The nervous system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that coordinate and regulate the functions of the body. In horses, the nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that connect to various organs, muscles, and tissues throughout the body. The brain is the central control center of the nervous system and is responsible for processing sensory information, initiating motor responses, and regulating vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. The spinal cord serves as a pathway for nerve signals to travel between the brain and the rest of the body.
The nerves in the nervous system are responsible for transmitting information between the brain and other parts of the body, such as the limbs, organs, and sensory receptors. In horses, the nervous system plays a crucial role in coordinating movement, regulating bodily functions, and responding to stimuli in the environment.
The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of nerves that extend from the CNS to the rest of the body.
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are two branches of the autonomic nervous, a component of the PNS system, which controls many of the body's involuntary functions. Both systems work together to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which is triggered by stress or danger. It prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, and by releasing adrenaline and other hormones. This response is important for survival, as it prepares the body to respond to a perceived threat.
When a horse experiences stress or anxiety, their body can enter a state of sympathetic nervous system activation, which can impede the parasympathetic response. This can lead to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological responses that are associated with the "fight or flight" response. Some examples where the sympathetic nervous system may be activated in horses include transportation, veterinary procedures, and interactions with unfamiliar horses or people, horse shows, and any unfamiliar or new situation. We have to remember that horses are prey animals and this fight or flight response is what has kept anfd continues to keep them alive in the wild. We may perceive certain situations as “not a big deal” or say the horse is over reacting, but we cannot fault them for a physiological response that is engrained in their nature.
In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for many important functions, including digestion, healing, and repair. It is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, which is associated with relaxation, healing, and recovery. Equine massage can help to activate the parasympathetic response by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and tension in the body. Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Endorphins can help to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation in the horse, which can in turn activate the parasympathetic response.
Many horses spend a lot of time in high stress situations, leaving very little time for “rest and digest”. This is where we come in to help promote that relaxation that is essential for proper bodily function. This state of being is also essential for muscle repair, which makes it even more important for those of us concerned with muscles! One way in which the parasympathetic nervous system supports muscle repair is by increasing blood flow to the muscles. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, which are necessary for the repair and recovery process. The increased blood flow also helps to remove waste products, such as lactic acid, that can build up in the muscles during exercise and lead to muscle soreness and fatigue.
Additionally, during the "rest and digest" phase, the body releases other hormones, which are essential for muscle repair and growth. These hormones stimulate the production of new muscle tissue and help to repair damaged muscle fibers. Using massage as a tool can also help to promote muscle repair and recovery by increasing blood flow to the muscles and reducing muscle tension and soreness. Massage helps to flush out waste products and promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which can help to speed up the repair process that is naturally carried out by the body.
In conclusion, if a horse does not spend enough time in “rest and digest” , it can have detrimental effects on their overall health and well-being. There is so much we as owners, riders, horse lovers, can do to help our horses repair, regenerate, and to restore balance and harmony in the body.
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