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The Road to BURNOUT Feeling tired? Stressed? Tired of feeling tired and stressed? Stress: the perception of a challenge or threat that one perceives one lacks the tools to cope with. We use coping tools to handle challenges (e.g., intellect, education, love, support network, immune system). If we believe we are missing any tool, an automatic stress response is engaged to overcome this challenge. Biochemical events involving epinephrine and cortisol (the stress response) cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and metabolic/catabolic rates, state of arousal, muscle tension, inflammation, and decreased reproductive and digestive mechanisms. Whether it is at work place, driving, on the phone, eating or sleeping, we experience stress or feel "threatened". These threats can be as simple as weather changes, "being late", to more severe stressors like physical or emotional trauma or abuse, or watching the war transpire on television. Since our mind does not distinguish between a physical, psychological or emotional threat, we perceive that we are constantly threatened, setting off the stress response. This translates into being in constant overdrive. The constant stimulus (stress) consumes fuel (energy, qi) at an accelerated pace. Qi is the vital force, or energy, inherent in all living beings As qi is revved up into hyperdrive it becomes blocked or emptied. If it is blocked then symptoms of muscle tension, pain, or other internal problems (listed below) are created. If emptied, then the symptoms are similar with the addition that they become obstinate and difficult to resolve. When there is chronic tiredness and lassitude added to the mix, the continuous drain on resources stirs deep negative emotions. In many instances, the stress response is good and necessary; it gets us out of bed, keeps us from being late to work, enables us to succeed. This response allows us to heal wounds, run marathons, and survive traumas. It is beneficial only when short-lived. Continuous activation of the stress response may lead to such problems as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, allergies, asthma, irritable bowel, heartburn, insomnia, muscle pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, hot flashes and premenstrual tension. In reality, all of us experience such complaints on a regular basis. All of us live in a world in which our stress response is chronically activated. Instead of taking weekends to relax or pray, we go to the mall or continue to work. Everything we do is "on the go" or "time efficient"� fast food, cell phones (used while driving), email and palm pilots. In addition to our hectic everyday lives, we are also privy to wars occurring on the other side of the world. Every time we feel out of control or "stressed", the stress response is activated, stimulating the adrenal gland to produce increasing amounts of epinephrine and cortisol. In acupuncture, this is the equivalent to sapping the reserves stored in the root energetics (called "Kidney Qi"). This storage tank supports the all other systems and functions in the body. As a result, we run the risk of "burning out." The Road to Recovery Coping more effectively enables us to cope and achieve better health. We do have choices when it comes to our behavior, lifestyle choices, belief systems, and social environment. We do have some control over how we cope and what sort of help we get from health care practitioners in fortifying our minds, bodies and spirits. Stress resolving treatments (acupuncture, meditation) augment the coping capabilities of our bodies. Decreasing the impact of stress decreases the drain of our resources leaving the body and mind in command rather than at the affect of life�s challenges. Appropriate exercises and nutritional recommendations vary for each individual and help regulate the stress response. Universally, stress depletes essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, magnesium and calcium. With stress "comfort foods" heavy in starch and refined sugar are often eaten, stimulating the stress response further, creating a vicious cycle. "Comfort foods" consumed regularly will deplete the digestive energetics. Over time, the digestion will no longer nourish the body adequately. This contributes more stress by sending the rest of the body into a frantic search for proper fuel/energy, which is subsequently translated into cravings for more "comfort food". Recommendations for stress-free nutrition include eating foods high in monounsaturated fats, low in saturated and trans-fats, low in sugar, high in fiber and protein. Keep alcohol and caffeine to a minimum. Elicitation of the relaxation response enables the mind and body to handle stress better. Relaxation techniques calm the central nervous system as well as the heart rate, blood pressure and muscles. The relaxation response may be elicited by yoga, tai chi, progressive muscle relaxation, visual imagery, hypnosis, deep breathing, mindfulness and acupuncture. In addition, acupuncture treatments reduce the hyper reactivity of the body to stressors, adjust the digestive tract, clear the mind of chaotic divisiveness, and decrease the need to seek "comfort foods". Relaxation is induced and enhanced naturally. Negative thoughts and beliefs cause distress and worsen physical and psychological symptoms. These distortions lessen our ability to cope with life�s challenges, invoking the stress response. Cognitive behavioral strategies work to examine these thoughts, restructuring them into more coherent, rational and positive ones. A Stress Physiology Assessment and an Acupuncture Evaluation multiplies the potential for ridding stress accumulation. By learning to cope more effectively, we can learn to be healthy. By being active in our health care, we can arrest the downward spiral into illness. For a thorough and personalized assessment, call for an appointment. Click here to view a .pdf version of this article. |
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