Parasetter®

“Parasetter enables 3-dimensional cognitive breathing which reduces stress levels and inflammation.”

— Marika Molnar PT L.Ac

Support the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Lowers Cortisol & Decompresses Fascia

Parasetter®, used with posterior lateral breathing exercises, optimizes diaphragmatic movement. Adding lower back stretches facilitated by the dual roller system will improve the flexibility of the intercostal muscles, the spine, and the deep fascia that is continuous from head to toe. In the Recovery Sequence,  feel how to reset the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

Parasetter® Recovery Tips

  • Head Support is positioned for comfort.
  • Close eyes or place a cloth over them.
  • Use Parasetter® on the floor or a firm mattress.
  • With Parasetter® on floor, legs can rest on a chair.
  • Limb movements are optional.
  • Other limb sequences can be used.
  • Ten minutes of breathing is optimal.
  • Rib Wrap should be snug.

While focused breathing is necessary for resetting the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), it’s actually the exhalation that is key. It’s essential to exhale for a few counts longer than your inhale because the vagus nerve – which runs from the neck down through the diaphragm – sends a signal to your brain to activate the PNS and reduce the activity of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). We already know the SNS is responsible for cortisol and the fight-or-flight response. By performing focused breathing, a longer exhale than inhale, the body is able to return to a calmer state much more efficiently and effectively.


Parasetter® Testimonials

  • I am a family practice physician. As a fibromyalgia patient with underlying up-slip and torquing of the SI joint, I get great relief from Pilates exercises and Parasetter which realigns my spine. The horizontal position beats massage and physical therapy allowing

    me to alleviate muscle tension and to deactivate trigger points. I also love using the Minis for my feet and also for massaging tight areas when traveling. I love having this control over my body’s chronic issues! Happiness is Pilates and Parasetter!

    — Sherlyn Larrison

  • Parasetter has given me a tool which delivers a transformative calmness by releasing the Parasympathetic nervous system .In today’s terms. We all need a tool to de-fragment our hard drives . It’s about clearing the viruses from a computer in order to make all the other programs or apps perform more efficiently .

    This is Parasetter!!!!

    — Anita Kretschmer LPI

  • During and after the gymnasts are on the Parasetter, they always acknowledge how good it feels on their spine! They verbalize how easy it becomes to take a deep breath into their back ribs without forcing anything.

    Since incorporating Parasetter into their workouts, the girls also choose to use it on their own time outside of the gym. They show a better awareness of their bodies in space and can attain the goals for their daily practice with less stress. As their Coach, I have noticed that their gymnastics performance has improved and they all seem to be happier.

    — Judy Hartog, Head Coach/Manager Odyssey Gymnastics 288 RT6. Mahopac NY

  • Parasetter is refreshing, renewing, and amazing! It helps to improve my posture-- my chest and shoulders feel more open, and my spine feels as though it is floating on a cloud. Spending time on Parasetter before dancing allows more mobility in my spine and so I have more freedom and ease in my movement! It’s a great, quick and easy way to relieve stress at the end of the day. My 14 yr. old daughter uses it right before bedtime, and she sleeps so much better. I have found a new best friend, and I am sure that my family and my clients will feel the same!

    — Cola Greenhill-Casados

  • Parasetter is simply the most worthwhile educational investment I have made in a very long time. It is an absolute must have accessory for studios and clients to use at home. Parasetter® gives cognitive feedback that stimulates and connects new neuro-pathways in the brain. It is a perfect companion for rehabilitative work within the Pilates framework. The combination of the unique roller with the assistance of the Rib Wrap and Head Support helps lengthen and release the muscles and fascia. Just lying on it puts the body in a comfortable state and with the three dimensional breathing you a reach a true relaxation response! Parasetter® is the tool I have been looking for.

    — Patti Kreiner PMA®-CPT Instructor

  • If you spend a lot of time on a computer (or any screen) Parasetter® is a lifesaver. It has helped so much with mid/upper back and neck issues. Definitely helps open up your chest muscles after hunching over a desk all day.

    — stangmom

  • There’s nothing like it. Parasetter® is so helpful to reduce stress and tension even from whiplash.

    — Alison Johnson

  • Marika Molnar PT, New York City Ballet’s Physical Therapist, introduced me to Parasetter®. It is fantastic and effective for many different ailments and exercises for all ages.

    My father, who is also a ballet dancer, was recently cast as the Father in Cinderella and was having back trouble from long rehearsals. I brought it to the studio and after simply lying on it for five minutes in the middle of a long Saturday, he says his back was at least 50% relieved and he was able to finish rehearsal not in pain. He is a skeptic and was wary but he was so impressed!!

    He also slept on it when his back was really aggravated and claims this practice almost totally alleviated his back pain through rehearsal season.I use the Parasetter for my own PT and also in the dance conditioning class I teach to elementary/middle school ages! It a fun, different and very effective tool!

    — Rachel

  • Love Parasetter! I’ve been using this product with simple exercises and movement that provide a lot of benefits! My husband is using it too! From the Pilates studio to the house it is easy to work with, plus easy to follow along with the free videos the PhysicalMind

    Institute offers! We are using it more and more with clients of all ages in Pilates and dance!

    — Emily Zachery Smith Pilates and Ballet Teacher

  • I had tried Parasetter® in a Gyrotonic studio and immediately purchased one for my own use. I normally lie on it with my legs propped up on the chair for ten minutes before going to bed. I feel much more relaxed so it is easy to fall asleep afterward. PhysicalMind has many exercise videos to give ideas on various breathing and leg and core workouts. A really diverse product to enjoy.

    — KP

  • The best part of Parasetter® is that it feels so good just to lie on it. The worst part of Parasetter® is that you won’t want to get up and go to work!!

    — Jean B.

  • Parasetter allows for 3-dimensional cognitive breathing which reduces the stress levels throughout the body. As it supports the ribs and cradles the spinous processes it improves the movement of the diaphragm resulting in better circulation with improved oxygenation of all the cells. By enhancing the parasympathetic nervous systems ability to function Inflammation is reduced and the overall health of the spine is improved.

    — Marika Molnar PT

  • Lying on Parasetter while bending my knees and folding the legs above my torso - then moving one leg to straight at a time - seems to easily iron out the kinks in my back. Won't be without it!

    Parasetter® helps me improve my posture: my chest and shoulders feel more open, and my spine feels as if it is floating. Time on this marvelous set of dual rollers gives me more mobility and ease. It’s a quick an easy de-stressor.

    I teach a Parasetter class at my local JCC, and this is one fabulous piece of equipment. It's light, versatile, and challenging. Can be used in so many unique ways. My participants love the novelty and ease of use. Their balance and alignment have vastly improved. They can't get enough! Highly recommend to purchase Parasetter and the MINIS as well.

    — Amazon Review

  • My Pilates teacher recommended Parasetter which is now an important part of my fitness routine. I love the exercises and I also use it during workouts underneath my knees or hands, as an extra cushion. It's a great piece and very versatile.

    — Amazon Review

  • It has helped relieve back and shoulder pain. I usually get up with pain in low back, hips, shoulders. Just lying on the Parasetter for a short while helps to relieve the pain. It is definitely worth the price.

    — Amazon Review

The Science Behind It

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) helps us to adapt to the changing internal environment of our body. The two parts of this system are the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Although they are supposed to balance one another, modern life gets in the way, causing excessive and ongoing stress. This is where cortisol comes into play. Even though cortisol is a necessary hormone—it gets us up in the morning to start our day—too much is NOT a good thing. When chronically elevated levels of cortisol remain in the system, we are susceptible to abdominal fat gain, low energy, sleep problems, cognitive decline, increased blood sugar and insulin levels, and compromised immune function.

Read more ->

Joan Breibart and Marika Molnar PT, LAc discuss the cortisol connection and explain why this new work is so beneficial.