons and vagal endings, responds immediately to stress and overthinking. When the body is in a chronic stress response, motility slows, the microbiome shifts, and inflammation arises. Ayurveda has consistently recognized this connection. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes the balance between prana (upward-moving energy) and apana (downward-moving energy) as essential for steadiness in both body and mind (HYP, Ch. 2). When the mind becomes overly active, the gut tends to react similarly.
The correction process begins with regulation. Ayurveda recommends straightforward, measurable actions to restore Vata’s balance. Establishing consistent sleep and meal schedules helps recalibrate circadian and digestive rhythms. Incorporating warm, cooked meals and ensuring proper hydration effectively counteract Vata’s inherent dryness and lightness. Daily oil massage, known as Abhyanga, nourishes both the sensory and motor nerves while enhancing vagal tone. Engaging in slow, mindful breathing before meals promotes parasympathetic dominance and enhances digestive motility. Reducing sensory overload - by limiting constant input, multitasking, and digital exposure - allows the mind to recover from overstimulation. Even small adjustments can reinstate predictability in the nervous system, helping to alleviate chronic sympathetic strain.
We frequently address imbalance by seeking more - whether it’s additional supplements or therapies. However, the healing process for Vata dysregulation begins with the principle of doing less, consistently. Just as the nervous system relies on rhythm, so does the colon. Each meal, breath, and sleep cycle presents a chance to reestablish order. When rhythm is restored, Prana and Apana align harmoniously, digestion stabilizes, sleep becomes more profound, and the body’s inherent wisdom reawakens.
References
Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Ch. 12 (Prana, Vyana, and Apana Vata)
Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana, Ch. 12 (Daily rhythm and digestion)
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Ch. 2 (Balance of prana and apana)
Mayer EA et al., Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 2015
Sundin J et al., Current Gastroenterology Reports, 2018
Porges SW, Frontiers in Psychology, 2011 (Polyvagal Theory)
