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Copyright © 2009 Cora Rennie, Petawawa, ON
DISCLAIMER: Information on this site is not intended to and does not constitute medical advice, recommendation or counselling under any circumstance.
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The Stress Response
Understanding Physiology
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the body's regulating system. It is made up of two components:
-the Sympathetic Nervous System (stress response: fight or flight) and
-the Parasympathetic Nervous System (relaxation, digestion, sleep,
repair, renewal, etc)
Pain and stress put us into Sympathetic response, which unfortunately is where many of us function most of the time. Our body remains stimulated, geared up for fight or flight, yet we neither fight nor flee. (You can see how regular physical exercise can be so beneficial!) In this "stress" response, the body's energies are focused on particular needs: heart rate, breathing, musculature, motor reflexes, etc. The Parasympathetic nervous system is designed to dissipate the stress response, and in Parasympathetic mode, the body focuses on recovery and repair, including proper digestion and elimination of wastes. This relaxed state is where healing can occur. It is important to bring these two responses into appropriate balance for optimum health.
There are two ways to accomplish this:
1. Find means of entering a relaxed
state when you feel stressed
2. Find ways of dissipating the thoughts and feelings (see Emotions and Beliefs) that contribute to or cause the stress-response within us.
Follow these links for more information on Stress and the Stress Response:
“Over the years your bodies become walking autobiographies, telling friends and strangers alike of the minor and major stresses of your lives.” Marilyn Ferguson
These kinds of therapies also have beneficial long-term effects on the over-all balance of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic responses.
Healing methods such as Reiki and Cranio-Sacral Therapy (as well as meditation and many other natural modalities) put us into Parasympathetic mode, which
is optimum for the body’s self-renewal.
EFT is the most effective means of addressing any distressing feelings or emotions you may have, and you can access many EFT resources for free including this series of videos: Stress Buster
