Stress is something that most of us have assumed happens to us and it is out of our control. Alternative therapies offer respite from stress and yet often times this benefit does not warrant the respect it deserves.

Did you know that 90% of doctor's visits are stress related? That cold you caught working overtime, high blood pressure, insomnia, the irritable bowel syndrome you are living with. You guessed it, all stress related.

How can this be? Think back to high school anatomy class: sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic is your body's fight or flight response and parasympathetic is your body's stay and play or rest, digest and nest response.

When we were cavemen the fight or flight response helped keep us alive when we were in danger. It was fight or flight that deceided if we were going to run away from the big brown bear or stick around and kill it for dinner. This very efficient tool was designed for survival. During fight/flight the body responds by increasing heart rate sending blood flow to the arms and legs, stopping digestion, increasing repiration, and increasing sweating. Most of us no longer have a brown bear chasing after us instead we are under constant stimulation of our computers and blackberrys. Work is only a click away whether you are in the office or not. Even while we are driving fight/flight kicks in. 

Parasympathic is the opposite of survival. This is the body's signal that all is safe and is linked to that sigh of relief you might let out after a long day is over. During parasympathetic the heart rate slows, circulation returns to the trunk nourishing the internal organs, digestion is stimulated and respiration slows. If fight or flight is for surviving, stay and play is for thriving.  

While not in immediate danger your fight or flight response may be running constantly at low levels due to the fast paced, burn the candle at both ends lifestyle most of us live. Fight or flight response that is on 24/7 impacts your body negatively by creating stress. Inhibiting digestion causes a lack of proper nutritional absoption which could lead to heart burn, stomach ache, IBS, vitamin/mineral deficincies and on and on. Have you heard of the term hyperhydroisis otherwise known as excessive sweating especially in the hands and underarms? Another side effect of fight or flight running. Because circulation is being rerouted to the arms and legs to make a more efficient get-a-way or fight the internal organs are depleted of proper oxygen and nourishment. Did you know that stress is the fastest way to prematurely age the body's organs? Our largest organ is the skin and aging skin causes...wrinkles. Not only is this affecting our vanity but our immunity as well. If the body is concentrating its efforts in the here and now danger its not concern with keeping your immune system up to snuff for those little bugs later.  

So what can you do? 

1. Take a stimulus break. Turn off your cell phone, tv, radio, computer and/or any other gadget. Even if its just for 5 minutes. Notice what its like to have some quiet time.

2. Take some deep breaths and lengthen your exhale. Deeper exhales let the body know that everything is ok. 

3. Eat your meals away from your gadgets and take the time to chew your food. Rushing through meals can trigger the fight or flight meter.

4. Try a yoga class. Yoga's postures support healthy circulation to the trunk not away from it and incorporates deep breathing and quiet time if you are a multitasker.

5. Listen to soothing music when you drive and stay away from distractions. Allowing yourself to be present with the open road can keep you more aware of your surroundings for a more relaxed drive home. 

6. Get a Massage.

7. Expirence Acupuncture.

8. Try Reiki.

9. Create a bedtime ritual to fall asleep. Start at the toes and tell your toes to fall asleep. Work your way slowly to the top of your head until your whole body is asleep.

10. Take a whiff of aromatherapy. Therapuetic grade essential oils like Young Living can assist the body in functioning optimally.

For more information about how to turn the rest/digest/nest switch on visit www.wholehealthprograms.com

Whole Health Acupuncture
50 Turner Ave
Elk Grove Village IL 60007
schedule an appointment: 847 357 3929
visit us on the web: www.wholehealthprograms.com