A true revolution is unfolding in health care with the rise of a more accurate understanding of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and comprehension of its significance. The ANS was under-appreciated in psychology’s early history. Now we can say with certainty that most health problems, including psychological conditions, arise from ANS functions. Understanding the ANS is crucial to clinical effectiveness because the ANS and its “survival imperative” form the substrate for most behaviours and responses, including the immune system. According to Franklyn Sills, The autonomic nervous system is pivotal in the regulation of survival functions. Its importance cannot be overstated. The entire field of post-traumatic stress disorder certainly falls in its scope, along with most degenerative diseases, all stress-related situations, autoimmune diseases, and many others. Randolph Stone anticipated the revolution, describing the difference between voluntary and involuntary function and giving specific, effective methods for ANS support.
