The Physiology of Stress
The body has a natural response to stress, and according to Canadian MD Peter Hanson this is the path the body follows;
1. Release of cortisone from the adrenal glands.
- over time cortisone breaks down the body's resistence to illness.
2. Thyroid hormone increases in the bloodstream to provide additional energy.
- this can lead to shaky nerves, insomnia and burn-out.
3. Endorphin, a natural pain killer, is released by the hypothalamus gland.
- with chronic stress, endorphine levels drop, resulting in backaches and migraine.
4. Reduction of sex hormones.
- libido and sexual activity diminish.
5. Blood is diverted from the digestive tract to the muscles.
- this can cause the digestive tract to shut down, diarrhoea and nausea can result.
6. Release of sugar and increased level of insulin into the bloodstream for energy.
- this can lead to hypoglycaemia.
7. An increase of cholesterol in the blood from the liver as another source of energy.
- too much cholesterol can lead to hardening of the arteries.
8. An increased heart rate, ie: more movement of blood through the body.
- can lead to high blood pressure with chronic or long-term stress.
9. Increased air supply.
10. Thickening of the blood.
-the thicker the blood the more susceptible a person is to heart attack.
11. Blanching or whitening of the skin.
- looking and feeling stressed doesn’t improve anything.
12. Enhancement of the functions of the five senses.
- excessive stress can lead to burnout which eventually dulls the senses.
Don’t you think this all sounds rather horrendous? I was horrified when I first read this, probably because I was suffering from stress myself. The experience of suffering from stress and extreme attacks of anxiety and panic, is actually what got me interested in natural healing. From personal experience, and having worked with many clients over the years, Ive discovered that it really doesn’t have to be like this.
Now clearly I’m not going to suggest to you that flipping a Tarot card or sniffing the odd essential oil is going to instantly turn stress into overwhelming confidence - no, definitely not. But I can say, that self-knowledge, personal care and some fundamental reassessments can go a long way to moving a person to a much better state of mind and being.
There is a ton of scientifically based data that shows you can change your life in real and measurable ways with a more nature based lifestyle. Practices and tools like yoga, walking, aromatics, counselling, coaching, hypnosis, and meditation can help you to change your life into something you want to live for. If this is of interest to you, perhaps check out the workshops and services that are available both in person in Albury Wodonga, and online throughout Australia and abroad. Courses like ‘Learn to Heal’ and ‘Crone Work’ might be just the ticket, alternatively, learning to read the Tarot cards might be the right path for gaining the self awareness and personal development you’re after. You’ll know what is right for you.