When we are facing a stressful situation such as a family emergency, the part of our brains called the sympathetic nervous system secretes hormones, specifically the adrenaline hormone that puts us in a "fight or flight" mode.
When the body is signaled by the brain to be in this mode, physical changes such as rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure level occur.
What is visible to us and to others around us are these body changes which can sometimes be interpreted as signs of an anxiety or a panic attack.
he truth is there is nothing abnormal about these physical changes, because they are just the body's way to respond to a perceived threat that requires immediate action in order for us to survive.
These changes however, can be considered abnormal when they happen frequently and for no reason at all.
For some people who have difficulties handling stress in their lives, these physical responses may take place even in the absence of a real life threatening situation.
Sometimes, they just happen as a reaction to daily stress and pressures.
There are other alternative therapies to overcome anxiety aside from taking medications.
These therapies can help tame the fight-flight response by lessening the presence of the hormone adrenaline in the blood.
Below are some of these alternative therapies that have been known to help relieve stress and anxiety: Massage When a person is stressed out, the first thing that usually comes to mind is getting a good massage.
A good massage can help ease the tension of the muscles and promote good blood circulation.
If you use aromatherapy oils during a massage, you are also benefiting from the oil's calming effect on the nervous system.
The pampering that your body receives during a good massage can remind you also that you need to slow down and pay attention to areas of your body that need to be soothed.
Taking the time to go to a spa surrounded by natural elements can bring the level of your stress hormones down and therefore provide release from anxiety.
Acupuncture Acupuncture may seem mysterious and strange to many cultures, but in China and other Asian countries, it has been widely accepted as a proven means to minimize pain and suffering and promote good health.
The acupuncturist aims to promote good health through the channeling of "vital energy" and achieving energy balance in the body.
This is similar to a medical doctor aiming to normalize the flow of blood into the blood vessels to achieve a healthy equilibrium in the body.
Through the use of needles and currently magnets and electricity, the nerve endings are stimulated to allow the body to heal itself.
Energy systems or meridians are identified and checked for blockage which can reduce the supply of "chi" or vital energy into those areas.
The acupuncturist applies more pressure to the meridian points that are blocked.
A balanced energy inside the body has been proven many times to lessen the effects of stress and anxiety.
Yoga The practice of yoga has been handed down from generation to generation in the Hindu culture.
Today, it is widely recognized as an effective means to handle daily stress through its principle of abdominal breathing and its focus on the interaction of the body, mind and soul.
Regular yoga exercises can help make the body supple and can promote good blood circulation that helps in making the nervous system work more efficiently.
These are just three of the common alternative therapies that can be used to complement conventional ways of curing anxiety.
They all aim to bring down the activity of stress hormones in our body and create a less hyperactive nervous system which ultimately lowers our anxiety to a manageable level.
When the body is signaled by the brain to be in this mode, physical changes such as rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure level occur.
What is visible to us and to others around us are these body changes which can sometimes be interpreted as signs of an anxiety or a panic attack.
he truth is there is nothing abnormal about these physical changes, because they are just the body's way to respond to a perceived threat that requires immediate action in order for us to survive.
These changes however, can be considered abnormal when they happen frequently and for no reason at all.
For some people who have difficulties handling stress in their lives, these physical responses may take place even in the absence of a real life threatening situation.
Sometimes, they just happen as a reaction to daily stress and pressures.
There are other alternative therapies to overcome anxiety aside from taking medications.
These therapies can help tame the fight-flight response by lessening the presence of the hormone adrenaline in the blood.
Below are some of these alternative therapies that have been known to help relieve stress and anxiety: Massage When a person is stressed out, the first thing that usually comes to mind is getting a good massage.
A good massage can help ease the tension of the muscles and promote good blood circulation.
If you use aromatherapy oils during a massage, you are also benefiting from the oil's calming effect on the nervous system.
The pampering that your body receives during a good massage can remind you also that you need to slow down and pay attention to areas of your body that need to be soothed.
Taking the time to go to a spa surrounded by natural elements can bring the level of your stress hormones down and therefore provide release from anxiety.
Acupuncture Acupuncture may seem mysterious and strange to many cultures, but in China and other Asian countries, it has been widely accepted as a proven means to minimize pain and suffering and promote good health.
The acupuncturist aims to promote good health through the channeling of "vital energy" and achieving energy balance in the body.
This is similar to a medical doctor aiming to normalize the flow of blood into the blood vessels to achieve a healthy equilibrium in the body.
Through the use of needles and currently magnets and electricity, the nerve endings are stimulated to allow the body to heal itself.
Energy systems or meridians are identified and checked for blockage which can reduce the supply of "chi" or vital energy into those areas.
The acupuncturist applies more pressure to the meridian points that are blocked.
A balanced energy inside the body has been proven many times to lessen the effects of stress and anxiety.
Yoga The practice of yoga has been handed down from generation to generation in the Hindu culture.
Today, it is widely recognized as an effective means to handle daily stress through its principle of abdominal breathing and its focus on the interaction of the body, mind and soul.
Regular yoga exercises can help make the body supple and can promote good blood circulation that helps in making the nervous system work more efficiently.
These are just three of the common alternative therapies that can be used to complement conventional ways of curing anxiety.
They all aim to bring down the activity of stress hormones in our body and create a less hyperactive nervous system which ultimately lowers our anxiety to a manageable level.
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