Got Stress?

by Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac.

Got Stress? Who doesn’t? Stress is now commonplace among us. It has become a part of our lifestyle, so common we have almost become accustomed to it. Most of us do not even think about it until it is too late and it appears in physical form as pain and disease. Most healthcare practitioners agree that stress is probably the number one factor in exacerbating disease, and in some cases causing disease.

Jobs stress, family stress, relationship stress, school stress and other types of stress (did anyone mention a War on Terror?) all have an impact. Often, long term stress will cause more than tight shoulder muscles. Some of the more common physical symptoms of stress are backache, headache, insomnia, stomach upsets, panic attacks, depression, exhaustion, neck and shoulder pain and irritability. Weight gain, heartburn, and Irritable Bowel syndrome can also be induced by stress. Stress also negatively affects the immune system, leading to increased colds, flu and allergies. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?

Doctors, acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists and others hear about stress from their clients every day. I always ask my new patients “What brings you here today?” or “What would you like me to focus on in this acupuncture treatment?” A common answer is “What can you do about stress?”

There is no magic wand for eliminating physical stress. Removal from a stressful situation can be a solution, but is often not possible. After all, you have to work, you can’t change families and you may not want to quit school, and few of us can escape current world news. Even if you’re stuck with the cause of your stress, there are a at least three things you can incorporate into your life today that will help your body and mind better cope.

First, take a food-based vitamin B complex every morning. Research has shown that most Americans have B vitamin deficiencies due to poor diets, medication, alcohol and smoking. Studies have proven that B vitamins relieve stress, PMS symptoms, hot flashes and fatigue. This simple, low cost treatment can be very helpful, and a good supply of B vitamins is a key to resiliency, helping your body resist new forms of stress.

Second, keep a bottle of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy on hand. This is one of my favorite products and I recommend it for humans as well as pets. Rescue Remedy is a safe combination of Bach Flower Essences (flower extracts) that is especially beneficial for trauma, stress, emergencies, bad news, job interview or exam stress or a weekend with the in-laws! Put a few drops in some water and drink it for a calming effect. It now comes in a handy spray, as well, which can be used to mist yourself, your children and/or your pets for a more harmonious home.

Third, another low-cost moderator of stress is doing some form of exercise every day. Whether it is walking the dog, chasing the cat around the yard, yoga, tai chi, or swimming, studies have repeatedly shown that exercise helps reduce the effects of stress and increase one’s ability to deal with new stress. The best way to move stress out of your body is to actually move your body.

Here’s a solution that everyone loves: Get a massage! The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey recently did a study and found that their students who were massaged before an exam showed benefit to the immune system and a significant decrease in respiratory rates as well as anxiety. Other research studies have shown that massage lowers blood pressure and reduces heart rate. It increases blood circulation and releases endorphins, while it relaxes muscles and improves range of motion.

The Body and Soul Massage and Wellness Center in Salem offers a wide variety of bodywork. Swedish and Hot Stone Massages are a wonderful way to relax and de-stress. Body and Soul also offers sports massage, deep tissue bodywork, pre- and post-pregnancy massage and reflexology. Each massage is personalized to your body’s needs.

The last tip I have to offer is the best, and it’s absolutely free: laugh. Watch fun movies, read good books and take the time to enjoy life. Laughter has been associated with everything from releasing stress to relieving pain to helping cancer patients. Give it a try. It is hard to be stressed when you are having fun.

www.bodysoulsalem.com