Understanding the effect of stress on
the body
Flight or fight response
The body
undergoes several different changes when experiencing stress. The first stage of
stress is known as the ‘Initial Alarm Reaction' or the ‘fight or flight'
response. A situation is encountered and the brain recognizes it as being stressful
stimulus, almost instantly the sympathetic nervous system is activated and
begins to release stress hormones like adrenalin. These hormones prepare the
body for both physical and mental reactions like:
-
Dilated
pupils,
-
Increased
heart rate, respiration and blood pressure,
-
Sweating,
-
Tensed
muscles,
-
Increased
liver function, and
-
Halted
stomach and kidney functions.
Intensification or recovery
The second
stage of stress is ‘intensification or recovery'. The ‘fight or flight' response
is quite taxing on the body. This second stage is where the body determines if
it is going to use all the energy it has just assembled through the initial
alarm reaction. If the stressful situation is alleviated the body then
recovers, returning to a normal state.
Adaptation leading to exhaustion
If the stress
is not removed or only slightly alleviated then the third stage that the body
undergoes is known as ‘adaptation'. The body maintains the physical and mental
changes,adapts to the level of stress, and functions accordingly for a longer
period of time. This prolonged stress response manifests in a number of ways:
-
Physically:
heartburn, muscle tension, excessive sweating, headaches, upset stomach, skin
irritation, heart palpitations;
-
Emotionally
and behaviorally: anxiety, irritability, distractedness, disturbance in regular
sleeping patterns, irregularities in eating habits such, increased use of stimulants
like smoking, caffeine, alcohol, or drug use, and anxiety-related habits such as nail
biting.
‘Exhaustion'
is the last stage of stress where, prolonged exposure can create serious health
consequences:
-
Physically: continual illnesses due to an overtaxed immune
system, high blood pressure, heart attack, ulcers, colitis, strokes, rheumatoid
arthritis, migraines, reproductive issues in woman as well as a decrease in sex
hormones;
-
Emotionally
and behaviorally: depression, suicidal tendencies, rage, hysteria, frequent
serious accidents, loss of libido, and even eating disorders.
Integrative therapy can help ease stress
Each
person deals with the adverse effects of stress in a different manner so
massage therapy is an excellent form of treatment for those seeking relief.
This is because a massage therapist is a health care professional that has been
trained to assess the soft tissue and joints of the human body and suggest a
course of therapy that will be most beneficial to the individual.
Using
a combination of different techniques is known as integrative therapy.
Integrative therapy is often suggested by massage therapists because it offers
a more comprehensive total body approach that incorporates a variety of
methods.
The
focus and variety of each treatment is prescribed subject to the requirements
and desires of each patient. Each method of treatment has its particular
advantage, with the overall desired result being to encourage overall physical
and mental well-being. Many stress specific conditions like hypertension can be
addressed by the benefits of massage therapy and the treatments that are
provided in integrative therapy. Stimulated circulatory system, improved immune
functions and increased toxin removal. Flexibility and range of motion can also
be enhanced.
Stress
is simply a fact of life for most people, so it is essential to stay on top of one's
physical and emotional well-being, especially when the stress-related
complaints can be so easily addressed by contacting a local clinic to book an
appointment with a regulated massage therapist.