Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): The Secret System That Keeps You Healthy

By Kelsi Belz, DC, CACCP

Have you ever tried to digest your lunch faster? Or slow down your heartbeat just by thinking about it? What about helping your child stop bedwetting or focus better in school? It is nearly impossible to control these things on your own because they are managed by a part of your nervous system that works in the background, outside of your conscious control.

Most of us think about the nervous system as the part that lets us move our arms, wiggle our toes, or swallow when we choose. But there is another side quietly at work, keeping you alive and well without you even noticing. This is called the autonomic nervous system. It is your body’s built-in auto pilot, the system that digests your food, regulates your heartbeat, keeps your temperature steady, and directs thousands of vital processes every single day, all without you lifting a finger. Explore more here.

When the System Struggles

When the autonomic nervous system is out of balance, adults and children may experience different symptoms.

In adults:

• Racing heartbeat

• Anxiety or panic

• Digestive issues or constipation

• Recurring illness

• Low energy or fatigue

In children:

• Infant colic or reflux

• Bedwetting past the typical age

• Sleep disturbances

• Frequent ear infections or illness

• Attention or behavior challenges

These symptoms can leave families feeling puzzled. Since this system is not under conscious control, how do we support it when something is not working right?

How Chiropractic Helps

This is where chiropractic care makes a difference. Each adjustment sends helpful signals to your nervous system, like fine tuning the dials on a stereo:

• Sometimes the volume for stress responses such as heart rate or breath rate needs to be lowered.

• Other times, functions like digestion, relaxation, and immune response need to be boosted.

Chiropractic adjustments gently support this balancing act, helping the nervous system remain flexible and responsive.

👉 Learn more about chiropractic care from the American Chiropractic Association.

Real-Life Stories from Washington Park, Denver

Here are two real scenarios we often see in our Washington Park Chiropractic clinic in Denver.

• The anxious mom of two who experiences constant stress, tight chest muscles, and sleepless nights. Her system is stuck in fight-or-flight mode, with stress turned up too high and digestion and rest turned down too low. Adjustments encourage balance and help her body settle into more peaceful rhythms.

• The withdrawn teenager struggles with low energy, frequent illness, and oversleeping. His system feels muted. Gentle adjustments act like a nudge, waking his energy, resilience, and motivation.

Most people fall somewhere between these two stories and this imbalance can be present at any age not just adults. A healthy nervous system is adaptable and able to shift when life asks something different of it.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Denver

Families around Washington Park, Denver, Colorado often seek highly trained and certified chiropractors to help their little ones. From babies with colic or reflux to school-aged children with sleep or focus concerns, gentle chiropractic adjustments can support regulation, balance, and overall well-being in a nurturing way.

At our clinic, Dr. Lisa Goodman and Dr. Kelsi Belz are both specially trained and certified in pediatric chiropractic care. Their expertise ensures your child receives safe, effective care tailored to their unique needs.

Learn more about pediatric chiropractic from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).

The Takeaway

Chiropractic care does not force the body into balance. Instead, it invites your body’s own wisdom to restore balance. By tuning the “hidden system” that runs much of our health, adjustments support your body’s natural ability to regulate, rest, adapt, and thrive.

If you are seeking a chiropractor in Washington Park, Denver, or want to support your family’s health with gentle, effective care, our team is here to help.

Situated in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, Washington Park Chiropractic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our team of experienced chiropractors and therapists work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs. We understand the active lifestyle of our Denver community and strive to help our patients return to their favorite activities pain-free. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or someone dealing with chronic pain, our goal is to support your journey to optimal health.