Most
people who lead busy lives don't have to ask that question,
but here are a few definitions:
• Stress is defined as a nonspecific response of the body
to any demand made upon it which results in symptoms such as
rise in the blood pressure, release of hormones, quickness
of breath, tightening of muscles, perspiration, and
increased cardiac activity. Stress is not necessarily
negative. Some stress keeps us motivated and alert, while
too little stress can create problems. However, too much
stress can trigger problems with mental and physical health,
particularly over a prolonged period of time.
• Any experience that taxes an individual's energy or
well-being; stress may be physical, mental, or emotional.
• Tension (Psychology): a state of mental or emotional
strain or suspense; "he suffered from fatigue and
emotional tension"; "stress is a
vasoconstrictor".
• Physics: Force that produces strain on a physical body;
"the intensity of stress is expressed in units of force
divided by units of area".
• Mental or physical tension that results from physical,
emotional, or chemical causes.
Causes of stress may include:
Allergens, Bacteria and viruses, chemicals, dehydration, emotional issues, employment,
Exercise and exertion, fast foods, financial problems, fungi and fungal infections, genetically altered foods,
Headaches and migraines, heavy metals, irradiation of foods, lack of sleep, low self-concept,
Medical conditions, diseases or disorders whether diagnosed or not; microwave radiation from cell phones, microwave ovens, portable radios, etc; nutritional deficiencies, overworking, pain of any kind, parasites, prescription drugs, psychological conditions and relationship problems.
What may be considered "stress relief"?
Anything that relieves mundane stress on a daily basis, such
as relaxation, can help. However, Hans Selye, a Hungarian
medical scientist, was the first to use the word
"stress" in connection with a picture of health
wellness. His theory is that when the body reacts to stress,
it creates an "alarm" response. That means that
your body is in good shape to react accordingly to any given
stressor, hopefully appropriately and effectively in ways
that relieve it. If the stress continues, however, an
"adaptation" state may result, where we learn to
accommodate or bear the symptoms of stress by adjusting to
them. This can, more positively, mean creating an increase
in our tolerance to frustration and moving back into the
alarm state, which relieves the stress, or, negatively,
reacting with an accommodating adjustment that (temporarily)
alleviates the pain of the stress but becomes a new holding
pattern. If the stress continues even longer, an
"exhaustion" state is created that may lead to a
considerably weakened system. This alarm / adaptation /
exhaustion model fits all forms of stress, whether physical,
mental, or emotional. Obviously, reducing stress is a key to
well-being. Relaxation helps, but how do we know where
stress may be hiding in the adapted or exhausted states
physically, mentally, and emotionally. With the help of
Quantum Biofeedback, we can painlessly and non-invasively
look at reactions to common stressors and begin to piece the
picture together.
Most people find the biofeedback experience relaxing,
soothing and beneficial. The side effects of biofeedback may
include these possibilities (and many more that may be
experienced):
• Ability to relax more quickly
• Deeper state of relaxation during sleep
• Easier to fall asleep
• Easier to stay asleep while trying to sleep
• Reduction of stress
• Reduction of hypertension
• Improved general health
• Increase in amount of calmness
• Increase in peacefulness
• Reduction of anger
• Less fearfulness
• Fewer anxiety attacks
• Amelioration of sorrow
• Reduction of the depth of depression
• Heightened muscle mobility
• Enhanced mental clarity
• Able to pay attention more consistently
• Better focus of attention
• Deeper concentration
• Enhanced memory
• Less attention to pain
• Less attention to stressors
• Less concentration on pain
• Less concentration on stressors
• Fewer feelings of pain
• Fewer feelings of stress
• Less intense focus on pain
• Less intense focus on stressors
• Less intensity of any pain
• Less intensity of any stress
• More able to manage stress
• Able to manage pain
Specialists who provide a variety of forms of Biofeedback
range from Psychologists, Medical Doctors, Dentists,
Chiropractors, Internists, Nurses, Physical Therapists,
Naturopaths, Veterinarians to Energy Medicine Practitioners,
and many others.