The activation cycle

The activation cycle is a natural wave formed by arousal rising and then settling. In a healthy nervous system, arousal rises, reaches a peak, and then descends back into calm; this cycle is the natural rhythm of life. When this wave can complete itself, the body can turn arousal into balance. A cycle that stops halfway, on the other hand, can lead to a build-up of tension. This swing between activation and calming is the basis of healthy regulation.