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PREKSHA MEDITATION, THERAPY AND CURES/ 199
stimulates the conversion of liver glycogen into glucose
shunts blood away from the skin and viscera to the skeletal muscles, brain, and heart
inhibits peristalsis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
inhibits contraction of the bladder and rectum
Stimulation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for emergencies in such a manner that the body is prepared to either take a suitable offensive or defensive measure as the situation warrants.
2.1.2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System
The main nerves of the parasympathetic system are the tenth cranial nerves, the vagus nerves. They originate in the medulla oblongata. Other preganglionic parasympathetic neurons also extend from the brain as well as from the lower tip of the spinal cord.
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter of most pre- and postganglionic neurons. Parasympathetic stimulation causes following effects
slowing down of the heartbeat lowering of blood pressure constriction of the pupils increased blood flow to the skin
peristalsis of the GI tract
The parasympathetic system, therefore, returns the body functions to normal after they have been altered by sympathetic stimulation. In times of danger, the sympathetic system prepares the body for violent activity. The parasympathetic system reverses these changes when the danger is over.
Although the autonomic nervous system is considered to be involuntary, this is not entirely true. A certain amount of conscious control can be exerted over it as has long been demonstrated by practitioners of Jain meditation, Yoga and Zen Buddhism. During their periods of meditation, these people are clearly able to alter a number of autonomic functions including heart rate and the rate of oxygen consumption. These changes induced by the meditation are not simple reflections of decreased physical activity because they exceed the amount of change occurring during sleep or hypnosis.
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