In many Eastern therapies and holistic healing traditions, true health starts with a calm mind and relaxed body. We should aim to keep the body in a parasympathetic nervous system–dominant state of “rest and digest,” because this is where healing, repair, and recovery take place.
Continuing on from the previous article, we can further support our nervous system during times of fear, stress, and anxiety using simple mind–body practices inspired by Eastern healing: affirmations, meditation, imagination and visualisation, and positive reminder cards.
Affirmations and Meditation for Nervous System Healing
Meditation is one of the most powerful Eastern therapies to calm the nervous system. It involves gently clearing the mind, centering the body, and switching off mental chatter. This might sound difficult at first, but with time, practice, and consistency, you can meditate almost anywhere—on the bus, on your couch, or sitting cross-legged on the floor.
To begin a simple meditation practice:
- Loosen any tight clothing and sit or lie down comfortably.
- You may choose to play relaxation or instrumental music in the background.
- Slow down and gently deepen your breathing.
- Bring your attention back to each inhale and exhale whenever your mind starts to wander.
Repetitive words or affirmations, often used in meditation, tai chi, prayer, and other Eastern practices, help prevent the mind from drifting into anxious thoughts. A personal daily mantra could be: “I’m healthy, strong, and prosperous.” Over time, positive affirmations like this help re-wire the brain and support a calmer, more balanced nervous system.
Imagination and Visualisation to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
After a long day at work or a stressful week, relaxing thoughts may not come easily. However, even as little as 10 minutes of guided imagery or visualisation each day can make a profound difference to your mood and energy.
Try this simple visualisation practice:
- Sit or lie in a quiet place where you feel safe and comfortable.
- Close your eyes and begin with a few slow, deep breaths.
- Then picture a relaxing scene in your mind. You might imagine:
- Walking along a beach on a warm summer’s day, watching the crystal clear blue ocean water.
- Lying under a huge green tree, feeling supported by the earth as you listen to birds chirping overhead.
This type of imagination and visualisation, used widely in Eastern mind–body therapies, signals to the brain and nervous system that you are safe, helping the body move out of “fight or flight” and back into “rest and digest.”
Positive Cards and Happy Memories for Emotional Balance
Another simple yet powerful tool is creating a set of positive or happy cards. These support emotional healing and can shift your energy in a matter of seconds.
Make a list or collection of:
- Positive memories
- Funny moments
- Treasured loved ones
- Future events you’re excited about
- Calming photos of nature and serene environments
You can write these on small cards, keep them in your journal, or store digital images on your phone. The aim is that when you are feeling down, angry, upset, disappointed, or sad, you can turn to your personal collection of words, images, and photos. This gently redirects your focus from negative to positive, helping to bring forward feelings of peace, joy, and happiness.
Bringing Eastern Therapies into Your Everyday Life
Integrating these simple Eastern-inspired practices into your daily routine—meditation, affirmations, visualisation, and positive reminder cards—can help you:
- Soothe your nervous system
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve sleep and digestion
- Support long-term emotional and physical health
By unwinding your mind and returning the body to a parasympathetic “rest and digest” state more often, you create the ideal internal environment for healing, repair, and vibrant health.
Ready to Experience Eastern Therapies for Yourself?
If you’re ready to support your nervous system and calm your mind, you can book a consultation with Anastasia at Eastern Therapies. Together, we’ll create a personalised plan to help you feel balanced, grounded, and deeply relaxed.
