A Different Natural Stress Treatment

Each individual is able to cope with a different amount of stress in life, and while some seem to draw on endless reserves to keep going, others succumb. A certain amount of stress provides stimulation, but prolonged stress can cause mental and physical damage.

Most of us think of tense situations and worries as being the cause of stress. In reality, stresses are wideranging. They include environmental stresses, such as pollution, noise, housing problems, cold, or overheating; physical stresses, such as illnesses, injuries, an inadequate diet; and mental stresses, such as relationship problems, financial strains, bereavement; and job difficulties. All these factors affect the body, causing it to make a series of rapid physiological changes, called “adaptive responses,” to deal with threatening or demanding situations.

In the first stage of stress, hormones are poured into the bloodstream. The pulse quickens, the lungs take in more oxygen to fuel the muscles, blood sugar increases to supply added energy, digestion slows, and perspiration increases. In the second stage of stress, the body begins to repair the damage caused by the first stage. If the stressful situation is resolved, the stress symptoms vanish. If the situation continues, however, exhaustion sets in, and the body’s energy gives out. This stage may continue until vital organs are affected, and then disease or even death can result.

Symptoms
• the increase in hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and corticosteroids in response to stress may cause the following: increased breathing and heart rate, nausea, tense muscles
• in the long term it is thought that stress can lead to insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, hair loss, allergies, ulcers, heart disease, digestive disorders, menstrual problems, palpitations, impotence, and premature ejaculation

Psychological stress results from perceived or anticipated threats. The stress may be acute, as in response to immediate danger, or chronic, as when an individual is experiencing an unhappy life situation. In either case, the body mechanisms are similar. Chronic physical illness is almost always accompanied by significant psychological effects. Long-lasting psychological stress, in turn, often leads to debilitating changes.

Medical scientists divide people’s behavior into two types, depending on their reactions to stress. People with type-A behavior react to stress with aggressiveness, competitiveness, and self-imposed pressure to get things done. Type-A behavior has been linked to increased rates of heart attack and other diseases. People with type-B behavior may be equally serious in their intentions, but are more patient, easygoing, and relaxed.

Stress is a major factor in diseases whose physical symptoms are induced or aggravated by mental or emotional problems. Stress-related disorders comprise 50–80 percent of all illnesses, though stress may not be the only cause.

TREATMENT

Ayurveda 
An Ayurvedic practitioner would prescribe supportive herbs, and use a balancing treatment specific to your needs. 

Chinese Herbalism 
Chinese medicine takes the view that it is not stress that causes illness, but how we deal with it. Herbs would be prescribed according to your specific needs, in order to support you throughout stressful periods, and tonify.  Treatment may be aimed particularly at the kidneys, which have become exhausted through overwork, and to support the blood and qi, which need to circulate harmoniously in the body.

Traditional Folk and Home Remedies 
Pumpkin seeds, which contain high quantities of zinc, iron, and calcium, as well as B vitamins and proteins, which are necessary for brain function, will help you to deal with the effects of stress. Oats are vital for a healthy nervous system. In periods of stress, start the day with oatmeal, which will help to keep you calm, and prevent depression and general debility. 

Herbalism 
Herbs that encourage relaxation and act as a tonic to the nervous system include balm, lavender, chamomile, passiflora, and oats. These can be drunk as an infusion—as often as necessary when in a stressful situation.  Ginseng is an excellent “adaptogenic” herb, which means that it lifts you when you are tired and relaxes you when you are stressed. It also works on the immune system and energizes. Some therapists recommend a daily dose at stressful times.

Aromatherapy 
Essential oils are excellent for stress reduction because many of them work on the nervous system and the brain to relax and soothe. 
Other oils are uplifting, which can be invaluable in times of serious stress. 
Massage with aromatherapy oils is very comforting— particularly the physical element of touch—and a few drops of essential oil in the bath can offer an opportunity to “wash away” the problems of the day while experiencing the benefits of the oil. Suitable oils include basil, chamomile, geranium, lavender, neroli, and rose.
Oils which strengthen the adrenal system, which is weakened by stress, include rosemary, ginger, and lemongrass.

Vitamins and Minerals 
Eating a good, balanced diet will make your body stronger and able to cope more efficiently with stress. B-vitamins are often depleted by stress, so ensure that you are getting enough in your diet, or take a good supplement. There is some evidence that bee and flower pollen, available in tablets or in grains, can boost immunity and energize the body. Do not eat this if you are allergic to honey or bee stings. An amino acid called L-tyrosine appears to energize and relieve stress, and studies show that people taking this supplement react better to stressful situations, staying more alert, less anxious, more efficient, and have fewer complaints about physical discomforts. Vitamin C is a great stress reliever, and boosts immunity, making you fitter and more healthy.