Physiologic Responses to Stress
When stressful events occur, the nervous system puts the body into the state of arousal known as “fight or flight.” Dramatic
physiological changes occur to prepare the body to deal with emergencies. Unfortunately, today’s stressful lifestyles cause
the sympathetic nervous system to remain in a constant state of alarm which actually damages the body and emotional well
being.
The autonomic nervous system used to be thought of as “involuntary” meaning that we have no conscious control over these
functions. However, you can learn to connect with the autonomic nervous system directly to elicit what Dr. Herbert Benson
calls the “relaxation response” and create dramatic positive changes in the body/mind that benefit physical and mental
health. Methods include exercise, prayer, meditation, yoga, chanting, listening to rhythmic drumming, progressive relaxation
exercises, self-hypnosis and guided imagery.
Fight or Flight Relaxation Response
(Herbert Benson, M.D.)
Sympathetic Parasympathetic
Nervous System Nervous System
Metabolism Increases Decreases
Blood Pressure Increases Decreases
Rate of Breathing Increases Decreases
Blood Flow to Extremities Increases Decreases
Muscle Tension Increases Decreases
Slow Brain Waves Decrease Increase
Immune Function Decreases Increases
Blood Sugar Increases Decreases
The damaging effects of unrelenting stress are cumulative; but the health enhancing effects of activating the relaxation
response regularly are also cumulative. :-D
From "Timeless Healing: the Power and Biology of Belief," by Herbert Benson, MD
When stressful events occur, the nervous system puts the body into the state of arousal known as “fight or flight.” Dramatic
physiological changes occur to prepare the body to deal with emergencies. Unfortunately, today’s stressful lifestyles cause
the sympathetic nervous system to remain in a constant state of alarm which actually damages the body and emotional well
being.
The autonomic nervous system used to be thought of as “involuntary” meaning that we have no conscious control over these
functions. However, you can learn to connect with the autonomic nervous system directly to elicit what Dr. Herbert Benson
calls the “relaxation response” and create dramatic positive changes in the body/mind that benefit physical and mental
health. Methods include exercise, prayer, meditation, yoga, chanting, listening to rhythmic drumming, progressive relaxation
exercises, self-hypnosis and guided imagery.
Fight or Flight Relaxation Response
(Herbert Benson, M.D.)
Sympathetic Parasympathetic
Nervous System Nervous System
Metabolism Increases Decreases
Blood Pressure Increases Decreases
Rate of Breathing Increases Decreases
Blood Flow to Extremities Increases Decreases
Muscle Tension Increases Decreases
Slow Brain Waves Decrease Increase
Immune Function Decreases Increases
Blood Sugar Increases Decreases
The damaging effects of unrelenting stress are cumulative; but the health enhancing effects of activating the relaxation
response regularly are also cumulative. :-D
From "Timeless Healing: the Power and Biology of Belief," by Herbert Benson, MD
| Susan Shaw, MSW Certified Hypnotherapist Certification ID#AL961253 susanshaw@socal.rr.com Home |
