03 Jun Understanding Stress: Effects on Body and Mind for Holistic Stress Management
Did you know that stress impacts more than just your mood? It can affect your heart, digestion, immune system, and more! Understanding these effects and how to manage stress can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being.
What Happens When You’re Stressed?
Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are helpful in short bursts, preparing your body to deal with immediate challenges, chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems. Here’s how stress affects different systems in your body:
Cardiovascular System
When stress becomes chronic, the constant release of stress hormones keeps your heart rate and blood pressure elevated. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Digestive System
Stress can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal problems. The mind-gut connection is powerful, and kinesiologists often suggest exercises and relaxation techniques to ease digestive issues by reducing stress levels.
Immune System
Prolonged stress weakens the immune response, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. High levels of cortisol can suppress the effectiveness of your immune system, leading to more frequent colds or other health issues. Regular exercise boosts immune function and helps maintain a healthy balance of stress hormones.
Skin Health
Stress can also affect your skin, causing conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis to flare up. The inflammation triggered by stress hormones can lead to skin problems, which in turn can cause more stress.
Recognising the Signs of Stress
It’s crucial to bring awareness to any signs and symptoms of stress you may be experiencing. These can include:
- Muscle tension and pain
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Digestive issues
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Skin breakouts or irritations
Managing Stress with Kinesiology, Chiropractic and Acupuncture
Kinesiology
Kinesiology effectively identifies and corrects energy imbalances (or stresses) within the body. Kinesiology treatments use specific exercises to improve the integration and communication between the brain and body. These exercises can help reduce stress by enhancinf nervous system function and promoting a state of balance.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatments can help alleviate stress-related musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and manipulative techniques to correct alignment issues and improve nervous system function. This can reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and enhance overall physical function, contributing to stress relief.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This technique is believed to balance the body’s energy flow, or qi. Research has shown that acupuncture can reduce stress by promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, and regulating stress hormones. Regular acupuncture sessions can help manage chronic stress and its physical manifestations.
NatMed Integrative Health-Care
For more information on how you can manage stress holistically, book a Discovery Call with our team today!
