Skip to main content

Autonomic Flexibility

Meaning

Autonomic Flexibility denotes the physiological capacity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to rapidly and appropriately adjust the balance between its sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) branches in response to internal or external stimuli. A high degree of flexibility indicates a robust, healthy, and resilient regulatory system, which is crucial for maintaining hormonal equilibrium. This adaptability is often quantified by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV), providing a non-invasive window into neurovisceral integration. Optimal autonomic flexibility supports metabolic efficiency and reduces allostatic load on the endocrine system.