What's the big deal about STRESS?
Stress is defined as "a non-specific response of the body to readjust itself following any demand upon it. " That doesn't sound bad - so why does it get so much press?
Believe it or not, stress actually changes you biochemically, and not necessarily for the better! This is what goes on in the body.
First, some background. There are two important parts of the nervous system, Parasympathetic division - the energy conservation and restorative system associated with the "relaxation response." Sympathetic division - associated with the "fight or flight" response of arousal that expends energy and dominates in stressful situations.
Ok, back to stress. You start with a stressor - you become aware of some danger or react emotionally to some trigger. The "fight or flight" response kicks in immediately. "Fight or flight" is essential to survival, as it prepares the body for whatever actions may be needed next. It works through the sympathetic nervous system, to causes changes all over the body, including increasing respiration so you get enough oxygen; increasing muscle efficiency, so you can fight off any aggressors; and changing your circulation to make needed blood available to the muscles.
How does this happen? The sympathetic system directly acts on many parts of the body via the nerves. Plus, it stimulates production of additional stress hormones, including adrenaline, which go out through the blood to all parts of the body. This adrenaline has effects similar to those of the sympathetic system, except that the hormonal effects last about 10 times longer. The hormones increase cardiac output and heart rate, dilate >coronary blood vessels, enhance mental alertness, increase the respiratory rate, and elevate the metabolic rate. That's as it should be. But, stressful situations, and their related chemical reactions may happen many times per day, without us physically fighting or fleeing.
Where do the chemicals go? Sometimes we burn them off through behaviors like road rage or yelling at our family. (Not a great idea.) Or, we burn them off through moderate exercise. But, what if we don't exercise enough? That's where the problems start.
If we don't burn off the stress chemicals, there are 3 stages of the stress response that happen. The first is the "fight or flight" response. The second is the stage of resistance, where the body makes adaptations or adjustments to accomodate the presence of stress hormone. The third stage is called the stage of exhaustion. At that point, the body's resources are used up and continued stress can lead to sickness and possible death.
Excessive sympathetic output is what causes a majority of the stress-related diseases that physicians encounter (headaches, gastrointestinal difficulties, high blood pressure, anxiety, muscle tension and aches, and sexual dysfunction.
In prolonged stress (stage 2 or 3), the body also releases cortisol, a natural cortisone. Long-term high blood levels of cortisol cause similar side effects as the drug cortisone, such as fluid retention, hypertension, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, breakdown of connective tissue, peptic ulcer, impaired wound healing, vertigo, headache, reduced ability to deal with stress, hypersensitivity, weight gain, nausea, fatigue, and psychic disturbances.
When the body can no longer tolerate the effects,the exhaustion phase begins. Tension builds until the body basically wears out and begins to break down.
Wow, that's pretty serious stuff. What can be done about it? Moderate exercise is one of the best ways to dissipate stress chemicals. But, yes, there are others as well. Remember the other part of the nervous system, the parasympathetic division. It is the restorative division that causes the "relaxation response." The relaxation response is generally the opposite of the "fight or flight" response. So, stimulation of the parasympathetic system can cause slowing of the heart, dilation of visceral blood vessels, and increased activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
In other words, the "relaxation response" is the antidote to stress! There are a number of ways to activate the relaxation response. Meditation, hypnosis, biofeedback, yoga, and massage are a few.
As a massage therapist, I have seen first-hand the changes massage can provide. Massage actually activates the parasympathetic system, causing the relaxation response to occur. That is why massage is recommended for people under stress. Not only does it allow one to "escape" the pressures for an hour, but it also changes the actual biochemistry of the body. And, it feels terrific!
Ann
Coffey, CMT
"I'll rub you the right way!"
404-386-3010
anncoffey@mindspring.com
http://anncoffey.home.mindspring.com
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