About Stress and Touch from
Triune Nature's Newsletters

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Stress

Re-printed From August Newsletter

We all have stress. A little stress is actually good. It can spur us on to meet a deadline or complete a project. Most of us, however, far exceed this healthy level of stress. When we are faced with a stressful situation, part of the normal “fight or flight” response of the body is to tense the muscles. When we continually stay in that tense state our bodies become accustomed to it and when we try to relax the muscles, we can’t.

When our muscles are tight it restricts the flow of blood, lymph fluid and energy to our bodies, which can cause lowered oxygen and nutrient levels, poor lymph drainage, and lowered energy levels.

One of the first effects of lowered oxygen levels to the brain is nervousness. As the restriction continues the heart rate and blood pressure raise in an attempt to increase the flow of blood to the brain & muscles (to carry more oxygen & nutrients). As high levels of stress continue, muscle tension increases & heart rate and blood pressure continue to climb. This becomes a vicious circle that can lead to many health problems.

When the nutrient levels in the muscles are reduced, blood sugar rises to furnish more fuel for energy. This false alarm causes too much blood sugar, which results in more tension and nervousness. (Another vicious circle.)

Waste and bacteria are carried out of our system via the lymph vessels. Muscle movement is what causes the lymphatic fluid to move. Tight muscles restrict the flow of lymphatic fluid and this results in a less effective immune system.

The negative effects of stress on our bodies are many and vary in each person. Scientific evidence mounts every day to encourage us to reduce the stress in our lives. I believe that reducing muscle tension is one of the most effective stress reducers. A few ways I have found to reduce muscle tension are:

* Massage. Massage relaxes the muscles, which increases the blood and energy supply and the flow of fluids which all helps reduce stress. A massage every week or two helps keep the muscles relaxed and the level of stress to a minimum.

* A hot bath can help reduce stress. The moist heat of a bath or hot tub can relieve muscle tension.

* Breathing. Deep breathing starts the relaxation by carrying more oxygen to the muscles and calming the mind. As we calm the mind the body can start to relax. Take a few deep breaths ~ breathe in calm and breathe out tension.

* Mild exercise in a light workout or even walking will start moving the fluids and energy, which starts the stress reduction cycle in motion.

Getting enough rest for your body and the proper nutrition intake are also important. According to Denise Mann, a staff writer for WebMD, nutrition plays an important role in stress reduction. In her June article, her advice is, "Cut back on caffeine and sugar, include two fruits and/or vegetables at every meal or snack, eat mini-meals instead of large meals, and cut back on alcohol". Of course, if you are under the care of a physician, you should always check with him/her before making and changes.

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Touch

Re-printed from May newsletter

According to Hank Wesselman, Ph.D., “Science has revealed that the power of touch triggers changes in the body that activate healing and increase longevity.”

Touch is essential for survival. We all need to be touched and to feel the connection to other human beings. Single people, or those whose significant other is gone for extended periods of time, who go for more than a few weeks without being touched may start showing signs of touch deprivation which include depression, raised levels of stress and tension and are more likely to develop symptoms of illness.
In a six-month study by Otto Weininger of infants whose mothers were taught to stroke their infants’ backs, it was reported that these infants had fewer sniffles, colds, vomiting and diarrhea than the infants whose mothers had not been taught to stroke them.

One of the ways you can safely allow yourself to be touched is through massage. A one hour massage once a week or every two weeks can fulfill one’s need for touch. It can also lower stress levels, release tension held in the body and induce a deep state of relaxation.

In an article published in Newsweek, written by Anne Underwood, she states, “Scientists are now finding that massage can reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, dampen harmful stress hormones and raise mood elevating brain chemicals such as serotonin”.

I believe that an act of self-care, such as bodywork, helps reduce stress and promotes a calmer emotional state. This leads to more caring actions in a calmer manner which keeps the levels of stress and tension reduced which leads to more caring actions which leads to another act of self care, and so on. I refer to this as a positive spiral effect. Any act of self-care will start the spiral. If not massage, a hot bath with calming music, a peaceful walk in nature or any other act that causes you to physically slow down, breathe slower, deeper and relax, would be beneficial.

 

Sheila Star Coulbourn
Licensed Massage Therapist

858/842-4883
Sheila@TriuneNature.com

 

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