STRESS

Stress is a resistance to the present moment or a desire for things to be different than they are.
Sensory input from external environment (non controllable) is interpreted by mind & transmitted as emotions & body sensations. The one factor we can influence is our reaction to these emotions & sensations.
How your body responds to stressors can depend on how prepared your system is to handle stress.

Coping with Stress:

Aware of it or not, you can develop a pattern for coping with stress.
Negative coping patterns can be identified & replaced with positive ways of coping in order to prevent the consequences of long term stress.

The typical symptoms & diseases of long term stress include:

The heart rate & force of contraction of the heart increase to provide blood to areas necessary for response to the stressful situation.
→ extra stress on the heart leads to decreased heart vitality leading to eventual heart & associated systemic disorders.
Blood is shunted away from the skin & internal organs, except the heart & lung, while at the amount of blood supplying oxygen & glucose to the muscles & brain is increased.
Production of digestive secretions is severely reduced because digestive activity is not critical to counteracting stress.
→ digestion & detoxification systems are compromised.
The rate of breathing rises to supply necessary oxygen to the heart, brain, & exercising muscle.
→ shallow breathing decreases diaphragmatic movements which decreases lymphatic circulation, abdominal blood flow, & stimulation of the vagus nerve.
Blood sugar levels are raised dramatically as the liver dumps stored glucose into the blood stream.
→ increased free glucose dramatically increases the bodies aging process & sets the stage for numerous diseased states.

The activity levels of the adrenal & thyroid glands diminish.
Cholesterol rises, toxic metals accumulate in the body & chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer & cardiovascular disease may eventually manifest.
Metabolism is slowed, glandular depletion occurs, & profound exhaustion ultimately develops.
Constipation, allergies, fatigue & hypoglycemia are often present.
The body no longer has the energy to deal with the stress & begins to breakdown.
Endocrine glands have become overworked & eventually may fail in their attempt to keep up our energy levels.
Adrenal burnout leads to a slow metamorphosis that severely imbalances the body chemistry & slowly wears out the body processes resulting in many common conditions.

Techniques to calm the mind & promote a positive mental attitude such as:
- Breathing techniques
- Progressive relaxation techniques
Lifestyle factors such as:
- Time management & relationships
Exercise
A healthful diet designed to nourish the body & support physiologic processes
Dietary & botanical supplements designed to support the body as a whole, but especially the adrenal glands

The heart rate is reduced & the heart beats more effectively. Blood pressure is reduced.
Blood is shunted towards internal organs, especially those organs involved in digestion.
The rate of breathing decreases as oxygen demand is reduced during periods of rest.
Sweat production diminishes, because a person who is calm & relaxed does not experience nervous perspiration.
Production of digestive secretions is increased, greatly improving digestion.
Blood sugar levels are maintained in the normal physiologic range.

Adrenal glands & other endocrine glands are not like muscles that rejuvenate with rest. They require a sustained nourishing & tonifying nutritional program. To regenerate the body, restore its vital force, & energize the whole body, the body must be cared for in an integrated program.
Nerve integrity with a strong & balanced nervous system, nerve cells, nerve sheaths, brain cells & spinal cord must be restored.
The main fluids of the body, the blood & lymph, require proper chemical & metabolic balance. Through the unbalancing of the body chemistry these body fluids may become laden with toxic wastes thereby reducing the functioning of other body organs & tissues.
In order to carry the nutrients to the cells & tissues adequately, the organs of circulation - the heart, lungs & spleen must be restored.
Digestion & assimilation must be returned to healthy working order. All channels of elimination including the skin, kidneys, bowel, liver, lungs & lymph need to be cleared, opened & restored to normal force & function.
Endocrine integrity must be renewed for proper balance & communication in the body. Regeneration & renewal occur in an environment of balanced chemistry & nutrient availability.