Energy of stress: Taking Control

THE ENERGY OF STRESS: TAKING CONTROL
 

Stress is a composite of all energy inputs to the body through the five senses or those manifested internally. Sources are not just emotional and psychological but include structural (pain, bad posture, spinal misalignment, injuries, etc.), chemical (environmental toxins, household chemicals, too much alcohol, improper nutrition, prescription and recreational drugs), and pathological (present sickness and disease). These stressors can be positive (stimulate creativity and productivity) or negative (lowered immune response, disease, bad relationships) dependent on your mind-body response to them.

Stress related breakdowns in the human body occur when the stress energy demands in your life exceed it's integrative capacity to dissipate or utilize these energies appropriately. This process is especially dependent on making healthy choices and particularly having a properly functioning nervous system facilitating the adaptation process.
 

Present neurological research and combined Network Chiropractic - neurophysiological studies being conducted at the Univ. of California Irvine College of Medicine reveal the importance of a properly functioning spine and efficient nervous system in the body's ability to optimally integrate it's functional systems and dissipate excess energies. Since the nervous system directly or indirectly modulates and controls most of your body's functions, stress reduction protocols should be built on a strong foundation of a properly functioning spine and nervous system through regular chiropractic care.
 

Neurophysiologists are also taking a serious look at the possibility that sickness and disease are the result of an unhealthy person's inability to dissipate energies adequately. Andrew Weil, M.D. in "Spontaneous Healing" states that all disease should be considered of stress origin until proven otherwise.

Common stress related illnesses include: headaches, musculoskeletal problems (chronic muscle tension, fibromyalgia, etc.), skin disorders, insomnia, stomach/intestine/colon problems, sexual deficiency, menstral disorders, increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections, and chronic fatigue. Severe stress caused by emotional trauma can be a causative factor of a host of autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythmatosis, A.I.D.S., polymyositis, etc.
 

Taking these concepts to another level, we must look at the ramifications of the way many people deal with stress. Prescription (Valium, Xnanax,etc.) and over-the-counter drugs may be necessary in crisis situations, but, used long term, may compromise the body's integrative capabilities. This is due to the "chemical" stress that they place on the system as it tries to metabolize these non-whole food substances and deal with their side effects.

An alternative is to use herbs that have calming effects and help rejuvenate the nervous system. Examples are Kava Kava root, Skull cap, Valerian, Chamomile, and Mugwort. Check with an her balist as to what's most appropriate in your situation. As with drugs, those with strong sedative effects may not be recommended long term.

The journey to reducing stress begins with a positive attitude that you can regain control of your life. Schedule time in every day to do something to reduce stress. Pick one or more from the following that work for you and be consistent.
 

Breathing exercises are powerful stress reducers, don't cost anything, and don't require much time or a special place. Breathe in through the nostrils and out the mouth. Or, in through one nostril (occlude the other), hold, out the opposite. Reverse direction repeatedly. This is said to energize alternating hemispheres of the brain. Focus on your rhythm. It becomes a meditation in itself. Use a 1:4:2 ratio; i.e., inhale 2 sec., hold 8 sec., exhale 4 sec. When first starting, don't do these while driving or operating machinery as you could hyperventilate. For additional techniques, get a book on yoga breathing.
 

Speaking of meditation, herein lies another great stress reducer. You don't have to sit in the Lotus position, chant a mantra, and seek enlightenment. Simply sit in a comfortable position, isolate distractions as much as possible. Focus on an image, repeat an affirmation, word, or phrase that has meaning to you over and over for a minimum of five minutes, preferably approximately twenty minutes a day. More formal meditative procedures are available through books, tapes, and professional instruction.

Take a mental vacation through visualization. With your eyes closed, allow your imagination to run free for 5-10 min. Pick a pleasurable location from memory or create a fantasy place to focus on. The more you utilize your senses the more effective visualization is. See vividly the setting, smell the aromas, feel the breeze, hear the sounds. Have fun.
 

Progressive muscular techniques utilize alternating contractions (about 5 sec.) and relaxations of specific muscle groups while visualizing the stress leaving that area of the body. Work up specific areas of one upper extremity (hand, forearm, upper arm, shoulder), then the other. Do the lower extremities. Then abdomen, chest, neck, face, and scalp.
 

Other helpful stress reducers include aerobic exercise, proper nutrition, stretching techniques, biofeedback, homeopathic preparations, Tai Chi, yoga, and guided and subliminal relaxation audio tapes ( great if you have a commute).

Stressors are not going to go away. The key is how well you and your body process them. The sampling of techniques illustrated here are helpful, but, should be used to augment a healthy life style based on proper relationships of structure, nutrition, and emotions. Take back control of your life and have a happy, healthy holiday season and new year.