 The Stress Response Quite often we are not even aware of the full impact stress can have on our physical and emotional health. Stress and other Mind body interactions can be attributed to 60-90% of visits to physicians offices (Cummings, VandenBos, 1981; Kroenke, Mangelsdorff, 1989). It is imperative as health care professionals, we consider therapeutic ways in dealing with stress. As nurses we have an opportunity to teach patients effective ways of managing stress, healing, and wellness. It is important that patients and health care providers first understand the physiology behind stress. "Stress can be defined as, the perception of a physical or psychological threat, and the perception that one is unable to cope with the threat. This includes; major life events, trauma and Abuse, environmental signals, physical, and emotional stress". (Eva Selhub, pg 521, 2005) As Eva Selhub notes, physiological results of stress are an increase of metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, rate of breathing and blood flow to muscles (2005). This sophisticated body of ours prepares us for survival often before we are even consciously aware it is happening. This physiological change was first described by Walter B. Cannon as the 'Fight or flight response'. A survival mechanism beneficial to us when faced with a life threatening circumstance. Quite often however, our bodies respond in such a manner even when our lives are not in danger, we may even just be stuck in traffic. Chronic stress can lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, gastrointestinal disorders, eating disorders, auto immune disorders, infections, and possibly even tumors (Selhub 2005). The physiology of Stress  After studying the physiological effects of the 'flight or fight' stress response, Cardiologist Herbert Benson discovered that by eliciting the 'relaxation response' the opposite was also true (1996). This physiologic state of calm is an equally essential survival mechanism, providing us with the ability to heal and rejuvenate our bodies. Today, the relaxation response is crucial when considering how often the fight or flight response is triggered inappropriately. When our minds become focused through meditation, repetitive prayer, or mantras, the body responds with dramatic affects. There is a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and metabolic rate (Benson, 1996).
Studies and research show many medical conditions that can be either greatly relieved or altogether eliminated by utilizing the relaxation response and other forms self- care such as, exercise, stress management, and nutrition. Here is a list of such conditions:
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Monday, 20 June 2011
The Stress Response vs Relaxation
